I've been a cheerleader for most of my high school years, and I'm really passionate about continuing it in college. I've heard there are scholarships available for cheerleaders, but I'm not exactly sure where to start looking or applying. Does anyone have any recommendations for specific scholarships or schools that support cheerleading financially? Are there particular things I should highlight in my applications to stand out and increase my chances of getting a scholarship?
Cheerleading scholarships are indeed available, and they can come in a few different forms. They can either be merit-based, which means they are awarded based on your skills and performance, or they could be offered by schools to attract talented cheerleaders to their program.
For school-based scholarships, start by researching the colleges you're interested in to see if they offer cheerleading scholarships. A lot of universities with competitive cheerleading squads will offer scholarships to athletes. You can begin your search at the athletic department's page on the university website or contact the cheer coach directly to inquire about scholarship opportunities.
Aside from university-specific scholarships, organizations such as the Universal Cheerleaders Association offer scholarships to high school students. Another option could be the National Cheerleaders Association - they offer both need-based scholarships and performance-based awards.
Regarding what to highlight in your applications, demonstrate your dedication and skill in cheerleading by talking about your experience. Mention any competitions you've won, positions of leadership you've held, and any unique techniques you've mastered. Also, remember to highlight your teamwork experiences since cheerleading is a group activity, and collaboration plays a key role in the squad's success.
Lastly, don't forget to consider your academic achievements. Some cheerleading scholarships may have a GPA requirement or give strong preference to student-athletes who excel academically as well as athletically. So if you have strong grades and test scores, it’s worthwhile to mention them alongside your cheerleading accomplishments.
Remember that every scholarship is different! Always check the specific requirements and qualifications for each one before you apply. Best of luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.