What are unclaimed scholarships and how can I find them?

Hi! I've been hearing a lot about 'unclaimed scholarships' that supposedly go unused each year because not enough people apply for them. I'm curious if these are a real thing and how one might go about finding these scholarships. Are there specific websites or databases that list these scholarships, or do you need to talk to someone at your school for more information? Any tips or advice on securing these scholarships would be awesome!

You've heard right! Unclaimed scholarships are funds that are set aside for students but go unused, often because students are unaware they exist or don't apply for them. These can range from small, local scholarships offered by community organizations to larger scholarships offered by corporations or foundations. Some of these scholarships can be pretty niche and tailored toward certain demographics, interests, or career paths, which is why they may not get as many applicants.

There are no databases or websites that exclusively list these types of scholarships (i.e., scholarships that previous students have not applied for). However, comprehensive scholarship databases do exist that can guide you to less competitive scholarships, simply by letting you search for awards according to various filters (e.g., your academic interests, extracurricular activities, state of residence, identity factors, etc).

Appily, for instance, offers a comprehensive database of scholarships where you can filter results based on your specific criteria (though not based on the rate of applications per scholarship in previous years).

Another strategy is to explore local scholarships in your town, city, or state. Some high school guidance offices keep records of these, or you can look for them online by searching for "[Your town/city/state] scholarships." Local scholarships can often be less competitive because they're limited to students in a specific geographic area.

The process of securing these scholarships is just like with any other scholarship: submitting an application, which may include written essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other materials. Pay close attention to the eligibility criteria and application instructions to make sure your application is complete and on time.

Remember, you can increase your chances of winning scholarships by submitting thoughtful, well-crafted applications. Tailor your essays to each scholarship, highlight relevant aspects of your experiences and future goals that align well with the intent of the scholarship, and ensure that you have strong letters of recommendation where required. Even the less competitive scholarships appreciate seeing a well-rounded application. Good luck!