Tips for finding scholarships in Tennessee?

I'm exploring options to attend college in Tennessee. Does anyone have any advice on finding scholarships specific to Tennessee? Are there particular requirements or programs that I should be looking at?

There are quite a few scholarships specifically for Tennessee students that you can take advantage of. When you're exploring scholarships, you should prioritize local ones as well as those specific to the schools you're interested in because they typically have smaller applicant pools than national scholarships, increasing your odds of earning the award.

1. Tennessee HOPE Scholarship: This is a big one. It's a merit-based scholarship that relies on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores. It can provide up to $3500 for freshman and sophomore years and up to $4500 for junior and senior years for students attending 4 year institutions.

2. Tennessee Promise Scholarship: Offers two years of free tuition at community or technical colleges in Tennessee. This scholarship is last-dollar, which means it'll cover the remaining balance of your tuition and mandatory fees after your Pell Grant, HOPE scholarship, and TELS awards have been applied.

3. Ned McWherter Scholars Program: This is another merit-based scholarship for Tennessee students. It requires a minimum 3.5 GPA and a 29 ACT or 1280 SAT score. The scholarship provides $6,000 a year for up to four years.

Each of the colleges and universities in Tennessee also offer their own scholarships, so when you've identified the schools you're interested in, be sure to check out their financial aid websites. Schools such as Vanderbilt, UT Knoxville, and Rhodes College have their own merit and need-based scholarships.

Additionally, consider non-academic scholarships. If you participate in certain activities or belong to certain groups, there could be scholarships available. For example, students interested in the music industry might explore The Nashville Songwriting Scholarship.

Before applying to any scholarship, it's essential that you thoroughly read its requirements to make sure you're eligible. Don't limit yourself and apply broadly. Every bit of financial support you can get will be vital in your college journey.

Lastly, use scholarship search platforms, but be wary of scams. Never pay to apply for a scholarship, and protect your personal information. Don't overlook small or less glamorous scholarships—those can add up and have fewer applicants. Happy hunting!