As I prepare for college in the USA, I'm searching for top scholarships. What are the best scholarships nationally or for specific fields of study that I should prioritize?
There's quite a range of scholarships out there, so knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Let's break things down a bit.
First, for national scholarships, some of the top ones include the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Scholarships, the Regeneron Science Talent Search, and the Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology. These scholarships are quite competitive, and typically require a demonstration of academic excellence, leadership, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
If you're interested in specific fields of study, the scholarships vary. For STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), notable ones are the Davidson Fellowship, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), and the Google Science Fair. For English/Literature, there's the Ayn Rand Essay Contests and the National Council of Teachers of English Awards. For areas like Social Sciences, there are scholarships like the Beinecke Scholarship Program and the Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship.
Students focusing on Art may also want to consider the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, which cover a wide range of artistic disciplines. Remember, these are just a few examples and there are numerous other opportunities available according to your specific field of interest.
Remember, many scholarships are not only based on academic achievement but also extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and contributions to your community. Therefore, it's important to present a well-rounded application.
You should certainly start your scholarship search on trusted websites like Scholarship.com or Fastweb, and Appily which all provide a wide range of scholarship options. Remember to apply early and apply often - scholarships are a numbers game, after all!
Remember that some universities also offer their scholarships, and you can unlock these through the college application process, usually through filing your FAFSA which many colleges use in their scholarship and financial aid decisions.
And remember that scholarships are just part of the picture, and grants and work-study programs can also help cover your expenses.
Happy hunting - I hope you find a scholarship that's a great fit for you!
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