I'm really into gaming and was wondering if there are scholarships for students with gaming skills or interests. I've heard about scholarships for eSports players, but I'm not sure where to start looking or applying.
Absolutely, there are indeed scholarships for gaming enthusiasts. One notable scholarship is the Gamers Helping Gamers scholarship, which aids students who show proficiency and interest in the card game, Magic: The Gathering. There's also the Big Y Games scholarship for residents of Massachusetts and Connecticut.
eSports scholarships have also grown drastically in popularity recently. Robert Morris University in Illinois became the first school to offer an eSports scholarship back in 2014, and since then, many other colleges including University of California, Irvine and Maryville University in Missouri have introduced eSports scholarships of their own.
Furthermore, there are platforms like Appily, where you can search for and filter scholarships based on your interests, including gaming and eSports. Check that out if you haven't done so, it could be a great starting point for your search.
Also, keep in mind that you'll not only need to display your gaming prowess but also your academic potential and determination when applying for these scholarships. Admissions and scholarship committees, in general, like to see well-rounded candidates.
Remember, colleges and scholarship boards look favorably upon students who are dedicated, whether that be in academics, sports, or eSports. Make sure to highlight why gaming is important to you personally and what you've learned from it in your applications. Good luck with your applications, and game on!
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