I've heard there are some pretty strange scholarships out there. Does anyone know if they really exist, and how I might find them? Could be useful as I'm trying to explore all scholarship possibilities!
Yes, indeed, strange and unique scholarships do exist! You'd be surprised at what kinds of unusual scholarships are out there, ranging from scholarships for left-handed students to those for enthusiasts of Star Trek. These scholarships can definitely be useful in helping you cover college costs, and it can also be fun to hunt for them!
To find such scholarships, you can start by using online scholarship search platforms. Sometimes known as "niche" scholarships, they can be found with thorough searches in databases such as Fastweb, Scholly, and the newer platform Appily. These have massive collections of scholarships, and with a bit of time and patience, you can sift through the data and get matched to some fairly unique ones.
Don't forget to make use of your high school guidance office as a resource. They may have a list of local or less well-known scholarships that you may be eligible for.
While looking for these unique scholarships, remember that every little bit helps, but also consider the time you are spending on applications. Some of these scholarships are for smaller amounts, and the competition might be surprisingly high. It's usually beneficial to balance your search between these unique scholarships and the more traditional ones based on academic merit, community service, or other more common qualifications. Happy hunting!
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