Are there various scholarships out there that help cover the cost of college? I'm trying to make a list of opportunities to apply for as a senior next year. Any advice on where to start would be amazing!
Absolutely, there are many scholarships available that can significantly offset the cost of college tuition. Here's a brief overview:
1. Merit-based scholarships: These forms of financial aid are primarily provided by colleges themselves, depending on your grades, standardized test scores, and extracurricular achievements. Most universities automatically consider you for these when you apply, but some might require additional applications or essays.
2. Need-based scholarships: These are granted on the basis of financial need. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a key step in accessing these scholarships.
3. Major-specific scholarships: Certain departments within a college, professional associations, or corporate entities provide scholarships for students pursuing a specific field of study.
4. Community Service Scholarships: These scholarships are made available to students who have shown considerable commitment to community service.
5. Scholarships for first-generation college students: If you'll be the first in your family to attend college, you may be eligible for certain scholarships.
6. Diversity scholarships: Many scholarships exist to encourage diverse student bodies. This could mean scholarships for ethnic minorities, for women, or for members of certain social or interest groups, among others.
For your search, start by looking at your prospective colleges' websites to check what scholarships they offer and what their application requirements are. From there, you can use scholarship search engines, such as Fastweb or Appily, which allow you to filter and search for scholarships based on your qualifications and interests.
Remember, every little bit counts. Even smaller scholarships can add up, reducing your need to rely on student loans. Good luck!
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