Scholarships for chess players heading to college

I've been part of my school's chess team for years and am wondering if there are scholarships specifically for chess players. How common are these, and where should I start looking?

There are actually quite a few scholarships available specifically for chess players. Such scholarships aren't extremely common, but they do exist. Universities with strong chess programs often offer chess scholarships because they understand the wide array of skills that chess develops.

For instance, the University of Texas at Dallas and Webster University in Missouri are well known for their nationally competitive chess teams, and they provide generous scholarships for chess players. UT Dallas offers Chess Scholarships that cover up to full tuition and fees, and Webster has a "Chess Program Scholarship" that can even cover room, board, and books in addition to tuition.

The U.S. Chess Trust also awards the annual Scholar-Chessplayer Awards to high school juniors and seniors who have shown outstanding achievements in both chess and academics.

A suggestion would be to look for smaller local scholarships as well. Certain organizations or fundraisers in your area might host chess tournaments with college scholarship prizes.

Look at your potential college's website or reach out to the admissions office directly. It's also a good idea to visit the website of national and local chess organizations for opportunities. But keep in mind that chess scholarships are quite competitive. The more prestigious the tournament or the higher the scholarship award, the more competitive it's likely to be.

Remember that despite the limited number of available chess scholarships, your chess experience can still be a part of your overall college application narrative, showcasing dedication, strategic thinking, and a competitive spirit. Good luck!