What's the First Step to Get a Scholarship for College?

I'm starting to look into scholarships for college but feeling overwhelmed. What should be my first step in the process to increase my chances of getting scholarship offers?

The first step in the scholarship hunt is to understand your scholarship "niche" by figuring out your unique traits or circumstances that could qualify you for specific awards. This could be anything from your academic interests, your extracurricular involvements, personal qualities, or even your family's financial situation. Once you know your niches, you'll be able to strategically search for scholarships that are a good fit for you.

With this process, you're not just randomly shooting in the dark and hoping you hit a target; you're effectively narrowing down the scholarship universe to opportunities where you have a higher chance of success.

For example, if you're a top performer in science, you might look for scholarships specifically designed for future STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students. Or if you've been a dedicated volunteer at a local hospital, there may be scholarships for students interested in pursuing medicine or healthcare fields.

Remember, though, that the largest portion of financial aid comes from the colleges themselves, so it also pays to look for colleges that are generous with their financial aid. These are typically the more selective colleges, or colleges where your academic profile places you in the top 25% of admitted students.

Finally, don't discount local area scholarships. These awards often have a smaller applicant pool, which could increase your chance of winning even if they’re not the most lucrative awards imaginable. Local businesses, community organizations, or high school parent associations often sponsor these.

Good luck with your search!