Advice for getting scholarships if you're not exactly a brainiac?

I know my grades aren't the best, but I'm determined to find ways to get a college scholarship. Are there scholarships available that aren't based on academic performance, or any tips to help someone like me succeed in this?

Absolutely, there are many scholarships out there that do not strictly consider academic performance. Instead, there are scholarships that focus on different aspects such as leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, or even unique hobbies or traits.

1. Leadership and Community Service Scholarships: Many organizations value community service and leadership potential. If you've been involved in volunteer work, community service, or have held a leadership role in an organization or activity, this could be an opportunity for a scholarship.

2. Extracurricular Activities and Talent-Based Scholarships: Scholarships aren't just for those who excel academically. There are a plethora of scholarships awarded to those who shine outside of the classroom. For instance, if you have a unique talent or skill in art, music, sports, etc., look for scholarships that cater to these skills.

3. Unique or Unusual Scholarships: There are scholarships out there for all kinds of unique circumstances or talents. These can range from being left-handed to being involved in duck calling! Conduct an extensive search on scholarship search engines like Appily or College Board's scholarship listings.

4. Essay Competitions: Scholarship committees understand that grades are not the sole indicator of an individual's potential. There are countless essay-based scholarships where your ability to argue or express a point could earn you a scholarship.

5. Career or Field-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are awarded based on the field of study one wants to pursue. If you have a clear idea about what you'd like to study, it might be worth looking into scholarships offered by professional organizations in that field.

Remember to start your scholarship search early and apply to as many as you qualify for. Also, make sure to tailor your application to each individual scholarship and make your unique qualities and experiences shine. Persistence is key in the scholarship search.