Scholarships for college seniors with bad GPA?

My older sibling is a college senior but they haven't had the best grades. Are there any scholarship options available for students who might not have a high GPA by their last year?

Yes, there are scholarship opportunities for students who may not have high GPAs. While it's true many scholarships do have a GPA requirement, some are based on other criteria such as community service, leadership, special skills, or essay writing.

For example, some organizations offer scholarships for students who have shown extraordinary commitment to community service or have impressive leadership experiences, without placing much emphasis on their academic performance. Others provide scholarships for students with unique talents in arts, music, or athletics.

There are also essay-based scholarships where the primary requirement is to write an essay on a specific topic. These scholarships review applications based on the thoughtfulness and quality of the essays, not GPA. One example of such a scholarship could be the Ayn Rand Institute's essay contest that happens annually with a monetary reward for the best essays.

Please remind your sibling to carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and focus on the ones that don't emphasize academic performance. Also, don't forget about local scholarships. Local organizations and businesses often offer scholarships to neighborhood students, and these can be a great resource. Furthermore, your sibling's college may have internal scholarships for upperclassmen as well, so it may be worthwhile to consult with the financial aid office or an academic advisor.

As they approach their senior year, your sibling can still absolutely pursue scholarship opportunities with a lower GPA, the key will be in finding the right fits and making a strong case in the application process. Remember that scholarships are not the only form of financial aid available, and your sibling could also consider work-study options and grants as ways to finance their education.