Private scholarships seem like a great way to help pay for college, but I'm not sure where to start. Does anyone have tips on finding good ones or past experiences they'd like to share?
Finding private scholarships can be a significant part of lowering your college costs, so it's great that you're giving this the attention it deserves. Here are some tips to kickstart your scholarship search:
1. Start locally: Look for scholarships within your local community, such as local businesses, nonprofits, or civic clubs. These could be less competitive since you'll be contending with a smaller pool of applicants. You can also consult with your high school's guidance counselor or your college's financial aid office for information about local scholarships.
2. Use a scholarship search tool: There are online platforms, like Appily, that can help you find scholarships based on your profile. You fill out a profile with your academic achievements, extracurriculars, demographic info, etc. and it matches you with relevant scholarships.
3. Leverage your extracurricular activities: If you're part of a club, organization, or sport, check if they offer scholarships. Active involvement in extracurricular activities can lead to scholarship opportunities since some organizations favor individuals with certain interests, talents, or involvements.
4. Industry-related scholarships: If you've already decided on a specific career path or field of study, look for industry-related scholarships. Professional associations, companies, and unions often offer scholarships to students studying in related fields.
5. Broaden your search criteria: Don’t limit yourself to scholarships based solely on academic merit. There are scholarships awarded for a variety of unique or niche interests, such as writing essays on specific topics, being of a certain height, or being a zombie enthusiast!
Remember, every little bit helps. Small awards can add up, so don’t dismiss scholarships with smaller amounts. Be persistent and keep track of deadlines. It can be a time-consuming process but definitely worth the effort. Good luck!
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