What qualifications are needed for a college scholarship?

I'm trying to figure out the qualifications I need to meet in order to get a scholarship for college. Do they typically focus more on academics, extracurriculars, or a mix of several factors?

College scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors, and each scholarship has its own specific eligibility requirements. Generally speaking, these factors can be grouped into a few categories:

1. Academic Achievement: Many scholarships are given to students with remarkable academic histories. This could mean having a high GPA, scoring well on standardized tests, or showing considerable success in a specific academic field.

2. Extracurricular Involvement: Some scholarships target students who have made significant contributions outside the classroom. This could be through athletics, arts, leadership positions in clubs, or community service. For instance, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program awards 150 scholarships each year to students who have demonstrated leadership in school and community.

3. Financial Need: Some scholarships are designed to assist students who demonstrate significant financial need. These might require you to fill out forms like the FAFSA to establish your family's financial situation.

4. Unique Attributes or Talents: Certain scholarships are catered towards students with unique talents, backgrounds, or characteristics. This could include scholarships for first-generation college students, awards for students going into specific fields of study, or even scholarships tied to personal hobbies or interests.

5. Geographical Location: Some scholarships are dedicated to students from specific regions, states, cities or even high schools.

Remember, the best way to find the right scholarships for you is to conduct a comprehensive search. Look at national scholarships, but also don’t forget to look at local and school-specific scholarships. Online tools like Appily can be useful for this. Just make sure to start searching and applying well before college application deadlines, and keep an eye out for each scholarship's specific requirements and qualifications.