What qualifications do colleges seek in scholarship recipients?

I'm starting to look into scholarships and I'm wondering what qualifications or characteristics colleges prioritize when selecting scholarship recipients. Is it mostly academics, leadership, or something else? Any tips or experiences would be great!

In scholarship selection, colleges typically look for a combination of strong academics, powerful extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated financial need, depending on the type of scholarship. But it does go beyond these aspects, so let's break them down a bit:

Academic performance: This is often a major factor, especially for merit-based scholarships. Strong GPAs and competitive standardized test scores (for colleges, not test-blind) are often taken into consideration. Remember, demonstrating the rigor of your course load can also be a significant factor.

Extracurricular involvement: Colleges consider involvement and leadership roles in extracurricular activities of interest. They look for students with proficiency in their chosen area (music, art, sports, community service, etc.), with a preference for those who've displayed leadership or excelled at a high level, aligning with the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars principle.

Financial need: Many scholarships are need-based and require applicants to demonstrate financial need. Completing the FAFSA and receiving a lower Student Aid Index (SAI) can increase your chances of being awarded these types of scholarships.

Unique skills or traits: Some scholarships seek students with specific qualities, backgrounds, or skills. This could include being a first-generation college student, pursuing a specific field of study, or coming from a particular geographic area, among other things.

Finally, essays: Many scholarships require essays, and a well-written, authentic essay can significantly boost your chances of earning a scholarship. Stand out by choosing unique topics or perspectives and avoid clichés.

Every scholarship and college might have different priorities, so it's important to research each one and understand what they value. You may also want to consider applying for external scholarships, where qualifications can vary widely. Last but not least, the best scholarship applications are those that present a full picture of you as an individual, so make sure your application reflects not just your academic achievements, but also your interests, experiences, and personal characteristics.