Advice on Scholarships for UC Santa Cruz?

Hi all, I'm looking into UC Santa Cruz and wondering if anyone has tips for finding or applying to scholarships there. Are there specific ones I should look out for as an incoming freshman? Thanks for any advice you can share!

Absolutely, here's some guidance that could help. As a first step, UC Santa Cruz offers a range of scholarships that you can apply for. Many of these are managed directly through the financial aid office, so ensure to complete the FAFSA (or the California Dream Act Application, if applicable) so you can be considered for these options.

For example, there's the UC Santa Cruz Chancellor’s Achievement Scholarship, which is a merit-based award given to out-of-state students based on their academic achievements. There's also the Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Award for local community college transfers. Note, these scholarships don't require a separate application - they're automatically considered when you apply for admission.

UC Santa Cruz also offers the Undergraduate Dean’s Award/Scholars Program. This program rewards continuing students in the top 10% of their class who show promise of significant accomplishment in their chosen field.

Beyond UC Santa Cruz, there are a number of databases you should check out, like Appily or Fastweb, where you could find scholarships based on your unique profile and interests. Look for ones with criteria that matches your specific situation (i.e., intended major, background, interests, etc.).

Remember to track deadlines and requirements. Some might require things like letters of recommendation or specific essays, which you'll want to plan out in advance to avoid a last-min rush.

Be sure to apply to a mix of both less competitive and highly competitive scholarships. Remember, even smaller scholarships can add up and greatly contribute to your education costs.

Good luck with your scholarship search! The process can seem daunting, but your effort now can really pay off in the long run.