What does 'full ride' mean?

I keep hearing people mention 'full ride scholarships', and I'm not really sure what that means. Do these scholarships cover tuition, housing, meals, and everything else? How do I find these kinds of scholarships, and how competitive are they?

A "full ride" scholarship typically refers to a financial aid package that covers the majority, if not all, of a student's college expenses. This can include tuition, room and board, meal plans, mandatory fees, and sometimes even books or other expenses. The aim of a full ride scholarship is to significantly reduce, or eliminate, the financial burden for the student and their family during their college education.

To find full ride scholarships, you can start by researching scholarships available at the colleges and universities you're applying to. Many schools offer merit-based scholarships that may provide a full ride or a significant portion of it. Some of these full ride scholarships are awarded automatically based on academic performance, while others may require a separate application.

Additionally, look into outside scholarship opportunities, which may not be affiliated with a specific college or university. Organizations, companies, foundations, and even the government may offer full ride scholarships based on various factors, like financial need, merit, leadership, background, or other special circumstances. You can use scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Cappex, or CollegeVine's scholarship search tool to help you find scholarships that match your profile.

Full ride scholarships are generally very competitive, since they provide an extensive financial benefit. This means it's important to plan ahead, work hard on your applications, essays, and in person if required (for example, interviews), and gather excellent recommendation letters. It's also vital to maintain strong grades and extracurriculars throughout high school to stand out as a competitive candidate.

Even though full ride scholarships can be highly competitive, don't be discouraged. Apply to a variety of scholarships, both large and small, to maximize your chances of securing enough financial aid to fund your college education. Remember, multiple smaller scholarships can add up and help lighten your financial burden as well.