How do colleges give out scholarships?

Hey guys, so I'm starting to look into colleges and I'm wondering how scholarships work. Do colleges offer scholarships based on merit, need, or both? Are there any specific steps I need to take to make sure I'm considered for college scholarships? Any help would be much appreciated!

Hi there! Colleges typically offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Here's a breakdown of how these scholarships work:

1. Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded to students based on their academic achievements, talents, or extracurricular involvement. They can be available to all students or specific to certain programs or majors. To be considered for merit-based scholarships, it's important to maintain a strong academic record and participate in meaningful extracurricular activities.

2. Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are distributed to students who demonstrate financial need. To be considered, you'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which helps colleges determine your financial need. The FAFSA opens on October 1st each year, and the earlier you complete it, the better, as some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Combined merit and need-based scholarships: Some scholarships consider both financial need and merit. These awards might have minimum eligibility requirements, like a certain GPA, along with a demonstrated financial need through the FAFSA.

To ensure you're considered for college scholarships, follow these steps:

1. Complete the FAFSA early to be considered for need-based scholarships.

2. Research scholarships specific to the colleges you're applying to, as each institution may have its own application process or forms.

3. Keep an eye out for supplementary materials that may be required, such as essays or letters of recommendation.

4. Stay on top of deadlines, as scholarship applications may be due at different times than regular admissions deadlines.

5. Maintain a strong academic and extracurricular profile to be competitive for merit-based and combined scholarships.

Lastly, don't forget to explore external scholarships from organizations, foundations, or companies that are not tied to a specific college. These can provide additional financial assistance and help cover any gaps in funding. Good luck with your scholarship search!