Going for Full Ride College Scholarships

Hi there! I'm thinking of shooting my shot for a full ride scholarship for college. Anyone have any insight or tips on this? Are they super competitive? How do I make myself stand out?

Here's some insight for you. Full ride scholarships are generally quite competitive as they cover most, if not all, of your tuition and living expenses. But don't let that discourage you; with the right preparation, you can certainly increase your chances of success.

Finding the right scholarship is a key starting point: focus on programs where your unique experiences and skills align with what they're looking for. Each scholarship has its own criteria, and tailoring your approach can help your application stand out.

In terms of making yourself stand out, there are a couple of strategies you can employ:

1. Pursue a 'spike': This means developing a high level of expertise or accomplishment in one area. Colleges are looking for students who show promise of being exceptional in one area, whether that's academics, arts, athletics, or community service. So, if you've already shown high achievement or have a deep interest in a specific area, double down on it.

2. Use your essay to tell a compelling story: Avoid cliche topics and instead, focus on a singular experience that highlights your personality, values or growth. Admissions officers want to hear your unique voice, so make sure your individuality shines through.

3. Tiers of Extracurriculars: Remember that the most impactful extracurriculars are those where you've shown significant achievement or leadership. Look for opportunities to move your activities to a higher tier, whether that's shifting from general club membership (tier 4) to a leadership role (tier 3), or from state-level recognition (tier 2) to national or international accolades (tier 1).

In a nutshell, concentrate on making your application unique to you, demonstrating your 'spike' and phenomenal extracurriculars while weaving your distinct narrative through your essay, and you will stand a great chance of securing that full ride.