Launching Your Online Scholarship Search

Launching an online scholarship search is a time intensive process. Numerous valuable website resources are available for locating potential scholarships but you must invest the time required for each application. Some scholarship applications require a well written essay while others only require a list of credentials and accomplishments. Be prepared to fill out an application for every scholarship you are qualified to receive. Many of the scholarships provide small sums of money but they are worth the time investment as that money will assist you with books, housing expenses and other accumulative costs throughout the school year.

List Your Qualifications

Scholarships are divided between general pools and special qualifications. The general scholarship pools are highly competitive and receive large numbers of applicants. You should still apply for the general scholarships but also apply for the specialty scholarships to increase your chances of success. Make a list of your qualifications to narrow the search. List your athletic abilities, academic record, disabilities, ethnicity, volunteer work, affiliations with non-profit groups, family or personal income level and field of study for the college of your choice. Use the listed options to apply for scholarships that receive a narrowed field of applicants. You may find scholarships through hobbies like bowling or through established programs like the ROTC. The possibilities are numerous and a scholarship exists for almost every imaginable activity.

Types of Scholarships

Each individual scholarship comes with a set of terms. Many scholarships are distributed as a lump sum for a single academic year. Some scholarships are recurring with GPA performance requirements to maintain the award. The recurring scholarships typically provide the highest overall distribution of funds and are a priority for applicants with serious financial needs. Apply for both lump sum and recurring scholarship options to diversify your interests and increase your earning potential. Always focus on earning high academic marks to maintain your current scholarships and to become eligible for more scholarships. Those who excel in the classroom have the highest earning potential.

  • Types of Scholarships – From the University of Michigan’s Office of Financial Aid, examples of the wide variety of scholarships that are available at most colleges and universities.

Scholarship Scams

Always check the scholarship source to ensure it is not a scam. Never pay for a potential scholarship or scholarship application. If a scholarship application requests money, it may be a scam. Use established academic and scholarship specific websites during your search to avoid scammers. Also complete a simple Internet search to check the source of the scholarship. Most scholarships are handled by a company, non-profit or some type of established organization. Scholarships funded by individuals are typically managed by a foundation or the college or university offering them. Researching the source confirms the legitimacy of most scholarships.

Word of Mouth Search

In addition to your Internet search, ask around to locate other scholarships. Local businesses and community organizations offer scholarships without posting the applications on the Internet. Ask your parents and friends to check with their employers for potential scholarships. Start your search by calling some of the more prominent businesses in your community. As an example, Nevada students should check with the casinos for scholarship programs and Silicon Valley students should check with technology based companies. Here are some examples of local scholarships that can be found in this manner:

Federal Grants

Scholarships are an important source of assistance for students but you also must fill out the FAFSA. The application requires your family tax records and it uses the income level to determine your aid eligibility. You may be eligible for federal grant money that does not require repayment. You also may be eligible for low-interest loans. You are not required to accept all of the aid but having the option available is critical for low-income students. The FAFSA ensures you have additional funding if the scholarship applications do not cover your expenses.

  • Student Aid Gateway – The U.S. Department Of Education’s entry point to federal aid options.
  • Guide to Federal Aid – A print document in PDF from from the U.S. Department of Education
  • College.gov – An additional federal offering for students beginning the process of higher education.

School Specific Scholarships

Colleges provide a diverse range of scholarship opportunities within their own system. After you apply and are admitted to a specific college, enter the general scholarship pool. Most colleges provide a general scholarship application through the financial aid office. Also check with your department for additional scholarship opportunities. Each department will offer scholarships for students in each academic year. The department scholarships are typically performance based and the applications are reviewed by the professors and department leaders. Examples of school-specifc scholarships include:

Tracking Applications

You will file numerous scholarship applications throughout your college career. Maximize efficiency by tracking each application in a notebook. Make a list of applications you intend to file and place a check mark next to each after you complete the filing. Also list the date after you submit the application. Tracking each application prevents duplication of effort, and avoids missed opportunities. It also helps you track progress with a record for each application. Set weekly goals to increase motivation and push through the long list of applications. Applying for numerous scholarships is difficult and many students falter and do not complete the process. The result is a large number of scholarship pools with low numbers of applicants. Those who are dedicated to the workload are often rewarded with more funds.