Finding Scholarships for An incoming college freshman
By Lynne Fuller, Founder of College Flight Path
Embarking on the journey of higher education often comes with many financial considerations, and one of the most effective ways to ease the burden between what a student's expected costs will be and what they can afford is by securing scholarships for college freshmen. Let us start with some definitions of what kinds of scholarships exist:
Types of Scholarships for college:
Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles.
Need-Based Scholarships: Aimed at students with demonstrated financial need, these scholarships consider family income and other financial circumstances.
Athletic Scholarships: Offered to student-athletes who excel in sports at the collegiate level.
Global Scholarships: Promote inclusivity by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds or those pursuing fields with limited exposure.
Major-Specific Scholarships: Geared towards students pursuing a particular major or career path.
Where to Find Scholarships:
College and University Websites: Begin by searching on the official websites of the colleges or universities your student is interested in. Many institutions offer merit-based scholarships, and information can be found in the financial aid or admissions sections. Most schools automatically consider students for merit-based scholarships when they apply, but others need to opt in and write additional essays. Some schools require a nomination by a school counselor to be considered for specific scholarships - think of the Presidential Scholar at Villanova or the Jefferson or Walentas Scholarships at UVA.
Scholarship Search Engines: Utilize reputable scholarship search engines such as Fastweb, MyScholly, Niche, and BigFuture. These platforms allow students to create profiles, matching them with scholarships that align with their academic and personal achievements.
Community and Professional Organizations: Local community groups, nonprofits, and professional organizations often provide scholarships to support education within specific regions or fields of study. In Pennsylvania, there is a scholarship provided through the local PACAC organization. The Herb It Forward Foundation offers scholarships to students who are looking for mentorship in addition to financial aid support across the Delaware Valley. It is always best to check with local chapters or organizations related to career goals, activities, and volunteer events.
Government Programs: Investigate government-sponsored scholarship programs, both at the federal and state levels. These may include grants, fellowships, and scholarships based on financial need or academic excellence. Some students may even qualify for a Pell Grant as well. Of course, fill out the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Corporate and Industry-Specific Scholarships: Many businesses and industries invest in education through scholarship programs. Explore opportunities from companies related to your student’s field of interest or major, and take a look at corporate matching programs that may be offered through your student’s job or that of an adult in their life.
Tips For Students Applying for Scholarships:
Start Early: Begin the scholarship search early to ensure enough time to gather the necessary documents and meet deadlines. Once the bulk of the applications have been submitted, start phase two of the funding search and research scholarships that you may qualify for. Many of the previously written essays may answer the questions being asked.
Read Eligibility Criteria Thoroughly: Ensure all requirements are met for each scholarship before applying.
Personalize Your Applications: Tailor all application materials to each scholarship. Highlight experiences, achievements, and goals relevant to the specific scholarship.
Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or employers who can speak to your qualifications and character. Since you have already asked for a letter of recommendation from the school counselor and teachers, this is a terrific opportunity to have them used again.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Use the personal statement to showcase your uniqueness, passion, and how the scholarship aligns with your goals. Most likely, you can use the existing personal statement or an essay about your intended major and career goals.
Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and submission instructions to avoid last-minute stress. Take notes on deadlines and then plan to tackle a few each week.
scholarship Best Practices:
Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Diversify applications to increase your chances of success. Do not put all eggs in one basket.
Proofread the Application: Attention to detail matters. Typos and errors can detract from the overall quality of your application.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to the guidelines provided by each scholarship. Failure to follow instructions can lead to disqualification.
Seek Guidance: Do not hesitate to reach out to a college counselor, teachers, or mentors for advice and feedback on all application materials.
Remember, the journey to securing scholarships requires diligence and dedication. By strategically exploring opportunities, understanding the types of scholarships available, and applying with care and authenticity, students can unlock valuable financial support for their academic endeavors. Click here for our comprehensive resource that includes loads of college scholarship websites, search the Airtable below for more options that are updated each season, or engage in our Self-guided Senior Flight Log Application course. To learn more about scholarships that may be available for your student, email hello@collegeflightpath.com or fill out our contact form to schedule a free 15-minute call.
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