Welcome to Part 2 of our course on securing scholarships for college! In this segment, we’ll explore the most effective strategies for searching and finding scholarships that align with your qualifications and goals. Knowing where and how to look can significantly increase your chances of finding the right scholarships for you.
Key Strategies for Effective Scholarship Search
1. Utilize Online Scholarship Databases
- Search Engines and Websites
- Use reputable scholarship search engines and websites such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and the College Board Scholarship Search. These platforms allow you to create a profile and receive personalized scholarship matches. See the suggested list at the end of the article.
- Regularly update your profile and preferences to get the most relevant opportunities.
- Be wary of suspect websites. Reputable scholarship sources will not charge you a fee.
2. Explore Local Scholarships
- Community Organizations
- Check with local community organizations, clubs, and businesses for scholarship opportunities. These can include rotary clubs, chambers of commerce, local banks, and credit unions.
- Visit your school counselor’s office to ask about local scholarships. High schools often have information on scholarships specific to students in your area.
3. Investigate Institutional Scholarships
- Colleges and Universities
- Research scholarships offered by the colleges and universities you are interested in attending. Many institutions offer merit-based, need-based, and departmental scholarships.
- Contact the financial aid offices of these institutions for detailed information and application procedures.
4. Look for Niche Scholarships
- Specialized Scholarships
- Identify scholarships that match your unique characteristics, such as your field of study, hobbies, talents, or demographic background (e.g., scholarships for first-generation students, minorities, women in STEM, etc.).
- Use specialized databases and networks, such as the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), to find niche scholarships.
5. Leverage Social Media and Online Communities
- Online Networks
- Follow scholarship organizations, education influencers, and financial aid offices on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. They often post about new scholarships and deadlines.
- Join online communities and forums dedicated to scholarship searching. These can provide tips, support, and updates on new opportunities.
6. Use internet search engines to locate organizations that are like the major or extracurricular activities you will pursue in college.
- For example, if you are pursuing becoming a member of the equestrian team at college, search for equestrian organizations and inquire about them offering scholarships. They may be smaller amounts, but these add up and few people are pursuing scholarships this way
Tips for Organizing Your Scholarship Search
1. Use Onward360
- Tracking Applications
- Utilize the Onward360 Financial Aid Tracking Form to organize and track your scholarship applications. Onward360 helps you keep an detailed record of scholarship names, deadlines, requirements, status, and notes.
- Regularly update the Financial Aid Tracking Form to keep track of your progress and upcoming deadlines.
2. Set Reminders
- Deadline Alerts
- Set reminders on your phone or calendar for scholarship deadlines. This ensures you stay on top of application due dates and avoid missing out on opportunities.
3. Prioritize Scholarships
- Time Management
- Prioritize scholarships based on their deadlines and the amount of effort required for the application. Focus on high-priority scholarships first to manage your time effectively.
Conclusion
By utilizing these effective scholarship search strategies, you can maximize your chances of finding scholarships that are a good fit for you. Remember to stay organized and proactive in your search. In the next segment, we will cover how to craft compelling scholarship applications.
Stay tuned for Part 3: Crafting Compelling Scholarship Applications.