Our colleague and college specialist Donna Cournoyer contributed the following update for college planning
Searching for private college scholarships is not always viewed as an effort with a lot of pay off – no pun intended!
Considering high college costs, complicated preparation and application processes, and jam-packed schedules, many students and parents don’t feel like private scholarship dollars are worth the extra effort and time.
I strongly believe, however, that most college applicants should dedicate some time researching and applying for private scholarships before college, and continue to do so during their college years as well.
There are many private scholarships available, and if you use a targeted approach, it can pay off.
The Search
What types of scholarships are available?
Private scholarships are awarded by many different types of businesses, organizations, schools, and other entities based on a variety of criteria.
These criteria may include academic achievements, artist talent, athletic talent, leadership roles, career aspirations, a written essay, and many more.
When you begin to consider searching and compiling a list of private scholarships you will apply for, think about your personal strengths and interests and abilities and how those have shown through in high school, and focus on these along with your intended area of study if you have chosen a path and a major.
This will help you sort through the many scholarships available, and help you with a targeted approach.
When to Apply
Start doing research in your junior year in high school and make a list with application dates and deadlines to be ready for your senior year.
Senior year– Applications open during a wide time range- anywhere from November to submission deadline of sometime through about April for the following Fall college start.
Once you start your college freshman year, many colleges have internal, non-financial need scholarships available to apply for in your second to fourth year. Some can be major specific, or GPA based, etc.
Be sure to find the office who awards them. Start by asking your financial aid office (if it is not them, they will know where to direct you to). You can also search for private scholarships as well. Do this during your winter break.
Where to Apply
First, check your high school guidance office and your school website– they are likely to have information on many local scholarships.
Use recommended sites for your search, from trusted college advisors, high school guidance staff, etc.
Use ONLY free scholarship search sites. If a fee is requested, move on. Qualified sites do not charge a fee.
Check the websites of the colleges and universities you are applying to– they will likely have scholarships you can apply for as well that are outside of merit scholarships.
BEST SOURCE: Local Scholarships from local businesses and organizations- Inquire at local groups, organizations- social, religious, etc., that you belong to or may know you and your family. There is less competition than online national databases.
• Download my list of qualified search sites here to begin: Private Scholarships
Why It’s Worth It
A few $200-$500 scholarships may seem inconsequential when peering up at the high costs of college.
However, there are plenty of opportunities to receive scholarships with higher dollar amounts attached, and they can add up.
If the time researching and applying is targeted and well spent, it may be fruitful in turning up additional significant resources for college, which is beneficial regardless of your financial situation.
Every dollar you receive in scholarships means a lower out-of-pocket cost for college, and therefore a greater opportunity to save and invest or increase spending capacity for other necessary items.
Other Tips for High School Students
- When essays are required, write your own. Do not have a parent or adult write them and do not use AI. It will be noticed and could get you disqualified!
- Write your personal story from the heart. Write about your personal struggles and triumphs, growth and dreams. Let the committees get to know YOU.
- You can build these essays from your college admission essay. Use the work you have already done (hopefully) and create your scholarship essays from the considerable thought you have already given to your admission essay, and tailor for each scholarship application.
- Think of applying for scholarships as a part-time job. Once you receive some awards, think about how many hours you have spent working on applications, and do the math: it is likely a decent return.
This work itself will help prepare you for college, because it helps build skills with regard to time allocation, organization, research, self-reflection, and more.
All the work and preparation done in high school is a resource to help you shine on your scholarship applications.
Good Luck!
-DC