Scholarships are becoming more important than ever. Financial aid can be the best way to afford a college education. There are many ways to get free money for college. From scholarships that pay for your entire education, to smaller awards. Want to learn how to apply for scholarships in college while still in high school? This guide will help you.
It’s easy to apply for college scholarships while you are still in high school. What you need to know about college scholarships
When should you apply for scholarships?
When You Can, Do!
The best way to pay college costs is by using scholarships, whether federal or private. There are many opportunities for students of all types, as they don’t require repayment. Every year, the US Department of Education awards scholarships and grants worth over 46 billion US dollars. You can also add aid from colleges and universities to private sources.
Not all scholarships are only available to college students or seniors in high school. Some scholarships are available to high school students, while others are only for college students. You shouldn’t give up on looking for awards just because you graduated from high school.
In the next section, we’ll go into more detail, but scholarship deadlines are all year long. You don’t have to apply for them in a specific month or during a particular semester.
The short answer to this question is that you should apply for scholarships as soon as you can.
Before the Deadline
It may seem obvious, but you must pay close attention to the deadlines for each scholarship. These aren’t like the regular college applications that are usually due on January 1. Due dates can be scattered throughout the year.
You should take note of the deadlines as you begin your scholarship search. You can choose to use a calendar or scholarship database as a reminder.
As Soon as You Can
You shouldn’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Don’t let technical problems or internet issues prevent you from submitting your application.
We recommend that you get a head start. Start with the scholarships due soonest or those that require more work.
Need-based Scholarships after January 1
You should submit your applications for need-based awards after the 1st of January. To qualify for these awards, you will need to have already completed the Free Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA), for the following school year.
You’ll need to provide the income from your most recent taxation year. This always ends on the 31st of December. You can then apply for the following year after you’ve received your tax return.
During senior Year in High School
Most scholarships are aimed at high school students. We’ve already said this, but it is true. If you only want to apply for a scholarship for one year, we do not recommend it. There are many scholarships available for college students! This is the best year to apply. You may not be able to apply for some awards if you have already graduated.
You don’t even have to wait for your senior year. You can also get awards as a freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school. If you are a winner, you will likely have to wait until college before you can see your money.
Why is it so difficult to get a scholarship?
You can find many scholarships for students who are about to enter college. But you need to know where to search. Bold.org has a variety of scholarships for students from all levels of education and backgrounds. Even though there are so many scholarships available, it is sometimes difficult to identify the ones that you qualify for.
Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships that have several requirements. Students will have fewer applicants if there are more requirements. This will increase your chances of receiving free money.
The scholarship categories page is a good place to begin your search on Bold.org. You can search for scholarships that are specifically tailored to your needs. You can find categories based on state, ethnicity, and education level. There are also categories based on background, identity, hobbies, and more. You can search for merit scholarships, need-based scholarships, and private scholarships in these categories and on the Scholarship Search page.
You may need to spend some time searching for the best scholarships for you. However, if you make use of your resources, both online and with your school counselors or financial aid office, you can apply for many more scholarships than you thought.
Types Of Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid come in many forms. Some scholarships are easier to obtain than others. You won’t qualify for many scholarships because you don’t meet their criteria. Don’t be discouraged by the process of applying for scholarships. You’ll qualify for many of the scholarships available. You can reduce your college costs with a little work.
Federal Grants
The federal government offers education grants. These are federal student aid. Students who meet certain eligibility criteria are eligible for this financial aid. These grants can be awarded based on academic merit, financial necessity, or a combination. The grants do not have to be repaid, so it is free money.
The FSEOG and National SMART Grant are some of the most popular federal scholarships. Pell Grants and FSEOG are financial aids for low-income students. The National SMART Grant has a merit-based system. The National SMART Grant provides financial aid to students who are pursuing STEM majors.
Don’t overlook student loans if you are struggling to find money for college. Qualified applicants can apply for several low-interest federal loans. They are not scholarships, because you will have to pay them back. However, they offer better terms than what private lenders offer. Find out more about Federal Student Aid at the financial aid office of your school.
State Grants
Residents who attend college or university in their state can apply for a grant. These grants are also based on need, and families with fewer resources are more likely to qualify. The upper-income limit is high for these, so you should check to see if they are available.
State criteria for grant awards can vary widely. They may offer financial aid and scholarships based on a variety of factors. Some state grants do not require competition and are easier to obtain.
What is the easiest way to receive a scholarship?
As with schooling in general, the harder you work, the better you will do. Some scholarship applications are easy to fill out and may only require a few clicks. However, they’re not always the easiest to win.
More people will apply for scholarships with a broader eligibility requirement, particularly if they are easy and don’t require an essay. The scholarships that are easier to obtain may have fewer applicants, but they will still be the most competitive.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
You can find scholarships in different formats and with different requirements. Always read the description of the scholarship and contact the organizer for clarification if necessary.
Scholarships may be available only in your school, community, or state. Students should apply for a range of scholarships to ensure they have access to a broad range of financial aid options.
Speak to the financial aid office at your school or an advisor that can guide you in finding the best options for you.
