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How to Find and Apply for Scholarships
Apply for Scholarships
Worried about the costs of applying to college? Not sure how to get the most out of your financial aid possibilities? Well, have no fear. In this article, we have some great tried-and-true tips on how to find and apply for scholarships.
Join Empowerly's financial aid superhero Rashi as she explains how to maximize the number of scholarships you win. In fact, being proactive about your college finances ahead of time will help you to reduce the cost of college tuition significantly.
Can't watch the video? Don't worry. In summary, here are a few bullet points about what Rashi explains in the video.
Tips on How to Apply for Scholarships
Why do we need scholarships?
College costs include: tuition, room and board, books, supplies, leisure activities, travel and transportation, and more.
When you're searching, be sure to take advantage of the main three types of scholarships:
- Your institution (college or university) itself
- Federal and state governments
- Private organizations like companies and clubs
How can I increase my odds of winning scholarships?
Apply early and often. If you have spare time after you complete your applications, put it to good use! Apply to as many as possible.
Even small scholarships are worth your time -- it's free money! It's a good investment of your time and energy, even for a $500 prize. Think about how several small scholarships can add up, as opposed to a smaller chance of winning a big scholarship.
Think outside of the box. Sure, go for the big well-known ones, but also look for small demographic and community scholarships that don't get as much attention (or as many applicants).
Don't stop applying and searching after freshman year! You can qualify for grants and scholarships throughout college, ensuring you can afford all four years of school.
And finally, a secret post people forget:
Work smarter, not harder. If you've already gathered up all your past accomplishments and essays, go ahead and draw from that work. Of course, tailor it for each individual contest, but you don't need to reinvent the wheel if you've already done that work.
We hope that information helped you on your search for college scholarships! If you follow our advice, these tips will carry you far in your search for resources to fund your journey to higher education. Don't forget, you don't have to do all of this alone. Reach out to Empowerly and ask us how we help students with scholarships to ensure their success in college and beyond.