Okay, so I know it sounds a little out there, but I was just wondering. I’ve always been really tall (6’2" as a girl!) and it can be kind of a pain, but I was talking to my mom about college applications coming up and she made a joke about maybe I could get a scholarship for being so tall. And it got me thinking… are there actually scholarships for things like that? Like, for having red hair (which my best friend has), or being left-handed, or having a really unique last name, or being good at yodeling (okay, maybe that’s too specific, haha). But seriously, are there scholarships based on unique physical characteristics or skills that aren’t necessarily academic or athletic achievements? I’m looking at a lot of competitive scholarships based on GPA and standardized test scores, and honestly, my application is pretty good but not amazing. So I’m trying to think outside the box for ways to stand out and maybe get some extra funding. Any advice or resources would be appreciated!
Answer
Yes, there are scholarships available based on unique physical characteristics, although they are less common than scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific fields of study. These scholarships often leverage these features as part of a broader theme, association, or requirement. Here’s a breakdown of some examples and considerations:
Scholarships Based on Height:
- The Tall Clubs International (TCI) Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for tall individuals. To be eligible, applicants must be at least 5’10" for women and 6’2" for men. Applicants must be entering their first year of college and under the age of 30. TCI is an organization for tall people, and the scholarship aims to support their educational endeavors. Information on the scholarship can be found on the Tall Clubs International website.
Scholarships Based on Red Hair:
- There aren’t dedicated scholarships solely based on having red hair that are widely known or frequently offered. However, red hair might be a characteristic that could be highlighted in a creative scholarship or essay contest. It could also be a factor if it relates to a particular heritage or cultural background that aligns with a specific scholarship’s criteria.
Other Unique Features and Scholarships:
- Left-Handedness: While not directly a scholarship, Juniata College in Pennsylvania used to offer a "Left-Handed Scholarship." The scholarship has been discontinued since 1994.
- Unusual Names: There have been instances of companies or organizations offering scholarships or contests related to having a unique or uncommon name, but these are typically promotional and not regularly available.
- Specific Heritage or Ancestry: Scholarships linked to specific ethnic backgrounds might inadvertently consider physical traits associated with that heritage. For example, scholarships for Native American students might consider features that reflect their ancestry.
- Albinism: The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) offers scholarships to students with albinism. Eligibility criteria include having a diagnosis of albinism, and features associated with albinism, such as fair skin, light hair, and vision impairment, are part of the diagnostic criteria.
Important Considerations:
- Rarity: Scholarships based solely on physical characteristics are relatively rare. Most scholarships prioritize academic achievement, financial need, field of study, community involvement, or specific skills.
- Legitimacy: Be wary of scholarship scams that ask for excessive personal information or require payment to apply. Legitimate scholarships are typically offered by established organizations, universities, or foundations.
- Broader Criteria: Even if a scholarship mentions a physical trait, it’s likely to be part of a larger set of criteria. Focus on meeting all eligibility requirements and presenting a strong application that highlights your strengths and accomplishments.
- Essay Themes: Some scholarships might encourage applicants to write about their unique experiences or characteristics. In these cases, you could potentially highlight a physical trait as part of your personal story.
Where to Look for Scholarship Information:
- College and University Websites: Check the financial aid sections of colleges and universities you are interested in attending.
- Scholarship Search Engines: Use reputable online scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Sallie Mae.
- High School Guidance Counselor: Your high school guidance counselor can provide information about local and national scholarship opportunities.
- Community Organizations: Explore scholarships offered by local community organizations, clubs, and religious groups.
- Professional Associations: If you are pursuing a specific field of study, check with professional associations in that field for scholarship opportunities.
In conclusion, while scholarships directly tied to physical characteristics like height or hair color exist, they are uncommon. It’s more fruitful to focus on scholarships that align with your academic achievements, interests, and background, and consider highlighting unique traits as part of a broader application narrative when appropriate.
