I’m a high school senior starting to seriously look at college. Everyone keeps saying to apply for scholarships, but it feels overwhelming. What exactly makes someone a good candidate for a scholarship? Are we talking straight-A students only? Does it matter if you’re going to a state school versus a private university? What about if you’re pursuing something less traditional, like art or music? Are there specific scholarships for students from certain backgrounds or with specific interests? And are there scholarships for people like me – I get decent grades (mostly Bs and a few As), I’m involved in a couple of clubs (debate and volunteering at the animal shelter), and I’m planning to major in environmental science. Basically, what are the different criteria scholarship committees use, and realistically, who actually wins them?
Answer
Scholarships are available to a diverse range of individuals, and eligibility is highly dependent on the specific scholarship’s criteria. However, several factors and categories frequently determine eligibility. Here’s a detailed overview:
Academic Merit:
- GPA: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average). This can range from a 2.5 to a 4.0 or higher, depending on the competitiveness of the scholarship.
- Class Rank: Some scholarships consider a student’s class rank, such as being in the top 10% or 25% of their graduating class.
- Standardized Test Scores: While the importance of standardized tests like the SAT and ACT is decreasing, some scholarships still use them as a criterion, often requiring a minimum score.
- Academic Rigor: Scholarship committees may consider the difficulty of a student’s coursework, looking for advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses.
- Major/Field of Study: Many scholarships are specifically for students pursuing a particular academic discipline, such as engineering, nursing, business, or the arts.
Financial Need:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Many need-based scholarships require students to complete the FAFSA to determine their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI).
- Income Verification: Some scholarships may require documentation of family income, such as tax returns or W-2 forms.
- Cost of Attendance: The scholarship amount may be determined based on the cost of attendance at the student’s chosen college or university.
Demographic Factors:
- Race/Ethnicity: Numerous scholarships are specifically designed to support underrepresented minority students, such as African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and Asian American students.
- Gender: Some scholarships are aimed at supporting women in fields where they are underrepresented, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). There are also scholarships for men in specific situations.
- Religion: Certain religious organizations offer scholarships to students who are members of their faith.
- Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity: Scholarships are available to support LGBTQ+ students.
- Disability: Scholarships are offered to students with disabilities, both physical and learning disabilities.
Extracurricular Activities and Leadership:
- Volunteer Work: Many scholarships value community involvement and volunteer experience.
- Leadership Roles: Participation in student government, clubs, sports teams, or other organizations, especially in leadership positions, can be a significant factor.
- Awards and Honors: Recognition for achievements in academics, arts, athletics, or other areas can enhance a student’s scholarship application.
- Unique Talents or Skills: Some scholarships are designed to support students with exceptional talents in areas like music, art, writing, or athletics.
Specific Affiliations or Circumstances:
- Military Affiliation: Scholarships are available to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their dependents.
- Dependents of Employees: Many companies offer scholarships to the children of their employees.
- Organizational Memberships: Certain organizations, such as professional associations or clubs, offer scholarships to their members.
- Geographic Location: Some scholarships are restricted to students who live in a specific state, county, or city, or who attend a college or university in a particular region.
- Specific Colleges/Universities: Many colleges and universities offer their own scholarships, both merit-based and need-based, to incoming and current students.
- Unusual Circumstances: Some scholarships are designed for students who have overcome significant challenges, such as financial hardship, family difficulties, or medical issues.
Essay and Interview Performance:
- Essay Quality: Most scholarship applications require an essay, which is an opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills, personality, and goals. The essay is often a crucial factor in the selection process.
- Interview Skills: Some scholarships involve an interview, either in person or via video conference, where students can further demonstrate their qualifications and answer questions from the scholarship committee.
Citizenship/Residency:
- Most scholarships require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. However, some scholarships are available to international students.
General Eligibility Considerations:
- Enrollment Status: Most scholarships require students to be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university.
- Age: While less common, some scholarships may have age restrictions.
- Level of Study: Some scholarships are specifically for undergraduate students, while others are for graduate students.
Where to Find Scholarship Information:
- High School Counselors: High school counselors are a valuable resource for finding local and national scholarships.
- College Financial Aid Offices: College financial aid offices can provide information about scholarships offered by the institution, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
- Online Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Sallie Mae, Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and College Board offer comprehensive scholarship search engines.
- Professional Organizations: Many professional organizations offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in related fields.
- Community Organizations: Local community organizations, such as Rotary Clubs and Lions Clubs, often offer scholarships to students in their area.
It’s crucial to thoroughly research the eligibility requirements for each scholarship and carefully follow the application instructions.
