A college scholarship can take some pressure off your budget. The hard part is often figuring out where to look and which applications are worth your time. Start with your school counselor, the financial aid offices at the colleges on your list, and organizations close to home. Then focus on scholarships whose requirements match your experience, interests, or plans.
7 ways to find and apply for college scholarships
1. Start early and look close to home
Give yourself time to find awards, gather materials, and ask for recommendations. Check with your school counselor and each college's financial aid office. Employers, professional associations, and community organizations may also offer scholarships. In the Mid-South, explore the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis scholarship directory and check each award's eligibility and deadlines.
2. Apply for scholarships that fit
Before you spend an evening on an application, read the eligibility requirements and the essay prompt. Some awards focus on where you live, what you plan to study, or how you serve your community. If you qualify, take a few minutes to learn why the sponsor created the award. That can help you decide which part of your story to share.
3. Show what you do beyond the classroom
Your experience might include an after-school job, caring for a family member, volunteering, or teaching yourself a skill. Describe what you did and who counted on you. If you helped train three new coworkers, say so. A specific example gives a reader a clearer picture of how you take responsibility.
4. Write an essay that sounds like you
Start with one moment that helps answer the prompt. What happened? What did you do? What did you learn? Connect that experience to what you want to do next. You can reuse a strong story in another application, but revise it to answer that scholarship's question.
5. Check the details before you submit
Keep a simple tracker with the award name, deadline, required documents, and submission status. Before you send an application, check the word count, confirm you've attached the right files, and ask someone you trust to read it. Save a copy of the application and any confirmation you receive.
6. Give your recommenders time
Ask a teacher, coach, supervisor, or mentor who knows you well. Share the scholarship description, the deadline, and instructions for submitting the letter. A short reminder of a project you worked on together can help them write a more personal recommendation.
7. Keep applying, including for smaller awards
Set aside a little time each week to look for new opportunities and work on applications. A smaller award can help with expenses like books or supplies if the award terms allow it. If you're already in college, ask your financial aid office about scholarships for continuing students.
Do you need to fill out the FAFSA to get scholarships?
It depends on the award. Some colleges and states use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for their aid, including some scholarships. Other scholarship sponsors have separate applications. Check the award requirements and the school's financial aid deadlines. You can complete the FAFSA for free through Federal Student Aid.
How do scholarships lower the cost of college?
When you compare schools, look at the net price. That's the total cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. Include expenses like housing, meals, books, and transportation when you compare costs. If you receive an outside scholarship, tell your college's financial aid office and ask how it will affect your aid package. See Federal Student Aid's guide to comparing financial aid offers.
Should you pay to apply for a scholarship?
No. The Federal Trade Commission advises students never to pay to apply for a scholarship. Be wary of guaranteed awards, fees to collect an award, or requests for your bank account or card details to hold a scholarship. See the FTC's guide to scholarship and financial aid scams.
A note for parents
If your student feels overwhelmed, sit down together and pick one application to start. You can help them track deadlines, brainstorm essay ideas, or proofread while keeping the story in their own words. A short list of awards they're excited to apply for is a good place to begin.
