All About College Scholarships

There are many alternatives to pay for your college education rather than taking out a student loan.

The best way to do this is to utilize your talents and abilities and to apply for a college scholarship.

Just like college grants, scholarships are free money that can cover a large portion of your student expenses. Their purpose is to help you further your education, and they are based on a wide range of criteria.

To help you learn more about scholarships, here are some basics:

What types of scholarships exist?

There are a wide range of scholarships available to students to help them pay for college, so it should not be difficult to find one that's right for you.

The types that exist are:

• Academic - Based on a student's grades and their performance in school


• Athletic - Given to talented athletes who perform well in their sports


• Financial Need - Given to distinguished students who exhibit financial need


• Religious Affiliation - Given to outstanding students who are dedicated to their religion and its practices


• Ethnicity/Minority Status - Given to students who positively represent their specified race


• Institution-Based - Given to students from the particular university or college they plan on attending


• Community-Based - Given to students from the particular community that they grew up in


• General - These cover a wide range of sponsors who are not listed above

Who offers these scholarships?

Both federal and state organizations offer scholarships.

A few are:

• Employers/companies


• Community foundations


• Labor unions


• Churches


• Individuals


• High schools


• Colleges


• Religious groups


• Volunteer organizations

What do I need to get a scholarship?

In order to fully apply for a scholarship you will most likely need:

• Your high school transcripts


• Standardized test scores like the SATs


• Financial aid forms (FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE)


• Your parents' financial information (like their taxes)


• An essay (topics will vary)


• At least two letters of recommendation (from reliable sources)


• Proof of your eligibility

Where can I get a scholarship?

There are many places where you can find the perfect scholarship if you:

• Research them online


• Contact your college financial aid office


• Ask your guidance counselor


• Get advice from former scholarship winners

It's true that most students are not fortunate enough to get a 'full ride' college scholarship, but don't despair because there are plenty of scholarships available.

All you need to do is to take the time to find them and to answer their questions. You'll find that some are easy to apply for, while others ask you to submit an essay describing yourself and detailing the reasons why you deserve the scholarship.

This is not the time to be shy. Just be yourself and open up in these essays. The scholarship committees are looking for interesting individuals with unique stories to tell.

Trish Smith is a copywriter for Green Student U, Student Finance Domain and Study Abroad Domain, websites that are devoted to providing college students with helpful environmental, financial and study abroad advice.

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