Set yourself
apart in every
scholarship
application
As you begin your search for scholarships, it is crucial to understand how powerful your story is. While we have seen an increase in “lottery” based scholarships that require no written essay or video submission, it is not advised to limit yourself to those awards. In fact, it can be incredibly beneficial to apply for scholarships that require personal submissions, as these types of awards can offer you networking opportunities, job offers, and a chance to tell your story.
Organizations, companies, and other entities that offer scholarships often spend substantial time and energy reviewing applications and determining winners. Generic and overly broad essays can be quickly dismissed because of the large number of students applying for the same scholarships each year. In order to make their application truly stand out, students should add their own unique touches to their submissions that highlight their personality. While answering the prompt is a must, it is possibly even more important to set yourself apart from other applicants.
An effective method for finding scholarships that you qualify for is searching for opportunities you relate to. This may include your field of study, hobbies, activities, involvement, grades, financial need, and even your unique demographics. Fortunately, there are scholarships out there for all students. This is true even for students who do not participate in an abundance of extracurriculars and students who don’t make all A’s.
Ways to
Differentiate
yourself in a
scholarship
application
Using descriptors that you identify with can help you find relevant scholarships that you will not only qualify for but also enjoy applying for. We know that writing scholarship essays can feel far too much like homework, and while it is an excellent use of your time, it is also essential to use your time wisely and apply for scholarships that really allow you to shine.
One way to do this is to utilize your chosen field of study. Consider searching for funding opportunities based on your major. Example searches include:
What types of scholarships are available to engineering majors?
Do law students qualify for scholarships?
Scholarship websites for business students.
Social science major scholarship opportunities.
While you may consider your major a large part of your identity while you are in school, there are likely many other scholarships available to you based on other factors in your life. This may include:
Achievement
It is common for students who receive high test scores and maintain a high grade point average to receive merit-based scholarships.
Community Service
Many organizations offer scholarships to students who have spent considerable time and energy giving back to their communities.
Clubs And Other Extracurricular Activities
Some companies award scholarships to students who have participated in activities such as Boy Scouts, Theater, and various clubs.
Additionally, you may have specific life experiences that set you apart from other students, including:
Being a single parent.
Attending school in the United States as an immigrant.
Being the first person in your family to attend college.
Going to college after serving in the military.
Not only will this help you to find beneficial opportunities, but it will likely also make your scholarship search more effective and help you to avoid applying to generalized scholarships that receive an overabundance of applications.
The type of student you identify as in college does not need to be limited by any of the above descriptors, nor do the descriptors need to remain the same as you continue your education. However, embracing your uniqueness, pursuing your distinct passions, and capitalizing on your own identity can positively set you apart throughout your entire college career.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
How do I find scholarships that match my major and background?
There are many scholarships available for students from different backgrounds or who are pursuing specific degrees. By searching online, you can find scholarships for specific majors, as well as scholarships for specific types of students, such as single parents or members of the military. My College Companion can help you find a scholarship that will meet your needs.
Can I still apply for financial aid if I missed the FAFSA deadline?
You will typically want to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) while you are planning to attend college. Submitting this form before you enroll in college can help ensure that you have financial aid lined up. However, even if you have missed the FAFSA deadline, you may have other options, since states and colleges have their own timelines. You may also apply for private scholarships or find other options for financial aid.
How Can I Improve My Time Management Skills in College?
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed as you begin attending college. Attending classes and completing homework and projects may be your main focus, but you will probably also want to maintain a social life and participate in activities, and you may also need to work. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but with the proper preparation, you can set yourself up for success.
To make sure you are managing your time effectively, you may want to set up a calendar to help you keep track of when you need to attend classes or labs while also blocking out time for homework, meetings with professors or advisors, study groups, social events, activities at school, or other events. You can set reminders for yourself, making sure you will not miss any deadlines and will be prepared for exams. Finding ways to prioritize what is important while still making time for yourself when necessary can help you get the most out of your college experience.
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