“How can I win a scholarship?”
It’s a frequent question in the college planning world.
Students and parents have all sorts of wild ideas about how to “win” a scholarship.
There are a lot of myths and assumptions about scholarships, based on an
observation of who might be receiving large awards in your midst. But aside
from some basic steps, there is no magic formula to landing that free ticket to
college.
Scholarships are earned
First of all – students don’t “win” scholarships. Scholarships
are EARNED – based on the criteria of the award.
Not just for low income or minorities
Secondly – while it’s easy to jump to conclusions that
scholarships only go to low income minorities - that is idea is not true. Scholarships go to students
who actively pursue them. If it seems like scholarships in your area are all
going to low income minority students, think for a minute about what
demographic is going to be working the hardest to earn a scholarship.
Middle income families
Over the past 20 years or so, I have seen plenty of middle
to upper-middle class students accept scholarships and grants at UCs, CSUs and
private colleges, along with many schools
outside of California. These are
students who made scholarship application a priority. Students who earn scholarships
are typically those who set aside a few hours each week to search, prepare and
apply for scholarships. They worked at
it.
Parents’ message about college funding
I’ve counseled with hundreds of parent/student teams
planning for college in all economic groups. Frequently I’ve heard parents say,
(in the presence of their teenagers) “Whatever it costs, he’s going to college.” When a parent clearly assumes total
responsibility for paying for college – the student is not going to make
scholarship application a priority.
So what’s the secret?
Apply – The only
thing I am sure of, is that if you do not apply for a scholarship, you will not
receive it.
Search for the
right scholarships.
Do your homework and research scholarship possibilities. Don’t
waste time on scholarships if you are not well qualified for their criteria. Do
spend time on those where you shine.
Prepare for the
application.
Nearly all scholarships will require at least a couple
letters of recommendation and a transcript. Order transcripts now, and get
letters of recommendation secured. Make several copies of both. An organized
high school resume’ will also be helpful and can usually be inserted into an
application.
Present a theme
about yourself
Students who develop a theme on their scholarship
application will benefit by showing their passion and potential in a field of
study or career interest. My observation after administering over a half
million dollars in scholarships is that students who declare a major are viewed
to be stronger scholarship applicants. So even if you are planning to enroll as
an undeclared major, for scholarship purposes, I suggest that you at least
declare an area of interest.
File for Federal and State funding
To receive any college or university scholarship/grant -
students must file a FAFSA, even for merit
awards that do not use financial need as criteria.
Decide how important the money is
Several of the CSUs and many private colleges offer merit
scholarships, designed to recruit high achievers away from the UC or other top
tier universities. These are usually from colleges that are not on the radar of
a high achieving student.
If money is a
defining factor for college, consider applying to a CSU or private or
out-of-state college that is willing to pay you to attend. Usually these awards
are called “President’s Scholars” or something similar and information about
them is readily available on the college financial aid websites.
While no one should attend a college simply because of
funding, students may find honors programs or opportunities within a less
prestigious school, that are a very good
fit for their academic goals.
There are no guarantees
While I have enjoyed watching hundreds of students accept
scholarships during my career, I have also witnessed great students, with
tremendous potential, disappointment in not receiving scholarships.
Have a backup plan
Sometimes, there is no reason or logic in scholarship
selection and it can be very disheartening. Parents and students must be
realistic about how much of their college expenses can actually be covered by
scholarships or student loans, and how
much the family can afford to pay on its own. This can be a difficult
conversation, but it’s far better to decide on a backup plan now (this might
include to live at home and attend a community college) rather than the night before
the intent to register deadline.
Bottom line
Students who are emotionally invested in the scholarship process,
and willing to spend time on the preparation and application, are the students
who receive scholarships.
