What types of scholarships are available?
There are so many different types of scholarships out there for all kinds of students. Most scholarships fall into two main categories:
- Merit-based scholarships: These are awarded based on achievements. This could be academic excellence, leadership, athletic skills, or artistic talent. If you’ve been getting good grades or crushing your extracurriculars (or maybe both!), merit-based scholarships could be a great fit.
- Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are for students who can show they have financial need. This means that if your family’s income makes it difficult to afford your tuition and other college expenses, need-based scholarships can help bridge the gap. To demonstrate your financial need, you’ll likely need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
But that's not all! Even if you don’t fit into one of the categories above, you could still win a scholarship for your background, interests, field of study, or even quirky talents. The key is to search for the ones that fit you best, and that's where resources like Scholly Scholarships come in. This free tool lets you filter thousands of opportunities by major, state, background, and more, so you can apply for the ones that are most relevant to you.
What are some of the biggest myths about scholarships?
There are lots of myths and misconceptions floating around that stop students from applying for scholarships. Let’s clear up some of the major ones:
Myth 1: Only straight-A students get scholarships. Nope! While there are scholarships for high academic achievers, there are also countless scholarships based on things like financial need, community service, and even unique hobbies and talents.
Myth 2: Scholarships are only for varsity athletes. Sure, there are athletic scholarships, but the majority of scholarships aren’t related to sports at all. From arts to sciences to volunteer work, there’s something for just about everyone.
Myth 3: I won't qualify for enough scholarships to make a difference. Definitely not true! According to How America Pays for College 2024, 80% of college families said scholarships made it possible for their student to attend college. Even if you win a lot of smaller scholarships, they can really add up (and there’s usually less competition for them).
What’s the scholarship application process like?
Each scholarship is a bit different, so it’s super important to read through the requirements carefully. You may be asked to provide grades/transcripts, test scores, and a recommendation letter from a teacher or another adult who knows you well. Most scholarships also require an essay or personal statement—or even an interview. These can be great opportunities to shine and show who you really are!
How are scholarships different from other types of financial aid?
While scholarships are pretty awesome, they aren’t the only type of financial aid you’ll want to look into. Here are other options that students often use:
- College grants: Like scholarships, grants don’t need to be repaid, but they’re usually based on financial need.
- Federal student loans: These need to be repaid after graduation, but they offer lower interest rates than private loans and have repayment plans based on income.
- Federal Work-Study Program: This provides part-time jobs for students to help cover educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience. To qualify for these types of financial aid, you’ll need to file the FAFSA®.
How to start your scholarship search
Looking for scholarships may seem a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Some great scholarship resources are closer than you think—your guidance counselor, financial aid office, community and religious organizations, and local businesses, just to name a few. One quick and easy place to start looking is with Scholly Scholarships. You can easily browse and search a vetted scholarship database so you can see scholarship opportunities you qualify for and decide which ones you want to apply to.
When should I apply for scholarships?
Start early! The earlier you apply, the more chances you’ll have to land more free money for college. Keep in mind that scholarships aren’t just for high school seniors, either—you can find them at every level of your education, from freshman year of college all the way to graduate school.
Now that you understand what scholarships are and how they can help, make sure they’re part of your plan to pay for college (otherwise you’re passing up free money and who’d want to do that?). Tap into resources in your community and tools like Scholly Scholarships to find the right opportunities. Good luck in your search!
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