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Scholarships, Why Bother?

Scholarships, Why Bother? Many Student Say…

Whether you are a high school student preparing for the future, a parent planning for your child’s education, or you are already enrolled in college, you are likely familiar with scholarships. Often an overlooked financial resource, scholarships can help pay for some (or all) of the cost of attendance.

Not all students apply for scholarships, despite the fact they can help with college expenses. Some students are under the impression that because they did not qualify for financial aid after filling out their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) that they will not qualify for any type of scholarship. While some scholarships are based on financial need, there are plenty of merit scholarships available based on academic, athletic, or special interests.

Merit scholarships can come from colleges and universities, educational organizations, and private companies. Every scholarship has its own criteria, so whether it means writing an essay or having a minimum GPA, finding a scholarship that you could be eligible for might be easier than you think. If you are looking for merit scholarships, be sure to check out Unigo’s merit-based scholarship directory.

Other students believe they may not be worthy of receiving a scholarship. Insecurities happen and we get intimidated by the competition or a colorful past. Do not let those negative thoughts stop you from getting the help you deserve and need!

Are essays required? Another common misconception that many students have, and what stops some students from applying for scholarships if writing is not their strong suit. While many scholarships require essays as part of their application processes, there are also plenty of no-essay scholarships available. Applying for scholarships without essay requirements means that the student loan application process will typically be simple and less time-consuming, so when you have nothing to lose, why not apply? Here is a list of no essay scholarships.  

Every Penny Counts…

Full-ride scholarships that pay for a student’s entire college education are few and far between, and this deters many students from applying for scholarships with smaller award amounts. Investopedia reports that the average scholarship award ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, and in the grand scheme of things, this may not seem like much. But every little bit will help, especially if you are awarded several of these scholarships over the course of your college education.

Check out Scholarships.com where you can find a wide variety of scholarships such as, social media, culinary arts, soccer, and disabilities.


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