There are thousands of scholarships available to students entering college each year. Along with grants and loans, scholarships can provide a nice piece to the financial aid puzzle. This article will talk about some of the common misconceptions about scholarships, the main types of scholarships and where to find a college scholarship.
Scholarship Misconceptions:
Misconception 1: I have to have really good grades to get a scholarship.
While some scholarships require a certain grade level, there are many that do not. Some may have a sliding grade scale in comparison to SAT or ACT test scores. Additionally, there are many need-based scholarships that don’t have a grade requirement.
Misconception 2: I can fund my college education with scholarships alone.
There is a misconception that all scholarships are “full ride” or, will pay all of a year’s tuition. Scholarship dollar awards vary quite dramatically. Some are as little as a few hundred dollars, while others are indeed “full ride.” You should apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for since you will have to factor in tuition, room and board, food, books, lab fees and many other costs as well. In addition to scholarships, every college student should complete a Federal Financial Aid Form to determine eligibility for grants and loans.
Misconception 3: Scholarships are too hard to get.
Certainly, some of the most lucrative scholarships are highly competitive to obtain. Others go unfilled due to lack of interest. Preparation is key. Do thorough research on all scholarships you might be able to qualify for. Be aware of any application deadlines. And organize extra components to the application like essays or letters of recommendation well before the due date.
