ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS
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What Are Scholarships?
Scholarships are free money that is available to off-set the cost of school. Students have to apply for scholarships, which are awarded on a case-by-case basis, often based on merit. If a student receives a scholarship, it does not have to be paid back.
What Do You Need to Have to Qualify for a Scholarship?
Every scholarship has varying requirements – including its own application, which you will need to get and complete – but it is a good idea to pull together a folder of the following information (or as much of it as you can), as almost all scholarships will ask for some combination of these things:
- One or two essays
- Letter(s) of reference
- Writing sample
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Copy of Student Aid Report (SAR- see below)
- Parent and Student Tax Returns and W-2 Forms
- GPA Certification Form
- Enrollment Verification Form
- Copy of Financial Aid Award Letter
Beware of Scholarship Scams
Be wary of scholarship applications that require an “application fee.” Also proceed with caution with scholarship matching services that guarantee results and sales pitches that describe themselves as financial aid workshops or seminars.
Do You Need to Be a Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident to Qualify for a Scholarship?
Some scholarships require proof of citizenship in order to qualify for a scholarship, but others do not. Lists of both types of scholarships are in this directory.
Where Can You Get More Printed Information About Paying for College?
Call the federal government for a free guide, in English or in Spanish, to student financial aid: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). This guide is an excellent comprehensive “how to” resource.
Are You a Entering College Next Year? Complete the FAFSA as Soon as Possible
If you do nothing else, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), immediately after January 1 of your senior year. It is a form that most schools use to determine financial aid, and money is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
After you submit your FAFSA, you will be sent a Student Aid Report (SAR), which tells how much money your family is expected to contribute to your college education for one year. This helps schools and scholarship organizations know how much money you will need in financial aid.
Click here for more information regarding the FAFSA
