Funding for College: How to Find Scholarships

Ever wonder why everyone’s talking about scholarships, but no one tells you how to actually find them? Or maybe you’ve scrolled through endless lists, only to feel like you’re hunting for buried treasure with a broken map. Trust me, you’re not alone. The world of college scholarships is wild—full of opportunity, but also a little overwhelming. The good news? With the right approach, you can turn that chaos into cash for your college dreams. So grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let’s decode the scholarship search together.

What Are Scholarships, Anyway?

At their core, scholarships are free money for college—no repayment required. They’re not just for straight-A students or star athletes (though those help). Scholarships come in all shapes and sizes, and chances are, there’s one out there with your name on it. Some are merit-based, rewarding academic achievement or extracurricular excellence. Others are need-based, designed to help students with financial barriers. There are also scholarships for artists, athletes, STEM lovers, future teachers, and even students with unique hobbies or backgrounds.

Types of Scholarships: More Than Just Grades

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s out there:

• Merit-Based: For high achievers in academics, arts, or leadership roles.

• Need-Based: For students who demonstrate financial need—usually determined by the FAFSA.

• Athletic: For student-athletes, from football to fencing.

• Identity-Based: For students from specific backgrounds—think first-gen, minority groups, LGBTQ+, or students with disabilities.

• Artistic: For creatives—musicians, writers, visual artists, and more.

• STEM: For future scientists, engineers, and techies, often with a focus on underrepresented groups.

• Employer/Military: For employees or dependents of certain companies, or those with military ties.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are scholarships for left-handed students, for people who love ducks, and even for making prom outfits out of duct tape. Seriously. It just takes some digging and patience. 

How to Find Scholarships (Without Losing Your Mind)

Now for the real talk: How do you actually find these scholarships? Here’s the simple, step-by-step approach:

• Start Early: The earlier you begin, the more options you’ll have. Some scholarships open as early as sophomore year of high school. Save websites like Scholarships360, Niche, or Fastweb to a folder or bookmark that way you can check back regularly.

• Use Multiple Sources: Check your school’s guidance office, college financial aid offices, and reputable scholarship search engines (think: Scholarships.com, Fastweb, College Board). Consider asking your counselor for help too! They might know of some scholarships/websites specific to you or your accomplishments.

• Think Local: Community organizations, local businesses, and even your parents’ employers often offer scholarships with less competition. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions!

• Don’t Ignore Small Awards: $500 here, $1,000 there—it adds up, and smaller scholarships often have fewer applicants. Make the extra effort to apply, you won’t know unless you try!

• Stay Organized: Track deadlines, requirements, and application materials. Missing a deadline by even a day can cost you. Utilize your calendar to set off reminders and keep track of due dates.

Application Tips: Stand Out (and Stress Less)

Applying for scholarships is a little like dating: you want to put your best self forward, but also be authentic. Here’s how:

• Follow Directions: If they want a 500-word essay, don’t give them 1,000.

• Be Specific and Personal: Let your personality shine. Share your story, your goals, and what makes you unique. Try to avoid wordiness and oversharing, stay on topic and make sure you are being clear with your message or story.

• Request Recommendations Early: Give your teachers or mentors plenty of time—and a thank you never hurts. If you need help asking a teacher for a recommendation look at email outlines or templates on google.

• Proofread Everything: Typos are not a good look. Read your essays out loud, and get a second opinion if you can. Peer reviews are a great way to clean up your essay and make it even better.

Final Thoughts

Finding scholarships isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy, persistence, and a little creativity. Remember, every dollar you win is a dollar you don’t have to borrow (or pay back). So dive in, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to apply for everything you qualify for. Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you.

Ava Wieczorek 

Grade 12

Bentonville