How to Find and Apply for College Scholarships

There's no denying that affordability is one of the biggest factors in a student's  college decision. For many, receiving a scholarship can be the deciding factor in where a student chooses to enroll.

With so many opportunities, finding and applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming. But a bit of research can help you discover scholarships that make your college dreams possible.

Types of College Scholarships

Sites like Scholarships.com, Chegg, Fastweb, and Unigo are great places to begin looking for opportunities. However, these resources are easier to navigate when you know what you're looking for. Scholarships aren't one-size-fits-all. Knowing the kinds of scholarships you're eligible for will give you direction during your search.

Here are the most common types of scholarships for undergraduate students.

Need-based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are given to students who, as the name implies, demonstrate a need for financial aid. Typically, a student's demonstrated need is calculated based on their guardians' ability to pay for college. Some scholarships have a set income threshold, while others take a more holistic approach to identify the financial support a student qualifies for.

These scholarships are available from schools, private institutions, and state and federal governments. We'll discuss some more specifics of government-funded scholarships and grants later on.

There are some scholarships for students experiencing financial hardship due to extenuating circumstances, such as the loss of a parent. A Google search can yield appropriate results for students with unique financial situations.

Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships are awards for high-achieving students with impressive academic records and/or a strong talent or interest in a particular subject.

Though eligibility can vary from school to school, qualifying factors for merit-based scholarships can include:

• High school GPA
• Standardized test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc.)
• Courses taken
• Community service hours
• Involvement in clubs or extracurriculars

Often, schools will automatically consider students for merit scholarships based on their admissions applications. If you're eligible, they'll include the scholarship offers with your acceptance letter. However, some colleges might require you to submit a separate application alongside your application for admission to be considered. You'll want to be sure of the process for consideration at each university or college on your list before applying.

Athletic Scholarships

Students with an impressive athletic record may be eligible for athletic scholarships. Securing this financial support typically involves a lengthy recruiting process that begins in high school and ends with a student committing to play on a college's sports team.

Colleges and universities often send recruiters to high schools to scout prospective players, which is how many students make connections that lead to scholarships. (For more insight into athletic recruiting,  listen to this episode of Bucknell's College Admissions Insider podcast.)

Depending on the designation of the school's athletics program, athletes can be eligible for anything from partial tuition coverage to a full ride that includes room and board.

It's important to note that smaller schools can have more flexible requirements for athletic scholarships than a Division I or Division II school. If you're a passionate athlete but don't aspire to play at the highest level, there are plenty of less competitive options.

Creative Scholarships

Like athletic scholarships, creative scholarships offer financial aid to students with special talents. Typically, creative scholarships are for those who excel in the arts.

You might be eligible for a creative scholarship if you're involved in any of the following extracurriculars:

• Dance
• Music (vocal or instrumental)
• Theatre
• Visual arts (painting, drawing, filmmaking, etc.)
• Graphic design

These scholarships may include fellowships, performance showcases and other opportunities to hone your craft throughout all four years.

Government Grants and Scholarships

In the United States, the federal and state governments offer a variety of scholarships and grants to help students pay for college.

The most well-known grant from the federal government is the Pell Grant. It is to help undergraduate students who demonstrate “exceptional financial need.”

Different states also offer scholarships and grants to students who graduated from a high school in that state. Sometimes, these scholarships are merit-based, and other times, they are open to all local graduates.

Check out the websites of your state's department of education to see what they have to offer. Some states offer up to 100% tuition coverage for qualifying students, so it's important to know what you're entitled to.

How to Apply for Scholarships

Once you've made a list of scholarships to apply for, it is time to start applying. Here's how you can apply for scholarships in five steps.

1. Check the Requirements

Before you apply for a scholarship, make sure that you meet the requirements. The requirements will vary by the type of scholarship, but many will take into consideration your current educational level (e.g., only high school seniors), GPA, area of study, financial need, or extracurricular involvement.

Many larger scholarships have strict requirements. It is worth applying to scholarships from smaller organizations, which are often more flexible. Some of these scholarships receive few — if any — applicants. In those cases, applying could make you the automatic winner.

2. Gather and Send the Required Documents

Now, it's time to gather the materials for your applications. Every scholarship has different requirements, but some common requirements include:

• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A cover letter
• Your resume

If you're applying for scholarships through your school, you may be required to have a FAFSA form filed. This is something that considers your guardians' finances.

3. Write Your Scholarship Essays

Many scholarship applications require essays. This can be a great thing because it gives applicants a chance to showcase their personalities in a way that isn't represented in their transcripts and test scores.

As you write your essays, remember to be honest, and don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Answer the prompt in a way that allows the reader to get to know you better and see why you deserve the scholarship money.

Another tip is to have a couple of people proofread your essays. They can catch typos you may have missed and help ensure your message is clear, polished and effectively delivered.

4. Submit Your Application On Time

When it comes to applying for scholarships, deadlines are very important. Many online application portals close at the set deadline, and if your materials aren't submitted, you'll miss out on the opportunity.

While you could email the contact person to see if you can submit your application late, it reflects poorly on you and likely won't be accepted.

Make sure you stay on top of your deadlines so that you can submit all of your materials on time and give yourself the best possible chance.

5. Accept Your And Report Your Scholarships

Once you've been awarded a scholarship, you may need to take action to officially accept it. For some private scholarships, this could involve sending your college's financial aid information to the scholarship organization to release the funds. If the scholarship comes directly from your college, it may be applied automatically to your student account.

Regardless of the source, you must report all scholarships to your college's Financial Aid Office, even if the money is sent directly to you as a check or stipend. These funds are considered educational resources and may affect your overall financial aid package.

Apply for Scholarships for Your Education

Scholarships can offer financial relief for students who need additional help funding their education. Whether you need help covering tuition, books and materials, housing, or all of the above, scholarships can make a meaningful difference in managing your expenses.

Finding and applying for scholarships doesn't have to be stressful. Head over to Bucknell University's financial aid page to learn more about making your college experience more affordable.