Searching for Scholarships

by Clint Page

Brought to you by the American School Counselor Association

There are four major sources of scholarships:

1. The federal government

2. Your state government

3. Post-secondary institutions themselves (endowments, etc.)

4. Private sources (businesses, service clubs, fraternal and religious organizations)

Most scholarships fall under one of two categories:

1. Need-based scholarships are based on family income, savings, assets, etc. Approximately 90 percent of scholarships are need-based.

2. Non-need or merit-based scholarships are granted based on academic performance, musical talent, athletic ability, community service, etc. Regardless of family income, only about 10 percent of scholarships are non-need based.

Finding Scholarships

You need scholarship money for college, but where do you even begin to look? Fortunately for you, scholarship searches have become much easier in the last few years due to the popularity of the Internet. You can begin your scholarship quest right on the web!

Best Websites

The following websites will give you great information and related links on loans, college searches and test preparation.

FAFSA: Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is usually where the financial aid process begins. Developed by the U.S. Department of Education, this site is a "must visit" for parents and students alike. In addition to the wealth of information here, this site also allows you to file the FAFSA form online. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

FastWeb.com: There are dozens of sites with exhaustive scholarship searches, but this one's the largest, most accurate and most frequently updated. While this site requires that you give some facts and figures, the results are usually worth the time and effort. Additionally, you'll receive e-mails announcing new scholarships as they become available. http://www.fastweb.com

FinAid.org: In addition to good general information on numerous scholarships, this website features a link to scholarship scams that you should avoid, as well an "ask the aid advisor" link. You can also subscribe to a free, online financial aid newsletter, which is highly recommended. http://www.finaid.org

SeniorCare.com Aging Matters Scholarship: For the 8th consecutive year, we will be awarding an annual college scholarship to an individual that best demonstrates to us why "Aging Matters" to them. A $1500 scholarship will be given annually to a selected college student that currently cares for an aging loved one, works within the senior community, or intends to pursue a career that will have an impact on the elder population. Any existing student (or incoming freshman), in good academic standing, at a 2 or 4 year accredited college can apply for this scholarship. The recipient will demonstrate a unique and admirable understanding and desire to show us that "Aging Matters" to them. Apply at: https://www.seniorcare.com/scholarship/ by May 15, 2023.

Scholarship Tips

Apply for all scholarships for which you meet the eligibility requirements. While you may not get a particular scholarship that you do apply for, you'll never get a scholarship that you don't apply for!

Pay careful attention to deadlines. Applying late will usually eliminate you from consideration.

Be aggressive in your scholarship search. Spend time on the Internet and keep your eyes and ears open for scholarships everywhere.

Visit your high school guidance office regularly to check on new scholarship opportunities.

Every little bit helps, so apply for small grants, too. You can always put $100 toward the cost of books or other incidentals.

It's important to remember that what your family considers "need" and what the government considers "need" are usually not the same.