Scholarships
Grants and Scholarships
Scholarships reward achievement, interests, background, or community involvement. Good research and organization make the process far more manageable.
Where scholarships come from
Schools, foundations, professional associations, employers, and community groups all offer scholarships. Local awards often have smaller applicant pools.
A preparation checklist
Gather these before deadline season:
- Current transcript and enrollment details
- A reusable personal statement draft
- Two or three reference contacts
- A calendar of deadlines and requirements
Grants and scholarships are different
Grants are usually based on financial need. Scholarships are often based on merit or specific criteria. Some awards combine both, so read each description closely.
Questions to ask the organization
- Is the scholarship renewable?
- Is it paid to the school or to me?
- Does it affect my other aid?