8 Ways to Improve Your Chances for Scholarship Money

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Going to college is about more than learning. It’s about setting up your future. When you’re getting paid to do what you love in your chosen career field, it’s not so much like work. Going to college sets up that ideal future. Unfortunately, colleges and universities cost money. Scholarships are one way to get a free ride or at least reduce your tuition costs. The competition for college scholarships is tough, but it’s not all about academics anymore. There are roughly 8 different types of scholarships available these days. Each type of scholarship requires a slightly different approach to competing for and landing the award. Here are some tips to improve your chances to get the free college money available so you can go to school and create the foundations of your future career. 

Academics
This is one type of scholarship competition where it’s important to have excellent grades and fabulous test scores on college entrance exams. Don’t exaggerate anything on your application. Be prepared to send copies of your transcripts and SAT scores with a list of your academic achievements. You’ll also be expected to complete any variety of tasks, from tests to essays to projects. Be creative and thorough. If you don’t meet the stringent grade-point-average requirements, look at another scholarship area. 

Athletics
You can’t fake talent. Schools offering sports scholarships want players who can lift specific teams, sometimes at specific positions. If you’re not experienced or talented in baseball, don’t go after baseball scholarships. The competition is aggressive. Sometimes players with greater financial needs are chosen over those with more talent. It depends on the school. If you’ve been playing a specific sport for years, look into the different schools that have your major and your sport. Start saving photos, videos and newspaper clippings about you and your athletic accomplishments. Saving a link to a story online isn’t enough. You don’t know if and when it will disappear from the Internet. Print it out and scan it. Keep a file and put your team names and dates on everything. Ask your coaches for letters of recommendation. Find out if college scouts will be coming to any of your games or matches. Even if they don’t, keep in mind that film clips are passed around liberally. It’s also important to remember that coaches want players who love the game, stay out of trouble off the field and are humble enough to put the team first. 

Financial Need
Be prepared to fill out lots of financial forms. You will probably need plentiful details, information and signatures from your parents or guardian. Just because your family can’t afford to send you to school doesn’t mean you qualify based on financial need. Not all applications require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but you’ll save yourself a lot of heartbreak and rushing around at the last minute if you have it completed before you start your hunt for college scholarships and financial aid. The awards are often tied to individual schools, so be sure they have a program for your chosen career field of study available before you send off your scholarship applications. 

Religious Affiliation
Religious scholarships are typically offered through a place of worship. You and your family may know the sponsors personally. Check with your church or synagogue to see if there are college scholarship opportunities available. While these are often smaller awards, they are also generally less competitive but have very specific guidelines. Pay attention and follow them. One or several religious scholarships can cover your class materials, books or transportation. 

Minority Status
If you’re a member of a minority group, you’ll find a multitude of free college money available. Minority scholarships are created as an incentive for students to pursue their dream careers. Minority status can relate to ethnicity, gender, or anyone in a disadvantaged situation, such as a single mother. These scholarship awards may be influenced by financial need, academics and personal background. 

Heritage
It’s not who you know, it’s who you are. There is an abundance of college money available through ethnic and location-based organizations. Academic and financial merit will give you a boost over the competition, but make sure you can prove your lineage or country of origin if necessary. 

Community Affiliations
This category is probably the most overlooked. Check with professional associations, employers, local companies and community organizations. You may be judged on any number of factors, including grades, extracurricular activities and volunteer projects. You’ll need letters of recommendation and possibly proof of you or your family’s affiliation. Think in terms of organizations like the Lions Club, Jaycees or Rotary Club of America. Sometimes you don’t have to be personally affiliated, but will need to write an essay, do a project or win a contest. Work to your strengths – perhaps create a work of art, make music or organize an event. Be creative and document your related experiences. 

Special Interests 
The monetary awards linked to special interests vary widely. Rely on your background in sports, hobbies, clubs, vocational learning and talents. It may be as simple as playing the flute, an interest in nursing or a passion for astronomy. Create a portfolio. Don’t be shy about your goals and accomplishments, but be honest. Document your related awards and club memberships. If you’re excited and passionate about your interests through your applications, you’ll be more likely to land a scholarship related to them.

No matter what types of college scholarships you pursue, be sure to fill out the applications completely, honestly and on time. While you’re researching for opportunities, if you don’t meet the requirements for one, move on to the next one. Spend your time focused on real possibilities to pay for college.

Nicole is an independent writer for CollegeAnswer.com. College Answer offers information on saving, planning and paying for college.