Unique Scholarships For College Students
College tuition more than doubled between 1985-2018, accounting for inflation. This price increase drove degree-seekers to take out approximately $1.5 trillion in federal and private student loans. Loans present many financial disadvantages for college graduates, so prospective and current college students should explore alternative financial aid options.
The internet provides access to numerous scholarships for college, including unique scholarships. These financial aid opportunities cater to degree-seekers with specific interests and talents. The following sections detail just a few of these unusual scholarships, links to the sponsoring organizations’ websites, and tips for obtaining as many scholarships as possible.
Scholarships to Help Pay for School
How to Improve Your Chances of Landing an Unusual Scholarship
Applying for unusual scholarships starts with researching the latest college scholarships and determining how they affect eligibility for other financial aid programs. The following sections describe just a few ways learners obtain scholarships for college.
Don’t Be Deterred by Typical Scholarship Requirements
Learners should not disregard any scholarships for college just because of not meeting every application requirement. Some awards do not receive enough applications, so the scholarship committee may consider “unqualified” applicants. In other cases, candidates not meeting all criteria may impress a scholarship committee with their essay or recommendation letters.
Know How To Search
Finding unique scholarships requires researching sponsors, such as companies and organizations awarding scholarships aligned with their industry, product, or service. Other avenues include researching clubs, hobby groups, and honor societies. Their application requirements may involve joining the organization and meeting a high school or undergraduate GPA cutoff.
Consider Applying for Scholarships That Don’t Match Your Skills
Some college student scholarships limit applications to candidates with a unique interest or talent. However, these awards may consider degree-seekers not highly skilled in that area. Applicants should demonstrate interest in their essay, such as describing how they only recently started learning the skill, but plan to continue honing it.
Make Sure You Align Scholarships with Financial Aid
Scholarships for college may affect institutional financial aid. When researching unique scholarships, learners should explore their school’s financial aid policies and contact advisors with questions. Other steps include examining scholarships’ stipulations for recipients, such as maintaining a satisfactory GPA for renewal purposes. Determine whether aid goes to the recipient or the school.
Other Scholarships for College Students
Thomas Broderick is a freelance writer and the owner of Broderick Writer LLC. He creates study guides, informational websites, and blog posts for clients in the education field. Thomas is also a published author of over 20 short stories and a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.
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