Where To Start Looking For Scholarships
Are you looking for scholarships but don’t know where to start looking? With so many options out there, it can be hard to figure out which organizations offer the best scholarships and how to apply for them. Don’t worry! We have some tips on where to start looking for scholarships that can get you started on your search. One of the best places to start is with databases. Databases are an easy way to search through hundreds of different scholarship opportunities in one place. In this post, I will focus mainly on the big scholarship search engines that are great for finding private scholarships that are offered by organizations, businesses, schools, and nonprofits. Hopefully these proven tips will put you on the right track on where to start looking for scholarships.
Three Different Styles of Scholarship Databases
Scholarship List Generators
Scholarships are a great way to help fund college tuition and other associated costs. It’s important to start researching and applying for scholarships as early as possible. The good news is that there are countless organizations, businesses, schools, and nonprofits that offer scholarship opportunities! Many of these scholarships can be found using big-name scholarship databases like Fastweb.com, ScholarshipOwl.com, and Scholarships.com. Think of these like web search engines. These free sites will generate a list of available scholarships that you are eligible for based on inputting information like your GPA, college major, demographics, etc. After the list is generated, it is then up to you to click each scholarship link from the list and see if you are eligible to apply. Just for a heads-up, this is a time-consuming process because the list generated by each database can be long.
- College Pro Tip: I recommend going straight to the eligibility section of the scholarship. This proven tip will save you time in the long run when going through a long list. In the eligibility section, you will find who can apply, the deadline, and the requirements like test scores, letters of rec, and essay topics. After reading a few of these you will learn how to quickly skim through and determine if you are eligible. If you are not, skip it and go to the next one on the list. If you, use a tracking sheet to copy down important information like the web address and deadline. In my blog titles WINNING TIPS FOR ORGANIZING AND APPLYING TO SCHOLARSHIPS, I have a link to a free spreadsheet that you can use to track your scholarships.
One-Stop Scholarship Sites
There is another type of free scholarship database that requires you to fill out a student profile and upload your transcripts, letters of rec, and test scores. The database then generates a list of scholarships you are eligible for. These scholarships live within the database so there is no need to go to a separate website to apply. Since your documents are on file, you apply and select submit. You may have to answer some additional questions and write an essay, but it’s all done within the same database. Bold.org and Scholarshipamerica.org.
Good Ole Google
The final scholarship search engine to use is google. Just type in “Scholarships for XYZ” and it will generate leads to other scholarships. Common inputs for XYZ can be for Highschool Seniors, STEM majors, women, dancers, teachers, etc. You get the point. Again you will come across some of the same scholarships you found using the methods above but you never know what you will find. Below are my top seven go-to sites for the two types of databases:
Scholarship List Generators Web Sites:
- Scholarships.com:
- Large database of scholarships; easy-to-use search and match tool.
- Fastweb.com :
- Large database of scholarships and personalized scholarship matches.
- Cappex:
- Extensive database of scholarships; scholarship matching tool.
- Chegg:
- Offers a variety of scholarships; personalized scholarship search.
- CollegeBoard:
- Wide range of scholarships available; helpful resources and support.
- ScholarshipOwl.com:
- User-friendly interface.
- Scholarships360:
- Large database of scholarships; resources and support for students.
One-Stop Scholarship Web Sites:
- Bold.org:
- Personalized scholarship matching, diverse scholarship database, easy-to-use platform.
- Raise.me:
- Earning scholarships for high school achievements
- Scholly:
- Large database of unique scholarships, scholarship matching feature.
- FinAid!:
- Comprehensive scholarship database, resources to maximize potential.
- Unigo:
- Large database of scholarships for specific groups, scholarship matching feature.
- GoingMerry:
- Comprehensive scholarship database, resources to maximize potential.
- Scholarship America:
- Offers a variety of scholarships, including both merit-based and need-based options.
Which Scholarship Database Should I Use
Choosing which scholarship database is a difficult question to answer because they all have their pros and cons. There are just so many of them that it can become overwhelming. I recommend choosing one or two to start with and developing your list of scholarships that you want to apply for. Once you have exhausted the list from one database move on to another. Most of these databases list the same scholarships so it will get easier to skip the ones you already know about. When you start to encounter this, just look for the ones you have not come across yet.
Conclusion
Where to start looking for scholarships can feel a bit daunting, but hopefully these proven tips will give you a leg up on your search! By using scholarship databases like Fastweb.com, ScholarshipOwl.com, and Scholarships.com, you can easily find scholarships that are a good fit for you. And, if you want to make the process even easier, check out databases like Bold.org and Scholarshipamerica.org where you can apply for scholarships right from the site with just a few clicks. Just remember, the earlier you start looking, the better. And, don’t try to tackle every database at once – pick one or two to start with and move on to others when you’re ready. With a little time and effort, you’ll be well on your way to finding the scholarships that can help you pay for your education.
Want to learn about how to increase your odds of winning scholarships? Read HOW TO FIND LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS to learn more.
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