Most college students don’t apply for scholarships until their junior or senior year. But did you know that you can apply for scholarships all four years you’re in college? Scholarships are often an underutilized source of financial aid for college students. Here are five reasons you should apply for scholarships all four years you attend college.
1. It’s worth it
If you start applying for scholarships your first year, it won’t be as time-consuming as you think. And it’s definitely worth it: even if you only receive a few hundred dollars from a scholarship, that’s money you don’t have to pay back.
Cost of higher education
According to the College Board, the average four-year degree cost is now $127,000. And that number is only going to increase. Any money you can get from scholarships will help ease the burden of paying for college.
Debt-free diploma
Every college student’s goals should include completing their academic career with zero debt. Scholarships can help make that happen, but they are often under-used.
The National Scholarship Providers Association shows the average scholarship award is $3,000. If you apply for scholarships on a regular basis, you can reap the benefits without becoming overwhelmed during your studies and prevent future financial strain.
2. You don’t have to be a genius
One of the biggest myths about scholarships is that you must be a straight-A student to qualify. That simply isn’t true. While some scholarships are reserved for top students, most scholarship programs take various factors into accounts, such as financial need, community service, and extracurricular activities.
Scholarships based on financial need
There are plenty of scholarships out there for students who demonstrate financial need. If you come from a low-income family or your family has experienced a recent economic hardship, you may be eligible for need-based scholarships. A recent study by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region found that 60% of students who graduated from college had used need-based scholarships to finance their education.
Community service scholarships
There are also scholarships available for students who have performed significant community service. Suppose you’ve volunteered for a local non-profit, helped out at your church or synagogue, or participated in any other type of community service. In that case, you may be eligible for a scholarship. For example, the Burger King Scholars program awards scholarships to students who have performed significant community service.
Sports and extracurricular activities
There are also scholarships available if you’re a talented athlete or musician. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to students who excel in sports or the arts. And if you’re not planning on attending college right away, many national competitions offer scholarship prizes.
3. Cover more than just tuition
When most people think of scholarships, they only think of money for tuition. But the truth is, scholarships can cover a lot more than that. You can use the funds to cover any expenses associated with receiving your degree if you receive a scholarship.
Books and supplies
One of the most significant expenses associated with college is the cost of textbooks and other supplies. The National Association of College Stores estimates that the average student spends $1,200 on textbooks and supplies each year. But if you receive a scholarship, you can stock up on all the notebooks, pens, and everything else you need without worry.
Room & Board
If you’re planning on living on campus, your scholarship can also cover the cost of room and board. If you are living in off-campus housing, your scholarship can help you cover the cost of rent, utilities, and other expenses.
Travel
Don’t feel discouraged in applying for scholarships if you are a commuter. While scholarships often cover on-campus expenses, you can also use them for travel. Your scholarship can help you with gas or public transportation costs if you live far from campus.
4. A guiding path for other financial aid
Applying for scholarships can also help you with other types of financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. And many state financial aid programs also use information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility.
But the FAFSA can be confusing, and it can be challenging to know where to start. Applying for scholarships can help you better understand the financial aid process and how to navigate the FAFSA.
Scholarships can also help narrow down your area of interest when picking a major. Many scholarships are available for students planning to study specific majors, such as engineering or nursing. And if you’re unsure what you want to study, scholarships can help you explore different areas of interest.
For example, if you’re thinking about majoring in education, you might want to search for scholarships for specific areas of education, such as early childhood or special education. Looking at the application requirements may also give you a better idea of what the field entails and whether or not it’s the right fit for you.
5. More than just money
While receiving a monetary award is the goal of applying for scholarships, it’s not the only benefit. Applying for scholarships can also help you develop essential life skills like time management, organization, and writing.
The art of the essay
One of the most common requirements for scholarships is an essay. And while writing an essay may seem daunting, it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and accomplishments.
Time to brag
This is an appropriate place to discuss why you deserve credit for who you are and what you’ve done. This is your chance to brag a little and tell the committee what makes you unique. Be sure to focus on your strengths, such as academic achievements, leadership experience, or community service involvement. Think of your essay as a sales pitch. You’re trying to sell the committee why you deserve the scholarship, so be sure to focus on your best qualities.
Final Thoughts
Applying for scholarships can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it. Scholarships can help you pay for tuition and other expenses, and they’re an excellent way to learn about different types of financial aid. Applying for scholarships is also a perfect way to prepare for your future.
Don’t wait until your senior year to start applying for scholarships. Start early, and you’ll be more likely to receive awards. And don’t forget to reapply for scholarships each year. Scholarships aren’t just for first-year students–you can obtain them all four years of c
