A Guide to Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know to Earn the Most
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Bella Gruber
The majority of seniors have passed the stage of deciding which path to take after high school, whether it be attending a university, enrolling in the military, or taking part in the workforce. Now, for many, deciding where to commit to their next journey is the next greatest decision that they face. Among many other considerations, the price that comes with this next chapter is one that many students weigh above others. While the price of continuing your education can be daunting, scholarships exist to highlight your accomplishments through financial aid.
The amount of money that can be earned through scholarships is often underestimated, for there is a scholarship out there for any GPA, interest, or prospective field of study; it is a matter of how diligently you’re willing to work to find them and make yourself stand out from the many applicants upon submitting them. Mrs. Williams, Hamilton’s scholarship liaison, is committed to helping students reach their fullest potential when applying for scholarships. Relating to the scholarship application process, she says, “Applying for scholarships is like applying for a job and can benefit students regardless of their post-high school plans. The application process involves organizing personal details, accomplishments, and aspirations.”
The first obstacle that students face when beginning their scholarship journey is where to find them. The easiest and most accessible way to find a wide range of scholarship opportunities is on Hamilton’s scholarship document. Mrs. Williams frequently updates this document with new opportunities for students taking any path after high school. It is not limited by any specific future plan or field of study.
It's also important to note that Mrs. Williams puts many local scholarships on this document and in her emails. These are opportunities related to the school district or the Sussex area and are much more community-based, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else. Since these scholarships use your own experience in the district and Sussex community to become familiar with the person you will be after graduating, these are often more personable than most online scholarships out there. Knowing this, students are strongly encouraged to apply for these scholarships. Some that are open right now are the local scholarship, elementary and Templeton scholarships, and the VOWS (Voluntary Organization of Women in Sussex) scholarship.
Another great resource for finding scholarships is BigFuture, a program through the College Board. After creating an account, this website allows you to filter your search for scholarships based on essay/no essay, possible careers, merit-based, etc. This is a great jumping-off point and easy to use when trying to find a variety at once.
Finally, one of the easiest ways to find a scholarship fit for you is to keep an eye out for opportunities affiliated with your own relations. If a club you play a sport for has one, apply. If a company that your parents work for has one, apply. In short, don’t overlook any scholarship opportunities that are right before your eyes.
Besides these resources, scholarships can be found all over the internet just with a simple search. There are many other websites like BigFuture that provide similar services, but it’s important that just as with anything on the internet, you trust the source, and they’re not phishing you into giving them your information.
I’ve found scholarships to apply to, what now?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the deadlines and requirements, make sure to note all of the deadlines along with when you need to start the application in order to not rush through it. Next, look into what the organization you’re applying through is looking for. When it is through a specific organization or company, look into their values on their website before constructing any responses to essay questions.
What is expected when responding to essay/short answer questions?
The objective of answering these prompts is to clearly answer the question while also painting an appealing picture of yourself in doing so. Organizations want to know why you are unique. Mrs. Williams says, “Organizations are looking for students to share the experiences that have made them who they are and influenced what they want to do in college and life. Start your essay with something to grab the reader's attention, highlight your personal values, and speak from the heart.”
In whole, anyone can receive a great amount of aid to go towards their future after high school. It simply depends on your willingness to search for suitable scholarships and holistically present yourself to whatever organization it may be. Don’t underestimate how much you can earn. Simply put yourself out there and make yourself stand out!
