Scholarships & Financial Aid

Financial Aid For College

Financial aid comes from the federal and local government. It's money that helps a student pay for education expenses at a postsecondary school (e.g. college, career school, and graduate school). Federal student aid covers expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies. Financial aid often comes in the form of both grants and loans.

Every student should complete the FAFSA even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for grants. Some federal aid is not based on need. Some college scholarships require that you complete the FAFSA.

Fill out and complete your F.A.F.S.A. in October and definitely by March of your senior year.

Scholarships

Scholarships are free money, meaning you do not have to repay. The application process depends on the benefactor.

Many scholarships require an ACT or SAT score, so don’t wait too long to take this test.

Where do I find scholarships?

The top priority is at the college/university you will be attending. In most cases you must first apply for admission, so be aware of scholarship deadlines so you can have your admissions application in well before the scholarship deadline.

Another good place to look is local pools of scholarships. These allow you to apply for many scholarships at once. Don’t miss these! See below.

Finally, use the websites below to find hundreds of possible general scholarships.

Keep track of scholarship deadlines!

Find a connection

Look for scholarships at places where you or your parents are involved such as clubs, civic groups, religious or community organizations, professional associations related to your field of interest, ethnicity-based organizations, your employer or your parents’ employers. For example, there are scholarships for the children of Amarillo city employees, for students who are into dove hunting or the NRA, for minorities pursuing studies in engineering, for members of a Methodist church, and for students whose lives have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Look for connections.

Why do scholarship applications get thrown out?

Incomplete applications – even a single blank will usually results in a disqualification.
Poor handwriting / grammar – sloppy work does not indicate a quality candidate
Late – deadlines are deadlines

Be sure and fill out applications completely, correctly, neatly, and include all documentation by the deadline.

What all will I need to fill out scholarships?

Scholarship forms can be a simple as a 1 page application, but typically require much more like a transcript and essay. Find out well before the deadline so you can be prepared. Some require a great deal of work. For example, the Sybil Harrington Foundation requires a 2-page application, a 2-page reference form, a statement of personal need form, a 2-page essay, a tax return, a photo, official transcript and ACT/SAT scores.

What kind of students are scholarships looking for?

Scholarships can be from anyone for anything. Some are actually contests or essay competitions. Many have specific students in mind, like Hispanic students who want to be teachers, or females in business. However, in general most are looking for involved students with good grades. Involvement both in school and in the community is great to have. Leadership experience is an excellent attribute. Leadership is not limited to official jobs like being a club officer, but also includes informal activities like initiating a blood drive, or being a leader in a church youth group. Keep track of all you’ve done throughout your school career.

Watch out for scams.

You should not have to pay for any scholarships.

Seven basic warning signs (College Board) (Federal Trade Commission)