Scholarships and Financial Aid
Basic Scholarship Information
Most scholarship committees consider some combination of the following criteria:
Student GPA
Student standardized test score, usually ACT or SAT, a select few use PSAT/NMSQT
Special skill or involvement (music, arts, athletics, work or community involvement)
Demonstrated financial need, students with lower financial stature are given higher priority
College Provided Scholarships
Each college/university keeps a set of scholarships they may award to admitted students based on some combination of criteria listed above.
Most institutions have a searchable database online, simply do an internet search for “College Name Financial Aid.” Note, most institutions have scholarships available to all students, regardless of intended major AND scholarships available for specific majors/departments/colleges - be sure to check each category. Many of these scholarships, the application for admission and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are the only steps for scholarship applications. Check college sites for details and visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Each institution is different, but the financial aid/admissions offices are traditionally very willing to help families find scholarship information. If you cannot find sufficient information online, call the financial aid office directly.
Private Scholarship Information - FHPS and Grand Rapids-area
Many organizations, businesses, not-for-profits, etc offer scholarships to students bound for post-secondary education. The application materials and deadlines vary greatly, please read the fine print and be sure you are applying for the appropriate year.
Any scholarship opportunity communicated to Northern High’s Counseling Office are updated on Naviance. Students login using FHPS Username and Password, visit the “College” tab, scroll down the page to the “Scholarship Search.” This page lists all scholarships FHN Counseling has been alerted to and is updated regularly.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships annually primarily to Kent County students bound for or in college, or those pursuing a technical career. These scholarships often are not reported directly to FHN Counseling so they likely will not be listed in NFC.
More Scholarship Information
BigFuture is a platform provided by College Board, offering information and resources for students seeking scholarships to fund their college education. It serves as a comprehensive resource, providing details on various scholarships, application processes, and tips to help students navigate the financial aspects of pursuing higher education.
Fastweb is an intuitive online platform dedicated to assisting students in their pursuit of scholarships and financial aid for college. Through its user-friendly interface, students can explore a diverse range of scholarship opportunities tailored to their academic and personal profiles, streamlining the process of discovering and applying for financial assistance to make their higher education journey more affordable.
Finaid is a comprehensive online resource providing valuable information and tools for students and families navigating the complexities of financial aid, scholarships, and student loans for higher education. With an easy-to-use interface, the website offers expert guidance, calculators, and resources to empower individuals in making informed decisions about their educational financing options.
CareerOneStop's ACINet toolkit is a versatile online resource designed to support individuals in various stages of their career development journey. It offers comprehensive tools and information for career exploration, job training, and employment opportunities, providing a user-friendly platform to help users make informed decisions about their career paths.
Chegg's website offers valuable insights and advice on scholarships, financial aid, and the college admissions process, providing students with expert guidance to navigate the complexities of higher education funding and admissions. With a user-friendly interface, it serves as a helpful resource for students seeking comprehensive information to support their educational journey.
Merit Scholarships by Institution
Appily is an online platform dedicated to simplifying the scholarship application process for students. With a user-friendly interface, it allows users to easily discover, apply for, and track various scholarship opportunities, streamlining the pursuit of financial aid for higher education.
Schools that require the CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is an online application used by certain colleges and universities to gather detailed financial information from students and their families. Unlike the FAFSA, it provides a more comprehensive view of the family's financial situation, helping institutions make informed decisions about non-governmental financial aid and scholarships.
https://scholarshipbuddymichigan.com/
Scholarship Buddy Michigan is a specialized online platform offering a curated list of scholarships available in Michigan for students seeking financial aid. With an easy-to-navigate interface, the website aims to assist Michigan residents in finding and applying for diverse scholarship opportunities to support their educational pursuits.
https://bold.org/scholarships/by-state/michigan-scholarships/
Bold.org's Michigan Scholarships page is a dedicated online resource that provides students with a carefully curated list of scholarships available specifically in Michigan, streamlining the process of discovering and applying for financial assistance. With its user-friendly design, the platform aims to empower Michigan students by offering a centralized hub for accessing diverse scholarship opportunities to support their educational endeavors.
https://studentscholarships.org/
StudentScholarships.org is a comprehensive online platform that connects students with a wide range of scholarship opportunities, making it easier for them to find and apply for financial aid. The user-friendly interface and diverse scholarship listings on the website aim to support students in their pursuit of educational funding for various academic pursuits.
https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/
Niche's scholarship platform is a valuable online resource for students seeking financial aid for college. With an extensive database, it provides a user-friendly interface for students to explore and apply for a variety of scholarships tailored to their interests, academic achievements, and backgrounds.