Scholarships

By Alice Pham

December 17, 2024

Scholarships

Scholarships are a form of financial aid given to students based on certain criteria including; academic achievements, financial needs, extracurricular activities, programs, and community involvement. A variety of scholarships are designed for students of different interests, talents, and qualifications rather than just being an athlete or someone with high academics. 

• Merit-based scholarships These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, including; GPA and standardized testing. Examples include the Coca-Cola Scholarship Program and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship.

• Athletic These are given to students who participate in sports at an elite level. Examples include NCAA scholarships and NAIA scholarships.

• Need-based scholarships provide students who are financially struggling with a scholarship that could make colleges more budget-friendly. Examples include Questbridge.

• International scholarships For students who are studying abroad.

Searching for scholarships earlier in the year is better as several scholarship opportunities are available to assist you as you start a new chapter in your life. There are ways to help fund your education, especially for those planning to pursue a higher education. You may have to do thorough research, meeting the eligibility criteria, and submitting a well-thought-out application. Doing so would increase the chances of earning a scholarship. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get your anticipated results right away. It takes time and patience to find the scholarship that is best fit for you.

I recommend contacting the school counselor for further information on scholarships or other college-related topics. They’re here to assist you in order for you to be successful. College Board is always a great place to start researching as well! I hope you succeed in your future application for scholarships!