Merit-based scholarships can be awarded by religious or ethnic groups, national or local businesses, community groups, and professional organizations. However, most of these awards are given by an institution specifically for use at that institution. There is often a specific application for these awards, and they may also require that you fill out the FAFSA and/or PROFILE.
The key to accessing scholarships is to start researching early in the senior year, search regularly and diligently, and stay organized. Applying for scholarships takes significant time and work. Students who make a concerted effort and commitment to researching scholarships and the application process are more likely to be successful than those who do not.
Good Places to Look for Scholarship Opportunities
- The Guidance Office. We typically advertise scholarship opportunties in the Advisory Announcements - keep your ears open throughout the year and inquire in the Guidance Office for additional information.
- Student and parent employers.
- Employer's professional organizations.
- Parent's professional organizations.
- Parent's civic organizations (Knights of Columbus, VFW, etc.).
- Student's civic organizations (YMCA, Boy/Girl Scouts, etc.).
- Student's or parent's bank or credit union.
- Financial Aid Publications available at bookstores or at your local library. These books provide a list of national-level scholarships and aid. Typically students are required to send personalized requests and self-addressed, stamped envelopes to each group/organization in order to receive a scholarship application. Best College Review recently suggested the following as the 10 best scholarship books on the market:
- A great YouTube video put out by the Finance Authority of Maine on Acing the Scholarship Search. As FAME notes, knowing the ins and outs of the scholarship process can help you be more successful in your quest to pay for college. This 45-minute webinar breaks down the scholarship process, lets you know where to find the money, and helps you get organized so you can maximize the scholarship search.
Suggested Links to Merit-Based & Need-Based Scholarships
- The Coolidge Presidential Scholarship (Deadline: Feb. 13): A full-ride presidential scholarship covering tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study and leadership training. Scholarship may be used online at any accredited American University. Open to students in the 11th grade. Apply online at: https://coolidgescholars.org
- Alexander HAMILTON Scholars (Deadline: Jan 13): Leadership program for first generation students that provides a $500 scholarship to cover costs associated with applying to college and additional mentorship & support. Apply on-line: http://hamiltonscholars.org/1/the-program/program-overview/
- College Prowler: The $2,000 "No Essay" Scholarship is open to all current students and those planning on enrolling within 12 months. The monthly winner will be determined by random drawing and then contacted directly and announced on the organization's Facebook page. One entry per person, but you can come back each month and try again. Apply at the College Prowler Website.
- Define Yourself Scholarship: $500 awarded to high school seniors on the last day of every month who plan on attending a 4-year college in the fall. Apply online at: http://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/define-yourself-scholarship/2021900/
Full Tuition Scholarships
Not all scholarships hinge upon your GPA or your SAT/ACT score. A comprehensive list of quirky scholarships can be found at www.tinyurl.com/yescollegescholarships. Here are a few to get you started: