Scholarships

A Guide for Parents: Helping Your Child Find Scholarships

Finding scholarships can be a daunting task for students and their families. Here are some tips to help your child navigate the scholarship search:

1. Start Early

• Begin research early: Scholarships often have deadlines. Start looking well in advance to give your child ample time to apply.

• Create a scholarship calendar: Use a calendar to track deadlines, application requirements, and important dates.

2. Utilize Online Resources

• Scholarship search engines: Websites like ScholarshipOwl, Fastweb, and Cappex offer extensive databases of scholarships.

• College websites: Many colleges have their own scholarship databases, so check your child's chosen schools.

• Professional organizations: If your child is interested in a specific field, look for scholarships offered by related professional organizations.

3. Explore Local Options

• Community foundations: These organizations often offer scholarships to local students.

• Local businesses: Some businesses provide scholarships to students in their community.

• High school guidance counselors: Your child's counselor can provide information about local scholarships.

4. Consider Niche Scholarships

• Specific interests: Look for scholarships based on your child's hobbies, talents, or academic interests.

• Demographics: Some scholarships are targeted to specific demographics, such as minorities, first-generation college students, or students from low-income families.

5. Don't Forget Merit-Based Scholarships

• Academic achievement: Focus on your child's grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities.

• Standardized tests: Good scores on standardized tests can increase your child's chances of receiving merit-based scholarships.

6. Prepare for the Application Process

• Gather necessary documents: This may include transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and essays.

• Practice writing essays: Help your child practice writing compelling essays that highlight their achievements and goals.

• Attend scholarship workshops: Many colleges and community organizations offer workshops to help students prepare for the scholarship application process.

7. Follow Up

• Thank you notes: Send thank-you notes to scholarship committees, even if you don't receive the award.

• Check application status: Follow up with scholarship committees to inquire about the status of your child's application.

By following these tips, you can help your child increase their chances of finding scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of higher education.