FAQ’s
What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award given to an individual for educational purposes at an accredited university. Scholarships are usually awarded based on a set of subjective criteria that can include academics, extracurricular activities, financial need, leadership, community service, athletic accomplishment, and overcoming adversity. You can think of a scholarship as an organization’s financial investment in you and your potential to succeed.
Where can I find scholarships?
The best place to find scholarships is by registering for a free account at www.scholarships.com or www.fastweb.com. You can also find other scholarship databases online. Other resources include your high school career center, university scholarship offices, scholarship resource books from the library or bookstore, companies, businesses, and other organizations. A great place to start searching is your career center as that will be your best resource for finding local scholarships.
Can you give me a scholarship?
Scholarship Junkies is a scholarship resource site, so we have no money to give away. Instead, you will hopefully learn tools to help you become a stronger scholarship applicant and know where to find scholarships. If you’re able to put the advice to good use, you’re on your way to becoming a Scholarship Junkie too!
Should I pay for scholarship services?
No, you should never pay a fee for finding scholarships. Be wary of scholarship sites that promise you guaranteed scholarship money if you pay them a fee. If you are intent on finding scholarships, you can find them without paying money.
I don’t have a strong GPA or really high SAT/ACT scores. Can I still get scholarships?
Yes, most scholarships are based on your extracurricular activities, community service, and your intended goals. While a high GPA and SAT/ACT score wouldn’t hurt, you can still get scholarships even if you don’t have those.
Thousands of students apply for the same scholarship so I have a slim chance of getting it. Should I still apply?
Yes! You should apply for as many scholarships as possible. The only guaranteed way of not getting a scholarship is by not applying.
Do all scholarship applications require essays?
No, essays are not required for all scholarships, but generally they are what sets you apart from other applicants. If you are serious about winning scholarships, essays are your biggest assets.
Can I reuse essays for multiple scholarships?
You bet. Most scholarship organizations ask similar questions so your essays may actually fit the question well. It is important to make sure though that your essay directly answers the question and that you’ve made all necessary changes to really tailor your essay to that particular scholarship. Scholarship organizations won’t share your essays among each other, so you can reuse your essays as often as you want, but make sure you continue to update them as necessary. If you’re not finding good success with certain essays, it’s probably time to go back to the drawing board.
What are some major scholarships that award over $10,000?
There are many different scholarships over $10,000, and they depend on your personal profile. Some include the Horatio Alger Association Scholarships, the Gates Millennium Scholarship, the Most Valuable Student Competition Scholarship, the Coca-Cola Scholarship, the Ron Brown Scholarship, the Dell Scholars Program, and many more.
There are so many scholarships available. Where should I start and how do I choose which ones to apply for?
The best place to look for scholarships (besides your FastWeb results) is locally. Check with your school’s career center for local scholarships as the applicant pools for these are much smaller. Diversify your scholarship portfolio by applying for large and small scholarships both locally and nationally. Consider what your strengths are (leadership, community service, obstacles overcome, etc.) and start by applying for scholarships awarded specifically for those qualities. Remember to set goals for yourself and apply for as many scholarships as possible.
My school is holding a college/scholarship fair. Should I go?
Yes! You should definitely go and learn as much information as you can about scholarships. You may be able to pick up some tips and suggestions for your scholarship search. You can also network with the people there as they may potentially be able to help you on your applications.
I’ve found some scholarships and started the applications. Who can I ask for additional help?
It’s always a great idea to talk with your teachers. You can have them read over your essays and double check your application. You can also check in with your career center and ask for your advisor’s advice. Other resources include your parents, friends, classmates, and basically anyone who is willing to help you.
Why don’t you have examples of successful scholarship essays on your website?
Personally, from my experience, it has been more effective to show students successful scholarship essays after they have already written what they want to say. Often, students who read successful essays first tend to copy the style, vocab, and structure of scholarship winning essays, and in the process, lose their own voice. So before you try and find all the winning elements in successful scholarship essays, try writing with your own voice first.
How can I contact you for more information about scholarship planning and scholarship help?
You can contact me through the For Students page. Feel free to send me an email with any questions or concerns. If time permits, I’m willing to give general feedback on scholarship essays or to connect you with another “Scholarship Junkie” who can give you feedback on your essays.
My school is in another state than Washington and it does not have any scholarship or college fairs. Do you make presentations at high schools outside of Washington?
Yes, I have traveled across the country to speak to students, and I am available to present scholarship workshops, presentations, and even keynotes. To find out more, please visit the For Schools and Organizations page.
