How to Find and Win College Scholarships

Securing scholarships can reduce the cost of college and help students graduate with less debt. With careful planning and persistence, students can maximize their chances of winning scholarship funds.

Monica Matthews, a mother who helped her children secure over $100,000 in scholarships, shares key strategies in her e-book, How to Win College Scholarships. Her advice? Start early, apply to as many scholarships as possible, and follow all instructions carefully.

Experts agree that scholarships help bridge the gap between college expenses and financial aid. Below are answers to common questions about finding and applying for scholarships.

Grants vs. Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

Both grants and scholarships provide “gift aid,” meaning the money does not need to be repaid. However, there are key differences:

Grants: Typically awarded based on financial need. Examples include the federal Pell Grant and need-based state or institutional grants.
Scholarships: Often awarded based on merit, such as academic achievements, athletic ability, or special talents. Some scholarships also consider financial need but typically include a merit-based component.

For more information, check out this guide on scholarships and grants.

How to Find Scholarships

Start by searching for local scholarships, which tend to be less competitive. Additionally, national scholarship databases such as Fastweb.com, Cappex.com, Unigo.com, and the U.S. News Scholarship Finder provide extensive listings.

Connor Peoples, spokesperson for Sallie Mae, advises students to apply for scholarships regardless of the amount. “Every dollar counts, whether it’s $1,000 or $10,000. That’s money you won’t have to repay.”

High school students should begin searching for scholarships as early as freshman year, updating their student profiles annually. To manage scholarship-related emails, experts recommend creating a dedicated email account. Also, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial, as some scholarships require it for eligibility.

Many students have found success by treating their scholarship search like a part-time job, setting aside time each week to research and apply for new opportunities. One college sophomore, Emily, shared her experience: “I dedicated two hours every Saturday to researching and writing applications. It paid off—I earned enough to cover my first-year tuition.”

Can College Students Apply for Scholarships?

Yes! Current college students can still apply for scholarships. Many professional societies, school departments, and financial aid offices offer scholarships to encourage students in specific fields. For an updated list, visit scholarships for college students.

Types of Scholarships Available

Many students assume scholarships are only for those with high grades or athletic ability. However, scholarships are available for various qualifications, including:

Community Service: Awards for students who volunteer in their communities, such as the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program for those assisting veterans.
First-Generation Students: Scholarships for those who are the first in their family to attend college, like QuestBridge’s National College Match program.
Underrepresented Groups: Scholarships for students from specific racial or ethnic backgrounds, such as The Gates Scholarship for Pell Grant-eligible minority students.
Unique Traits & Hobbies: Some scholarships target specific characteristics, such as height, left-handedness, or niche interests like skateboarding.

Explore easy scholarships for additional opportunities.

When Should Students Apply?

Scholarship deadlines vary, but many fall on March 1. Experts recommend starting the search as early as possible—ideally in the fall of senior year.

Robert D. Lane, director of college admissions at Southland College Prep, advises students to submit applications by October 15 to increase their chances of securing funds before deadlines or scholarship budgets are exhausted.

How to Apply for Scholarships

Each scholarship has specific application requirements, but the general process includes:

Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria before applying.
File the FAFSA: Some scholarships require FAFSA submission.
Complete Essays or Video Assignments: Follow prompts carefully.
Compile Necessary Documents: This may include transcripts, test scores, or letters of recommendation.
Meet Deadlines: Late submissions are typically disqualified.

Some institutional scholarships, like California’s Middle Class Scholarship Program, only require FAFSA submission and no additional application.

For no-essay scholarship options, check out this guide.

Do All Scholarships Require an Essay?

While many scholarships require an essay, some offer alternative formats like short-answer responses, videos, or creative projects. One student, Jake, who won a video-based scholarship, recalled: “I’m not a great writer, but I love making videos.

That scholarship allowed me to showcase my creativity instead of writing an essay.”

For a list of scholarships without essay requirements, visit no-essay scholarships.

Are Letters of Recommendation Needed?

Many scholarships request at least one recommendation letter. Students should seek recommendations from teachers, advisors, or mentors who can provide strong endorsements.

Winning Strategies for Scholarships

Experts emphasize the importance of being organized and proactive. Students should apply to as many scholarships as possible and tailor their applications to stand out.

To impress judges, essays should begin with a compelling “hook” to grab attention. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate how receiving the scholarship will help them achieve their goals and contribute to the community.

“Scholarship providers want to see their money making an impact,” says Peoples. “Students should clearly communicate their plans and ambitions in essays or video submissions.”

Final Tip

The key to winning scholarships is persistence. By applying early, staying organized, and following instructions carefully, students can increase their chances of securing financial aid and reducing college costs.