My daughters' odds were about one scholarship won for every four submitted. They applied for many more than our education finances dictated.
Scholarships originate from a variety of sources, using a combination of these sources is the best way to find the maximum amount of money.
Local Scholarships
Start your scholarship search at the local level. Community scholarships are available at your high school guidance or career counselor's office. Many schools now have scholarship listings available on their web site. If your school’s web site doesn't have this information, look at the sites of other local schools. Then expand your search to include local colleges or other colleges you are considering (whether or not you plan to attend these colleges, their web sites may have local scholarship for which you qualify).
Whenever you speak to a counselor, inquire about any scholarships that may require a nomination. Often these scholarships are easier to win because the applicant pool is smaller. Also, ask your teachers and coaches if they know of any scholarships in your talent area (ie: math, science, English, music, art, athletics). A great benefit of participating in activities is that you may qualify for a scholarship sponsored by that specific organization. Ask club advisers about scholarship funds. Many bands, school papers, honors clubs, athletic and service organizations offer scholarships to their outstanding members.
Great sources for local scholarships are community organizations, clubs, unions, employers, religious organizations, banks or other affiliations to which you or your family belong. Also look for local chapters of larger organizations such as the Rotary Club or Benevolent Order of the ELKS.
Our experience has shown a greater chance of receiving local awards because the field of candidates is narrower. One $2500 award my daughter won had only 12 applicants. So do not discount scholarships that may be local or those for small amounts. Scholarship amounts can add up quickly. (Surprisingly, these are often the scholarships that go un-awarded for lack of applicants).
Do not discount the award amount when comparing it to the cost of tuition. Even if the scholarship were to only cover the cost of books, you're talking free money, every cent counts.
A thorough search will also include research at a library, or purchasing resources (books, CD's) at an local or on line bookstore.
Search Engines
There are many free interactive site to choose from on line with aid programs that match your education level, talents, and background. These searchable databases, allow you to search for possible scholarships and awards based on personal information provided. If you do not find anything your first search, you can go back in and change the criteria and search for different scholarships.
We were able to use these databases in other ways too. Most search engine had a “site map” link that offered a wide variety of facts and tips to aid students when planning for college. (The site map link is usually located at the bottom of the page in small writing). So look into all the useful information the site has to offer.
Be sure to only use a trusted site. If a site charges a fee, a red flag of caution should go up.
College-Specific Awards
Most colleges and universities have online scholarship sites with funding specific to those who attend their schools. You may also set up an appointment to visit your potential college financial aid office. Or contact them via e-mail. Tell them about your interests and talents and what field you may want to enter after graduation. Mention any special circumstances about your family’s financial situation.
Colleges have limited scholarship money available for the financial package offered to an applicant who has been granted admission. These scholarships are available under a variety of terms that may include maintaining a certain GPA, pursuing a specific major, etc.
The next two sections are areas of scholarship funding of which we did not avail ourselves, but they are excellent sources of funding if they are the direction your student wishes to take.
Athletic Scholarships
Atheletic scholarships are very competitive. John Warren, from Northwest Runner Magazine, said, “Should we be surprised if after all the time and, more importantly, money that is expended in developing our kids into sports stars we do not find that proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? [...] some parents spent the cost of college over the last 10 years pursuing an athletic scholarship that was very unlikely to exist in the first place”.
It turns out that athletic scholarships are not the easiest way to get money for college. In fact, winning a college athletic scholarship is extremely difficult especially if you expect a full-ride scholarship from a Division I school. And generally, an athletic scholarship is not a full ride (tuition, room and board and books). Instead, the vast majority of athletic scholarships range from as low as 1% to 100% with the average scholarship at 27.5% of costs.
OK, so the odds don't work in your favor. But if you are truly interested in winning an athletic scholarship, don’t leave it to chance. Be proactive. Don't assume that you have to wait to be discovered. Send each respective school a packet that includes your sports resume. Then arrange an interview with the coach during your campus visit. If that is not possible, send a video with endorsements from past club coaches and a short video of your best recorded sports moments.
Also, you should have a plan B. You may want to expand your college choices to include other options such as Division II or III or liberal arts schools. It is not nearly as glamorous, but your odds will improve.
I recently interviewed three families who received athletic scholarships with varying results:
-The first student received a partial tuition reduction to play baseball. Though modest, this scholarship made an education possible by paying for 3/4 of his tuition at a community college.
-The second received a very generous full ride scholarship to an out of state university for Cross Country. But in the first semester, an injury sidelined the student. The scholarship was pulled, and she had to pay the full, out of state tuition on her own.
-The last was a full tuition scholarship for soccer. This gal's family had spent over $15,000 in the two years building up to college on camps, coaches and game travel so she could get a scholarship to play soccer in college. She played the first semester of her freshman year, but the demands on her time for practices, travel and games affected her school work. She quit soccer and lost her scholarship.
Another important bit of information is that you cannot get need-based aid (Pell Grant is exempt) while receiving an athletic scholarship, according to the NCAA rules.
You can find information about the process of winning athletic scholarships with the site, Collegesportsscholarships, sports scholarship websites such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or contact the financial aid office of the school you hope to attend for information about available awards.
The Military
The military is a well-known source of college scholarships. The Military ROTC program can pay up to full college tuition plus a stipend for books. Military scholarships are awarded in return for a tour of duty with the branch of the military supporting your education. Be sure you’re prepared to fulfill the terms of your scholarship agreement. If the prospect of military service fits with your goals, a military scholarship may be an excellent way for you to underwrite your college education. Talk to your high school counselor for more information.