Scholarships help students offset the cost of their education, ensuring that financial constraints don’t limit or discourage talent and deserving applicants from pursuing their goals. Scholarships are given by schools, government agencies, non-profit organizations and companies. They are awarded based on various criteria, such as academic merit, financial need, athletic skill or artistic talent. Some scholarships may also require students to meet certain criteria, such as keeping grades up, participating in specific activities or working in a particular field after graduation.
There are thousands of scholarships available for students. Students can narrow down their search using databases, like Fastweb, that allow them to answer questions about their GPA or major to be matched with awards they might qualify for. Merit-based scholarships recognize students with high GPAs and test scores, while need-based scholarships consider family income and a student’s financial circumstances. There are also scholarships for students with special characteristics, including ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.
If you’re thinking about applying for scholarships, start early and plan ahead. Make a list of deadlines and carefully read the scholarship’s guidelines, especially the essay prompt and recommendations. It’s also helpful to ask your teachers, community leaders and mentors to write letters of recommendation on your behalf. Remember to proofread, and keep track of all your documents and submissions. Some scholarships have strict requirements, so missing even one requirement could result in rejection. Scholarships can ease the burden of tuition and textbook costs, but it’s important to know how the funds are disbursed before you accept them. Some scholarships pay the money directly to your school, which will apply it toward your tuition and fees first. Others will send you the funds through a check or money transfer, and you’ll have to follow the rules about how the money can be spent.
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