A scholarship, by definition, is a recognition of high academic achievement and serves as financial aid for students who wish to pursue their studies but lack the necessary funds. They are merit-based and awarded to students academic achievements, extracurricular activity, and field of study.
The value of average scholarships ranges from $2,500 to nearly $10,000, while full-ride scholarships, which cover more extensive college costs, can amount to $20,000 to $50,000. There are various types of scholarships available, including athletic, merit, military, need-based, community service, first-generation, religious, student-specific, and those that require no essays.
To stay informed about new scholarship opportunities, downloading the Big Future app from the College Board is one of the simplest ways to access helpful information. The app sends notifications whenever a scholarship opens, detailing its requirements and identifying scholarships that match specific criteria for students.
Scholarships often, depending on what kind of scholarship it is, have you write an essay while others don’t. Some just require you meet the criteria of either grades, gpa, demographic, or extracurricular activities.
Colleges and universities often seek authenticity in application essays. They want to hear your personal story, specifically focusing on the moments in your life that have significantly impacted you and shaped who you are today. They are interested in understanding what motivated you, the decisions you made, the actions you took, and the consequences that led to your personal growth.
Additionally, they want to know what goals you have set for your future as an individual, rather than just as a student. Your writing skills also play a vital role in the essay. It should be well-organized and articulate. Admissions committees want to learn about your past, and they will evaluate whether your story justifies the investment they would make in you, whether through a full scholarship or other financial support. They need to feel confident that the financial support they provide will benefit not only you but also the institution itself.
Here are some links that provide helpful information and may answer more in-depth questions. Additionally, they include a continuously updated spreadsheet on available scholarships. This spreadsheet contains details about the scholarships, including due dates and much more. Don’t miss out on this opportunity; take advantage of it.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LEN1nrE8VEi3cS8wNrFQ235ny2butcOCpAY8fMngkCI/edit?gid=1146987212#gid=1146987212
[Source used]
https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/financialaffairs/scholarships/whatisascholarship.html