One of the most important things you can do as a senior in high school is secure your financial aid for college. There are a lot of options to do this, including FAFSA, grants and work-study, but one of the best and most fun ways to get aid for college is to search and apply for scholarships.
Scholarships are a great source of funding for students because there is no limit to the number of scholarship you can apply for and no limit for the amount of money you can receive from those scholarships. That means that the only limit on the money you’ll receive is your own investment in searching and applying.
Here are a few tips for students looking for scholarships:
- Make use of scholarship databases. Both UCanGo2.org and OKCollegeStart.org have scholarship databases you can use. These are sorted by what type of scholarship they are and when the deadline is to fill out those scholarships. Other local groups like the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and the Tulsa Community Foundation also offer scholarships!
- Make sure to check deadlines! Every scholarship application has a deadline. In order to be considered for those scholarships, you must submit your application before that date. Please don’t miss out on financial aid because you aren’t paying attention to a deadline!
- Have fun! There are scholarships available for almost anything you can think of, from your favorite brands, sports teams, games, or hobbies. While searching for scholarship, make sure you take time to find some that are fun and connected to something you enjoy. Those applications will be easier and more enjoyable while also offering aid for your education.
- Be consistent! If you try and fill out just a few applications a week, by the time you need them, you should have secured a nice haul for your education. Try and find a regular time to sit down and work on scholarships when you don’t have anything else going on, and do this as often as possible.
Scholarships are a perfect way to round out your financial aid after completing your FAFSA. Fill out as many applications as you can and don’t forget to have fun! Good luck!