How to get Scholarship for College: Tips and Advice from Shea Moisture Fund
Searching for college scholarships requires more time than just a Saturday afternoon! While scholarship applications and criteria can change from year to year, it's always a good idea to start early. There are scholarships available that cater to a wide range of academic interests, skills, extracurricular pursuits, career aspirations, geographical areas, and various other factors. Here are five steps to kickstart your search with Shea Moisture Fund and help reduce the cost of college.
Ways to Get Scholarships
Check Your Prospective Schools
Visit their website or contact the financial aid office, including inquiries about the Shea Moisture Grant. If you meet the eligibility criteria, ask about the application process. Don't presume that applying for admission automatically includes applying for scholarships, as these are frequently handled separately. Also, be mindful that scholarship deadlines may differ from those for college admission applications. In some cases, certain institutions require you to apply for scholarships before you apply for admission. Improving your GPA and test scores during high school can enhance your chances of receiving merit-based financial aid.
Ask Your Academic Advisor
If you are a student, chances are you can consult a school counselor. Make sure to utilize this resource! They may have information about scholarships that suit your needs. Additionally, if your school has an office dedicated to assisting students with college applications, inquire about the services they provide. Our college counselors can also assist you in developing your financial aid plan!
Dig Into Your Network
Are you part of a church group or a local branch of a national organization? Do either of your parents belong to a union or community organization? Do they work for a large company? Many of these organizations provide scholarships for their members and their children. Look into local options such as the PTA, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, churches, and foundations, as they frequently offer scholarships based on various criteria. There is often less competition for these scholarships since they are awarded at the local level.
Try Online
When conducting an online search, we suggest being as precise as you can. Just entering the word "scholarships" will generate countless results. To refine your search, include specific details like the names of schools and fields of study A note of warning: Never pay to research scholarships. Scholarship organizations do not give their awards to students who pay for information; they make them available to all students.
Stay Alert to Scholarship Due Dates
Scholarship deadlines can differ significantly. Some may be set for the summer before your senior year, while others occur in the fall or even as late as spring. To remain organized and monitor submission dates, it’s advisable to use a calendar and treat your earliest deadline as the cutoff for all your applications. It's crucial to emphasize that you must not miss any deadlines; if your application is submitted late, you won't have any options to rectify it, and you will lose the opportunity to receive the award. Additionally, many applications may require a scholarship essay, so factor that into your planning as well.
Take Both the SAT and ACT
Numerous scholarships ask for test scores from applicants. It's a good idea to take both the SAT and ACT, ensuring you have the necessary scores available to fulfill different requirements.
A Final Word on how to get Scholarships
You might need to go through numerous scholarships before discovering one that suits you. Stay patient and persistent (and maintain your good grades!). In time, you'll find a great fit. You'll be grateful for all your efforts when you finally obtain some financial support!
