Try these 5 tips for securing scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to help pay for college, but finding and applying to them can be challenging. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to make your search easier and increase your chances of receiving scholarships. Here are five strategies to help you in your search.
1. Start early and stay organized
The earlier you start, the better. Many scholarship deadlines hit in the spring. Getting a head start will help you find as many as possible. Research the deadlines and important requirements such as letters of recommendation.
Staying organized is key. Whether you use a low-tech or high-tech option, just make sure you have a system to keep track of everything.
And make sure you complete your FAFSA! Many private scholarships use the FAFSA to award aid.
2. Follow your strengths and interests
Think about what makes you unique. Scholarships are not just for top students, they’re available for a variety of talents and interests, such as sports, volunteer work, music, art, and more. There are also scholarships based on college majors, towns of residence, and more!
3. Apply for smaller scholarships
Don’t overlook the power of smaller scholarships. While they may not cover all of your tuition, applying for multiple smaller awards can add up quickly. Plus, these scholarships tend to have less competition, increasing your chances of success. Remember, four $500 scholarships are just as valuable as one $2,000 scholarship!
4. Explore local opportunities
By focusing on local awards, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving a scholarship. Check with your high school counselor, your town or city hall, your employer and family members’ employers, and other local organizations to uncover scholarships that might be perfect for you. Don’t forget to check out our Granite Edvance scholarship!
5. Use scholarship search engines
Finally, turn to scholarship search engines. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex allow you to filter results based on your profile, which means you can find scholarships that match your interests, background, and accomplishments. Just remember that there will be more competition for these national scholarships. Using a lot of search engines can be confusing and overwhelming. You may want to pick just one.
Finding scholarships is a process, but it can pay off significantly. Think of it as an investment in yourself. If you spend four or five hours applying for scholarships and receive $3,000 in funding, that’s like earning $600-$750 per hour!
Common Scholarship Questions
Do I have to know what school I am going to? How do I communicate that when I know?
It is okay if you haven’t decided on your school yet. Once you are awarded a scholarship, the scholarship program will tell you next steps for receiving the money.
Will they tell me why I didn’t get a scholarship?
Most scholarship programs will not give this information, although you are free to ask. A good response when you are not awarded is to thank them for their time and ask if you can apply again next year (if that information isn’t already provided).
Will winning a scholarship affect my financial aid?
Possibly. Some schools practice displacement. This means the scholarship may reduce the school-based aid they have awarded you.
Check with your school’s financial aid office to see how private scholarships could affect your financial aid package.
Note: This blog was originally published in February 2025 and updated in March 2026.
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