Find and Apply for Scholarships
College can be expensive, but scholarships can help reduce the financial burden. AdmitDash provides the tools and resources you need to find scholarships and write compelling applications to increase your chances of winning.
Top Scholarship Databases
These websites offer searchable scholarship databases to help you find opportunities that match your qualifications:
- FastWeb – A comprehensive scholarship search engine with personalized recommendations.
- Scholarships.com – Search for scholarships by location, major, ethnicity, and more.
- College Board Scholarship Search – Offers access to thousands of scholarships, including national and local awards.
- Niche Scholarships – Browse scholarships by major, state, or specific interests.
- Unigo Scholarships – Thousands of scholarships available, including Unigo's own sweepstakes.
- ScholarshipOwl – A platform that matches you with scholarships and automates your application process.
Writing Strong Scholarship Applications
Writing a compelling scholarship application can make a big difference. Here’s how to make yours stand out:
- Follow Directions: Carefully read the scholarship instructions and tailor your application to the specific requirements. Include all requested materials, such as transcripts or essays.
- Highlight Accomplishments: Focus on achievements that demonstrate leadership, resilience, or a commitment to your community.
- Be Personal: Scholarship committees want to know who you are. Write about experiences that shaped your goals and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
- Proofread: Spelling and grammar errors can hurt your chances. Proofread carefully and ask a teacher or friend to review your application before submitting.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required materials, and essay prompts. Missing deadlines or failing to submit all documents can disqualify you.
Strategies for Maximizing Your Scholarship Applications
Increase your chances of winning scholarships with these tips:
- Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Don’t rely on just one or two. Apply for as many scholarships as possible to maximize your chances.
- Start Early: Many scholarships have early deadlines. Starting your applications months in advance gives you time to write strong essays and gather recommendations.
- Focus on Local Scholarships: Many local organizations and businesses offer scholarships with fewer applicants. This increases your chances of winning.
- Customize Each Application: Tailor each application to match the specific scholarship's criteria. Avoid using generic essays for all submissions.
- Be Persistent: Not every scholarship will result in a win, but don’t give up. Keep applying, and over time, your efforts will pay off.
Final Tips for Scholarship Success
Here are some final reminders to help you through the scholarship process:
- Stay Organized: Use a calendar or spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements for each scholarship.
- Ask for Recommendations Early: If a scholarship requires a recommendation letter, give your teacher or mentor plenty of time to write it.
- Don’t Pay for Scholarship Searches: Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for. Be wary of websites that charge you for finding scholarships.