Originally posted on Feb 14, 2024 on our Patreon.
Step 1: Preparing For Scholarships
Those who can prove their dedication to their major and scholarship subject are far more likely to be considered for cash awards. Consider all of the following as you plan for your classes in anticipation of applying for scholarships.
– Upper level courses (4,000-6,000) that show proficiency in your field and specification towards a subject. Ex. “Animal Development and Embryology, Stem Cells”
– Any field school or study research within your field. You can find these with your college’s undergraduate research programs, and through reaching out to flyers and professors.
– Study abroad experience. Be able to describe your work responsibilities passionately and in terms of connection to the scholarships that you’re interested in.
– Work experience or internship within your field. The above advice follows.
(Ex. “I worked at a million-dollar company overseeing cash transactions, meaning that I have real-world experience with finances.” Vs. “I worked as a cashier.”)
Consider avenues like working at a local museum, zoo, forestry service, etc.
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Step 2: Finding Scholarships
– Make an account on https://www.scholarships.com/
Add your info, then scroll down the entire list of recommended scholarships. Use the tool buttons to cross out any that you don’t qualify for, and check all the ones that you think that you might. For example, the Garden Club, despite the name, also includes biology and conservation majors.
– Make an appointment with your college’s Office Of Fellowships. They can suggest scholarships that are the best fits for you and offer resources, such as Gilman-Scholar workshops, or professional editing. Many staff have worked previously on Scholarship Awards boards, so they know how to give you an advantage.
– Search for local scholarships. Enter your state, county, and city into the search bar. Consider if your parent’s employers offer them, or if a local church, restaurant, or club might.
– Be willing to use any minority status, including: Race/ethnicity, first-generation student, womanhood, transgender, LGBT, legal blindness or deafness, religion, mental or physical diagnosis, parents with previous history of cancer, veteran status, etc. You can find many scholarships specifically for these.
Tips:
– Apply to as many scholarships as you reasonably can, while not burning yourself out. For me, I find this number to be about 1-3 every two months. Look at the application forms and prioritize what work you’re able to accept–and what you don’t have enough time or energy for.
– That said: Most scholarships that do not require essays or transcripts are scams.
– The more material that a scholarship does require (essays, resume, reference letters), the less competition you will be dealing with. Think about it: For every extra item needed, more students will turn back and seek easier scholarships. So don’t shy away from three-essay requirements (and I’ve won a scholarship this way), as long as you do have the time.
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Have additional advice, questions, or encouragement?
Comment below!