Scholarships: Where to Look and How to Win

Paying for college can feel overwhelming—but scholarships can make a huge difference. Every year, students leave billions of dollars in scholarship money unclaimed, often because they didn’t know where to look or how to apply effectively.

The truth? There’s a scholarship out there for almost everyone—you just need the right strategy to find it and win it.

Where to Look for Scholarships

Here are the top sources for scholarship opportunities (many of which go overlooked):

🎓 1. Your High School Counseling Office

Most high schools maintain a database of local scholarships sponsored by businesses, community foundations, and civic organizations. These local awards are often less competitive and well worth your time.

🌐 2. Online Scholarship Platforms

These websites are designed to match you with relevant scholarships:

• Fastweb.com

• Scholarships.com

• Going Merry

• Cappex

Create a profile and apply filters to find matches based on your interests, background, academic goals, and more.

🏛️ 3. College and University Websites

Check each college’s financial aid page for merit-based and departmental scholarships. Some schools automatically consider you with your application; others require a separate form.

🏆 4. Professional Organizations

From engineering and nursing to journalism and culinary arts, most career fields have associations that offer scholarships to students pursuing related majors.

💼 5. Your Employer (or Parent’s Employer)

Many companies offer scholarships for employees’ children or community members. Check HR or internal employee newsletters for opportunities.

📚 6. Community and Faith-Based Organizations

Churches, synagogues, cultural groups, and nonprofits often have scholarships for local students, especially those involved in service or leadership.

How to Win Scholarships

Finding scholarships is only half the battle. Here’s how to stand out when it’s time to apply:

✅ 1. Get Organized Early

Create a spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements, award amounts, and links. Start this in junior year—or sooner. Many deadlines hit as early as October or November of senior year.

✍️ 2. Reuse and Adapt Your Essays

Many scholarships ask similar essay questions. Create a few solid templates (e.g., a leadership story, a challenge you overcame, your career goals), and tailor them to fit the prompt.

🕵️ 3. Follow Instructions to the Letter

This sounds basic, but it’s crucial. Don’t exceed word limits. Attach all required documents. Submit in the correct format. Many applications are tossed for missing details.

👀 4. Tell a Compelling Story

Whether the scholarship is based on merit, need, service, or identity—your story is your edge. Let your voice and passion come through. Authenticity wins over perfection.

👥 5. Ask for Strong Recommendations

Request letters from people who know you well—teachers, mentors, coaches. Give them time and a brief description of the scholarship to tailor their letters.

Bonus Tip: Apply Broadly, Apply Often

Don’t just chase the $20,000 awards—small scholarships ($250–$1,000) can add up fast, and they’re often easier to win. Make applying part of your weekly routine.

Final Thoughts

College is a major investment, but with a smart scholarship strategy, it doesn’t have to come with overwhelming debt. Whether you’re a high-achiever, an artist, an athlete, or a first-generation student—there are scholarships just for you.

Need help building a personalized scholarship plan or editing your essays? We can help with this entire process, email us today at HCAdvising@poweredbysc.com to get started today