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Scholarship Search: Apply for College and Unusual Scholarships

Many web sites and advertisements boast accessibility to billions of dollars in scholarships. With the ever rising cost of education, the "free money" they offer seems like a godsend . . . or too good to be true.

In fact, both are true. While numerous student grants and college scholarships are available, many scams exist alongside legitimate offers to prey on students and their parents. Learn how to distinguish between the two so you can apply for real scholarships once you find them.

How to Conduct Scholarship and Student Grants Searches
One of the most important tips for conducting college scholarship and student grants searches is to be organized.

Take a Personal Inventory
Many scholarships are based on special qualifications including, but not limited to:

  • academic, artistic or athletic talent
  • community service
  • demonstration of financial need
  • employment or extracurricular group participation
  • minority or underrepresented group status
  • particular fields of study
  • religious faith
  • specific geographic regions.

By listing all of your achievements (including academic merit and athletic ability), employment experience, extracurricular activities, club memberships and career aspirations, you and your child may find scholarships that you would have originally overlooked.

Scholarships from your Area, Clubs or Employer
Local college scholarships and student grants tend to have smaller pools of applicants, increasing your chances of winning. When looking for available scholarships, search at the city, county and state levels, as well as at the federal level.

Many organizations and employers encourage education by providing scholarships. Check with the groups that you affiliate with, as well as with your employer and your credit union to see if they have scholarships or grants available.

Searching Tips for Scholarship Seekers
The following is a short list of tips that can help kick off your scholarship search:

  • Use a free college scholarship search: Free scholarship search sites can assist you in finding scholarships that you qualify for. (See the scam section below to choose a reputable search.)
  • Research institutional scholarships: Many educational institutions offer a range of scholarships and student. Contact a school's financial aid office or review the school's website and catalog for this information.

Beware of Scholarship and Student Grants Scams
During your scholarship search, you may encounter some less reputable individuals trying to take money from you, instead of truly helping you with your scholarship search.

When searching and applying for scholarships, beware of companies that:

  • Guarantee awards and results: Companies cannot guarantee scholarships and student grants when the only qualification is to complete their enrollment form.
  • Offer a free seminar: Although many schools run legitimate seminars, be on the lookout for hidden sales pitches and expensive services that promise you financial gain.
  • Claim they have exclusive scholarship information: If you're willing to take the time, you can always find scholarship information on your own.
  • Inform you that you're the finalist of a scholarship that you never applied for: If you didn't submit an application, chances are the company will request credit card information to "hold" your scholarship. Never give out your credit card information over the internet to anyone you don't know.
  • Charge a fee for the search: Many free and effective scholarship search engines are available online or at libraries. Some trustworthy scholarship search options include: FastWeb Scholarship Search, the College Board Scholarship Search, Scholarship Search by Scholarship Experts, the public library, the College Board's Scholarship Handbook, a high school guidance office and a college financial aid office.

How to Apply for Scholarships
Once you complete your college scholarship search, have your child apply for the scholarships by completing the proper applications and fulfilling the necessary requirements.

Here are some tips for applying for scholarships:

  • Begin your research early. Some scholarships have early deadlines or require that you request specific scholarship application materials. Also, if the applications are detailed or require that your child write essays, you may need more time to submit the necessary paperwork.
  • Be sure you qualify before you apply. Save yourself and the scholarship reviewers some time and apply only for scholarships for which you meet the qualifications.
  • Stay organized. Create an organization system that allows you to track your scholarships and to have any required scholarship application materials (such as transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, essays and letters of recommendation) at your disposal.
  • Check and double-check your scholarship applications. Be sure that your applications are complete, legible and free of errors. You can be automatically disqualified just because you didn't follow the directions given.


Exploring the World of Unusual Scholarships
Not all scholarships are based on need or merit. Many unusual scholarships are gaining notoriety. Some unusual scholarships include:

  • Scholarship for Left-Handed Students. This $1,000 unusual college scholarship is awarded to left-handed students who attend Pennsylvania's Juniata College.
  • Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Award. Recipients of this $7,500 award must not only excel in academics, athletics, leadership, and community service, but they must also be willing to show off their milk mustaches.
  • Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck on Prom Contest. This unusual scholarship is based on a contest of high school students who attend their prom in outfits made of duct tape.
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