Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are all about rewarding achievements. If your kid is a star student or a fantastic athlete, there’s money out there that could be theirs.

Examples to Check Out

• National Merit Scholarship

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program

How to Apply

First off, make sure your kid is keeping those grades up. These scholarships often require a pretty high GPA. Next, start collecting recommendations from teachers or coaches. Finally, look out for deadlines and make sure all the necessary materials are submitted on time.

Why They Matter

Merit-based scholarships are sometimes the golden ticket. They can cover a significant chunk of tuition fees, or sometimes even the whole thing. And let’s face it: it’s also nice to get a financial pat on the back for all that hard work.

Needs-Based Scholarships

Needs-based scholarships are the ones that look at your finances and say, “Hey, you could use some help here.”

Examples to Check Out

• Pell Grant

• The Gates Scholarship

How to Apply

To apply for most needs-based scholarships, you’ll have to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This form will ask about your financial situation to determine how much assistance you qualify for.

Why They Matter

Look, college is expensive, and not everyone has the means to pay out of pocket. These scholarships make sure that lack of funds doesn’t keep smart, deserving kids out of college.

Scholarships for Minorities and Underrepresented Groups

These scholarships aim to make college more diverse and offer a leg up to students from backgrounds that aren’t adequately represented.

Examples to Check Out

• UNCF Scholarships

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund

How to Apply

Your kid will usually have to write an essay or provide some other proof of their background. They’ll also need to meet other criteria, which could be academic or needs-based.

Why They Matter

Representation matters, even in college. These scholarships help make campuses more inclusive, and that’s a win for everyone.

Local and Community Scholarships

Often overlooked, these are scholarships offered by local businesses, clubs, and civic groups.

Examples to Check Out

• Rotary Club Scholarships

• Local Chamber of Commerce Scholarships

How to Apply

Here’s where your local network can really pay off. Sometimes, all it takes to find out about these scholarships is a conversation with a neighbor or a local bulletin board.

Why They Matter

Sure, these scholarships might be smaller, but every little bit helps. Plus, the pool of applicants is often smaller, which increases the chances of winning.

A friend of mine won a scholarship from a local Rotary Club. It wasn’t a huge amount, but it covered his books for a year. He also got a summer internship through a Rotary Club member, so never underestimate local connections!

Unusual or Niche Scholarships

Got a unique hobby or talent? There might be a scholarship just for that.

Examples to Check Out

• Duck Tape Prom Dress Scholarship

• Left-Handed Scholarships

How to Apply

Find scholarships that align with your child’s quirks or interests and go for it. Often, these scholarships require a project or essay that showcases their unique skill.

Why They Matter

Every student is unique. These scholarships recognize and reward that individuality, and they’re usually fun to apply for.

Yes, college is expensive, but scholarships can be the game-changer your family needs. From needs-based to the downright quirky, there’s likely a scholarship that fits your kid’s profile. So start applying, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

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