With college acceptances coming out, now is the time to apply for scholarships if you haven’t already. Private organizations and specific colleges you’ve applied to may have applications open well into the next few months, so it’s not too late to try to earn some “free money.”
“It’s always going to ask you for demographic information, name, address, phone number…a lot of scholarships will be dependent on GPA. A lot will ask for a transcript, some will ask where you’re applying, career, major…oftentimes there will be an essay component,” guidance counselor Deena Faull said.
Faull emphasized the importance of focusing on your role and importance in the essays. Highlighting your strengths and accomplishments is extremely important.
“They want you to brag…they want to hear how this[scholarship] will help. They want to know who you are,” Faull said.
If you are pursuing a trade career, Faull says there are scholarships to assist those pathways as well. Additionally, some scholarships do not only look for students with top GPAs.
“I wish some kids wouldn’t automatically count themselves out…even if you just have a job, that’s showing dedication and follow through,” Faull said.
Good grades help, but extracurriculars, hobbies, sports, and financial need may also make you a strong candidate.
Senior Miah Wagar says scholarship applications are easier than college ones because they are spread out and smaller. “I think it’s just hard sitting down and doing it,” she said. “I’d much rather put in the work right now and then not have to pay off a bunch of debt.”
Wagar says even if the award is not a lot of money, it’s worth the effort because it adds up. She spends a couple of hours every weekend searching and applying.
“I’m doing Native American, child of a CHP Officer ones…very specific ones,” Senior Maddie Nelson said. She feels applying is worth the effort, having already received a hefty college-specific scholarship to her university.
Senior Fiona Engleman admitted to feeling stressed about college expenses. “Especially if you don’t know what you want to do later,” she said.
Engleman is waiting to hear what colleges she is admitted to before searching for scholarships. However, she says she will most likely attend Community College before transferring to a Four-Year college. She plans to begin looking for CC scholarships soon.
Search engines such as Fastweb, BigFuture, and college websites are good places to filter scholarships that pertain to your demographic. The Arcata High website also has a list that is constantly updated with new opportunities. The Career and College Center is also up and running in the TOC to support students in their search.
