How can I get a scholarship?

I’m a junior in high school and plan to attend college only if I can secure a scholarship. I used to play sports, but now I focus on the alto saxophone, which I’m quite skilled at and plan to improve further. I believe my best chance for a scholarship is through academics.

However, I didn’t perform well in my freshman and sophomore years. I was smart but lazy, often missing deadlines and turning in late assignments. My GPA was 2.5, but if I achieve a 4.0 in my junior and senior years, it should raise my GPA to around 3.5. I scored a 29 on the ACT in my sophomore year and plan to retake it later this year.

Given this background, what are my chances of getting a scholarship, possibly even a full ride, and where might I be most likely to find such opportunities?

Hmm, as a junior, have you considered applying for a merit scholarship? If you do exceptionally well on the PSAT, you might secure a full ride, though it could be challenging given your current stats.

If that doesn’t work out, you might want to consider attending a community college for two years and then transferring.

Yes, that might be a good option. The community college your son is attending doesn’t consider GPA or test scores for admission, and it accepts students with lower GPAs. If he maintains a 3.0 GPA at the community college, he’s guaranteed admission to the university he plans to transfer to, along with a transfer scholarship. Just make sure that the credits will transfer. This approach can save a lot of money, about $30,000+ in your son’s case.

Your best bet is to search for scholarships that match your criteria online. I highly recommend talking to your academic advisor or counselor, as they can guide you to opportunities specific to your state or region. Additionally, consider asking your peers about the scholarships they are applying for—this is how I discovered a few that I ended up being awarded.

Do you participate in any extracurricular activities beyond music? Scholarship committees and colleges value well-rounded and involved students. Holding an officer position in a club or two can really help distinguish you from other applicants. If possible, consider joining organizations like DECA or student government. Additionally, look into volunteering in your community. You could join an established organization or start your own initiative to address a local issue. For example, when I was a freshman in high school, a senior in student government started a turkey drive to help families who couldn’t afford Thanksgiving dinner. They collected cash donations for turkeys, canned food for sides and desserts, and beverages like soda and water. Identifying and addressing a need in your community can make a significant impact.

There are many scholarships available that you could qualify for if you apply. Instead of focusing on finding a single full-ride scholarship, consider applying for several smaller scholarships that could add up to cover your costs. Once you’re accepted into a college, check what scholarships they offer to students. Most universities have some form of financial aid or scholarships, even if it’s just a few hundred dollars, which can help cover book costs for the semester.