My journey to college has been a bit unconventional. I spent some time exploring life in my early 20s before starting college online a couple of years ago. Fortunately, my grades have been strong enough to gain admission to my dream school, but now that I’m almost 27, I feel out of touch with the scholarship application process that high school counselors used to guide me on. I’m transferring this January for the spring 2025 semester as a sophomore, but most of the scholarships listed in my new school’s student portal had deadlines that passed in March, before I even knew I would be attending. Does anyone have recommendations for finding scholarships this close to the semester?
Just a thought—when you applied to the school, did you consider applying for financial aid through FAFSA? I’m not sure if you’re still eligible, but it could help reduce your costs.
There are plenty of scholarships available out there. My high school counselors recommended websites like Bold, Niche, and Collegeboard to find scholarships. These sites allow you to filter results based on your major, ethnicity, education level, and more, showcasing a wide range of diverse scholarships. For example, I’ve seen scholarships specifically for single moms pursuing a nursing career.
Some scholarships are no-essay, so it’s more about luck if you get selected. However, many require essays between 300 and 1,000 words. If you can craft a strong essay, you could win one of those scholarships.
Additionally, consider looking for local scholarships. Some businesses in your area may offer scholarships, and you could also visit your local library for help researching opportunities. Big companies like Coca-Cola and Chick-Fil-A offer scholarships as well; I applied for the Coca-Cola scholarship, and the deadlines are approaching if that interests you!
It sounds like you’re in a unique situation, but there are still opportunities out there.
Explore these avenues for scholarships:
-
General Scholarship Websites: Check platforms like Fastweb, Cappex, and College Board’s Scholarship Search. They often have listings for scholarships with rolling deadlines.
-
Community Organizations: Look into local charities, community foundations, or civic organizations. They often offer scholarships and might have later deadlines.
-
Professional Associations: Depending on your intended major, professional organizations related to your field may offer scholarships.
-
Your Current Institution: Sometimes, your current school may have scholarships for students transferring to another institution. Check with the financial aid office.
-
Social Media Groups: Join Facebook groups or other online forums for scholarships. Members often share leads on scholarships with upcoming deadlines.
-
Reach Out to Your Dream School: Contact the admissions or financial aid office at your new school to ask if there are any last-minute scholarships or emergency funds available for incoming students.
-
Employer Scholarships: If you’re working or plan to work while studying, check if your employer offers any scholarships or tuition assistance programs.
-
Networking: Talk to professors or academic advisors. They might know of scholarships not widely advertised.
Be proactive and apply to as many as you can.
Good luck.