I’m 18, graduated last year, and my GPA suffered because my family became homeless. I’m seeking a degree to improve my chances of escaping poverty but want to avoid going into debt.
Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely to get a full-ride scholarship with poor grades unless you have a unique skill or connections, like a distinctive art style or an exceptional talent in a sport. I followed this advice, spent my limited resources on tests like the TOEFL, and ended up rejected from every scholarship I applied for. Now, I have even less money and feel more hopeless about my future. I’m genuinely scared about what will happen next in the country I live in.
Apply to a lot of schools that meet full need. If your grades were strong before your family became homeless, colleges may consider your previous academic potential. My GPA also dropped due to pandemic-related issues, and I still received many acceptances after explaining my situation in the Common App.
Also, focus on schools that offer 100% need-based aid. Merit scholarships might be less likely, so consider commuting if possible. Have you thought about starting at a community college?
A friend’s daughter received a full ride for playing a unique instrument (a flutaphone, I think). She had to stay in the band throughout her time there, but it was a great opportunity—she even traveled with the football team.
Another example is a friend’s son who got a full ride for playing golf. He wasn’t exceptional, just consistently placed in the middle. He didn’t win any major tournaments but was still on the team.
The key takeaway is that having the right connections or being able to find and reach out to them can make a big difference. Networking and building relationships can open doors to opportunities like these.
How low is your GPA?
There are various scholarships out there, and some might still be a fit for you. While traditional merit-based scholarships might be challenging to secure with a low GPA, there are other types of scholarships and financial aid that could be applicable.
Additionally, many state schools offer in-state tuition and may provide sufficient financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. I recommend filling out the FAFSA as soon as possible and looking into state schools.
Don’t give up! There are still options available for you.
I agree that starting at a community college can be a smart move. It can significantly reduce your overall costs and often provides more personalized support from staff and professors. Doing well in your first semester or year at a community college could improve your chances of earning scholarships later on. Additionally, the smaller, close-knit community at a community college might make it easier to find scholarships and build connections that could help with your academic and financial goals.