Use it or lose it scholarship money

General Forum
1

I’ve been awarded a $14,000 scholarship, but I can only use it for school supplies or I’ll lose it. What could I possibly buy with it?

2

Does housing count? You could pay a year’s rent upfront, and if you have a roommate, use the remaining funds for furniture (like a desk, chair, electronics, whiteboards). Additionally, consider investing in educational subscriptions such as time management tools, coding academies, or certification programs that can enhance your job prospects after college. You might also bulk buy supplies on Amazon and get gift cards to stores like Best Buy or Target to shop for essentials later.

3

Purchase all the supplies you need and then return them to the store, so the funds are credited back to your credit or debit card (assuming the store doesn’t use gift cards).

4

Use it for these:

  • MacBook Pro with 2 TB storage and 96 GB RAM M2 ($5,000) or another high-quality PC
  • Mac display ($2,000) or another good monitor
  • Printer
  • Stylish bags
  • Tablet
  • Prep books for medical school, grad school, etc.
  • Enroll in a community college class in an area of interest
5

I’d recommend investing in one or two high-quality, durable bags (a good bag will last for years). Use the remaining funds to purchase textbooks. After you finish school, you can sell your textbooks to other students and recoup some of the cost.

6

Consider getting a computer, iPad, keyboard, and mouse, along with accessories like an Apple Pencil and cases. Invest in a comfortable chair, a good lamp, and quality headphones or earbuds. Don’t forget a backpack or lunch box, and stock up on pens, pencils, and even some fancy mechanical pencils. If you have extra funds, you might also want to treat yourself to a new phone and some high-end fountain pens!