I’m a high school senior, and I’ve noticed that people who already have full ride scholarships are often the ones winning smaller district scholarships. What are they using these scholarships for when full rides usually come with a stipend? It feels like those of us without big scholarships don’t get a fair shot at these smaller awards, even though they can really add up.
I was talking to a friend in class, and she totally agreed. She said the same few people with full rides are taking opportunities away from her. It’s really frustrating to see scholarships you applied for or interviewed for being awarded to people who already have full rides!
From what I’ve seen and experienced (I received a full ride), the stipend is usually quite small and only covers books. There are other living expenses that people need extra funds for. Personally, I didn’t apply for additional scholarships because I didn’t want to take opportunities from others, my school doesn’t issue refund checks, and my parents are covering my living expenses. If any of those factors changed, I’d definitely be applying for a bunch of scholarships to help with living costs.
Scholarships offer more than just financial support—they also come with perks like prestige, mentorship, leadership conferences, and valuable networking and professional development opportunities.
Why might a successful person seek out additional opportunities? Perhaps they’ve discovered something they excel at and are motivated to make the most of every chance they get.
Instead of wishing that strong candidates would withdraw from the competition, I’d recommend focusing on how you can improve yourself. Develop your story, enhance your skills, and compete with determination. By concentrating on your own growth, you can avoid feelings of unfairness and victimization.
I had a full ride scholarship but still applied for everything I could. Full rides don’t always cover textbooks, and moving away from home for college means you’ll have additional living expenses, even if you’re in a dorm—things like food, parking fees, and so on.
If your financial aid exceeds your tuition, housing (if you’re in a dorm), and fees, you’ll receive a refund for the excess amount. I used that refund for rent in my college town, food, transportation, textbooks, and other supplies. I also worked full time, but money can still be tight in college, so every last dollar really does make a difference.
I understand it’s frustrating, but if the scholarships let them apply even with a full ride, it’s smart of them to take advantage of that. Expenses like food, gas, and car payments can really add up.
This really varies from person to person. I’ve known people with their school fully paid for who still struggle to afford food and apply for additional scholarships to make ends meet. Every situation is unique.