How to find scholarships

By EducationQuest Foundation

Thousands of local, state and national scholarships are available. Use these resources to find those you may be eligible to apply for.

• ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org houses over 2,000 Nebraska-based scholarships. After you create a profile, this tool will match you with scholarships that fit your criteria.

• While you’re on the ScholarshipQuest page, check out links to national scholarship sites recommended by EducationQuest.

• Visit your school counseling office at least once a week during your senior year to check on local, national, and school-specific scholarships.

• The college you plan to attend is one of your best sources for scholarships. Ask about college-based scholarships you might be eligible to receive.

• Other scholarship resources could include clubs and organizations and your parents’ employers and civic organizations.

Criteria for earning scholarships can include academics, community service, leadership, or talents. Some scholarships are based on financial need as measured by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but most are combination of all these criteria. Therefore, to qualify for more scholarships, earn good grades, get involved, and complete the FAFSA.

The benefits of applying for scholarships could be enormous. If you spend 20 hours applying for 20 scholarships and receive $2,000 in awards, you just made $100 an hour!

Follow these tips to increase your chances of earning scholarships:

§ Organize scholarships in deadline order and set aside time each week to work on them.

§ The application may ask for your activities, awards, honors classes and volunteer or paid jobs. Track this information by using the Activities Resume at EducationQuest.org.

§ When requesting a letter of recommendation, give the person provide a specific deadline and a list of your accomplishments and activities or Activities Resume.

§ After writing an essay, ask an adult (preferably an English teacher) to review it. You may be able to reuse much of the essay for multiple scholarships.

§ Carefully follow the directions on the application or your application may be disqualified.

§ Don’t ever pay for scholarship services! Talk to your school counselor or EducationQuest about free resources.

Related blog articles you are welcome to use. Please cite EducationQuest Foundation as the source.

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Updated 7/17