There are many myths and misconceptions about scholarships out there. These can lead students and their families to believe that they won’t be able to qualify for any awards or that the process is too complicated. But the truth is that there are scholarships available for just about every type of student, and applying for them isn’t nearly as difficult as some people think.
Dr Johan Blickman helps us bust some of the most common scholarship myths and give you the facts about what it takes to get college scholarships.
Myth 1: You must be a straight-A student to qualify for scholarships.
Fact: While good grades are certainly helpful, they’re not the only factor that scholarship committees consider. There are scholarships available for students of all academic levels, and many awards are based on factors like financial need, community service, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.
Myth 2: You must be a minority or from a low-income family to get a scholarship.
Fact: There are scholarships available for students from underrepresented groups, but that’s not the only type of student who can get help paying for college. There are also need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and even awards based on things like your intended major or career goals.
Myth 3: You can’t get a scholarship if you have already been accepted to college.
Fact: You can apply for scholarships after being accepted to college. Many colleges and universities offer institutional awards that are given out after students have been admitted. And there are plenty of private scholarships that students can apply for regardless of where they’ve been accepted to a school.
Myth 4: Scholarships are only for students who excel in academics or athletics.
Fact: While there are definitely scholarships available for high-achieving students, many awards are also given out based on other criteria. There are scholarships for students who have demonstrated leadership, performed community service, or overcome significant life obstacles. So no matter your strengths, there’s likely a scholarship for you.
Myth 5: Applying for scholarships is a waste of time.
Fact: Many students and families believe the scholarship application process is too complicated or time-consuming. But the truth is that many resources are available to help you through the process, and the effort is often worth it. Just remember to start your search early and be prepared to spend time researching different scholarship opportunities.
Myth 6: You must be a full-time student to qualify for scholarships.
Fact: Many scholarships are available for both full-time and part-time students. So if you’re attending college part-time or taking a gap year, you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of getting financial aid.
Myth 7: You can only apply for scholarships through your school.
Fact: There are many different ways to find scholarship opportunities. In addition to checking with your school’s financial aid office, you can also search online databases, contact local organizations or businesses, or even ask family and friends if they know of any awards that might be a good fit for you.
Now that you know the truth about scholarships don’t let these common myths keep you from applying for awards to help pay for college. There are many scholarships out there, and with a little effort, you can find the ones that are right for you.
