How to Get Scholarships in High School- 4 Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid

Graduating from middle school gives joy and expectations of what high school will unfold. Most people, before graduation, already have a dream school they want to attend in mind. However, several factors affect the school that most students end up with – one of them is the cost of tuition.

The cost of tuition is the reason why we will be considering “How to get scholarships in high school”.

According to a report, the average high school tuition fee is around $34,000 per annum. That’s a huge amount of money for people from low backgrounds, paying this much will leave a big hole in their wallet. This is where scholarships come in – to reduce the amount of money that you have to pay.

In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of how to get scholarships in high school and the common mistakes you should avoid in your applications.

Let’s get started!

Types of Scholarships Available for High School Students

People’s needs fall under categories and the same goes for scholarships. Scholarships are designed to solve the money problem and there are various types that students can leverage for a seamless experience in high school. Let’s look at the types of scholarships available for high school students

1. Merit-based scholarships

Scholarships that fall under this category are awarded to students because of their academic performance. It is also awarded to students for their athletic and artistic achievements. When you can maintain a high GPA, chances are that if you apply for scholarships under this category, you will be awarded. They are highly competitive and will require you to submit a lot of documents – this is why it is important to start early. An example of a merit-based scholarship is the Gates scholarship.

2. Need-based scholarships

Applying for the merit-based scholarship is based on notable achievement and dedication to studies, but the need-based scholarship focuses on applicants who are not capable of affording the cost of a high school education. Scholarships within this category help to lessen the financial burden on the guardian of the student. Most times, the scholarship committee will require you to submit your financial information through forms like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the U.S.

3. Specialized scholarships

Scholarships under this category are designed to help students who have specific interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics allowing students to pursue their studies and careers in areas that reflect the goals and values of the organization sponsoring them.

4. International scholarship

International scholarships are designed for high school students who intend to study abroad. Students who intend to gain global experience and study in other countries are offered scholarships by programs like NSHSS. Securing scholarships under this category will mostly cover your tuition, travel, and living expenses, ensuring you are not worried or bothered by cost.

Step-by-Step Process on How to Get Scholarships in High School

Step 1: Start early and research thoroughly

You need to start your scholarship application early as it gives you the chance to identify opportunities that align with the goals you have in mind. Starting early is a proactive approach that helps you to build experiences that are relevant including academic achievements and other essentials that are vital for your application.

Starting your research before you finish high school qualifies as starting early and in the place of research, ensure to go deep.

You can check out different databases like Go Overseas or engage with scholarship-specific search engines like FastWeb, and College Board. Doing thorough research will help you analyze every bit of information to make the right decision.

Step 2: Build a strong profile

Nothing beats having a strong profile when applying for an award or a scholarship. Why? The scholarship committee is particular about the profile of the candidates they offer the scholarship. Your profile should demonstrate your experience, your excellence, and your unique personality. The foundation of a strong profile for high school is academic excellence. Maintaining a high grade gives you the chance and differentiates you. Additionally, showcasing your involvement in extracurricular activities will help the committee assess you beyond academics.

Step 3: Craft a compelling application

You need to communicate properly and communicate compellingly. Picture this: you submitted an application with your friend for a scholarship and both of you had genuine reasons for the application but in the end, he was awarded and you were not. What would you think?

You’d think he did something behind the scenes that you failed to do or that the committee is biased. However, communicating in a compelling manner which includes writing with clarity, turning in your application with recommendation letters from your mentors, and using personal examples can give you an edge over other applicants.

Step 4: Apply for multiple scholarships

This last step is quite strategic. Why? It encourages you to cast your net wide and apply to as many scholarships. The reason behind multiple applications is that the competition is tough. However, do not get carried away in multiple applications. Make sure to keep all of your applications organized to allow for easy retrieval whenever you need a document or are called upon by the scholarship committee.

How to Get Scholarships in High School: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some people make mistakes without even knowing that they have made a mistake. That’s how bad it can be, and it is usually because the process of application is overwhelming. So to stop them from happening to you, let’s look at the common mistakes to avoid:

#1. Ensure you do not start your research too late. It is out of place for you to wait until it’s time for high before you start applying for scholarships.

#2. Do not submit applications that are not tailored. Making the mistake of submitting a generic application will reduce your chances of getting the scholarship.

#3. After drafting your application, do not rush out to submit it. Ensure to proofread the entire document. Do not make the mistake of submitting it without looking at it carefully.

#4. Do not rush through your applications

Key Takeaways

Starting your application early gives you the time to strengthen your foundation, ensuring you meet all of the criteria while gaining relevant experience.
Apply for more than one scholarship. Scholarships are of different types and each one of them has unique requirements.
Build a strong profile because scholarship committees value candidates who are not lacking in any area and have highlights of excellent academics, satisfactory participation in extracurricular activities, and leadership skills.
Do not forget to keep your applications organized. It is not enough to apply to multiple places. What’s more important is to keep everything in an orderly manner to avoid confusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#1. What are the best types of scholarships for high school students?

There are different kinds of scholarships and each one of them is based on different criteria. High students can choose to apply for scholarships that are awarded based on merit, based on needs, or based on specialization. A good number of scholarships focus on your background, community service, and several other factors that affect your eligibility. You need to explore and research which is best for you, with perks that suit you and criteria that are reasonable.

#2. When should high school students start applying for scholarships?

The ideal time to start your application for a high school scholarship is around your ninth or tenth grade. You need to start early as it gives you ample time to research and prepare your applications. Most of the scholarship applications out there require you to demonstrate how involved you’ve been with academic activities and extra-curricular engagements. Starting early will help you become familiar with the requirements, and it will also help you keep track of the deadlines for application.

#3. How can students build a strong profile for scholarship applications?

Since you will be asked for your academic records, it is key for you to have and maintain a high GPA. It is also important for you to maintain a level of engagement with the extra-curricular activities of the school. You can also participate in clubs, sports, and other forms of services that show how committed you are. This is because most scholarship committees value commitment. Ensure to tailor your application to highlight specific skills or interests that can make you stand out from other applicants.

#4. How many scholarships should students apply for?

There is no harm in applying for more than one scholarship. The notion behind applying for multiple scholarships is to increase the chances of receiving the award. Applying for one scholarship is more like putting all your eggs into one basket but by creating a list of options and applying to them, you have more chances. To avoid confusion, the best thing to do is to organize the list and follow up with the relevant openings regardless of how time-consuming it is.

Conclusion

The process of applying for a scholarship can be overwhelming, identify the particular scholarship you want to apply for and apply the tips in this article to achieve the desired scholarship. The most important thing is to start early!

How to Get Scholarships in High School – Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid