How To Get Scholarships

Scholarships are valuable tools that allow thousands of students to receive funding to help them pay for college. However, there are millions of high school students around the country competing for them, so being awarded a scholarship isn’t an easy process. Luckily, we’re here to cover some of the best tips for how to get scholarships.

How To Get College Scholarships 

There is no one, set way to guarantee that you successfully obtain a scholarship, but there are a few important tips you should use as guidelines when applying for scholarships. Following these tips will help ensure you do everything right and put yourself in the best position to get a scholarship:

• Start Early - One of the keys to getting a scholarship is finding scholarships. That’s why it’s important to start the process of researching and applying for scholarships early so you don’t miss any deadlines. You can start researching scholarships as early as you like, but, generally, it is advised to begin the application process during the summer between your junior and senior years of high school.
  
• Cast a Wide Net - Starting the process of applying for scholarships early will also allow you to cast a wide net and apply to more scholarships overall. Doing this will give you a better chance of being awarded a scholarship than if you only apply to a few opportunities. 
  
• Fill Out the FAFSA Form - Some scholarships require you to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form in order to be considered. Filling out the form should be at the top of your to-do list anyway because it can lead to you receiving federal student aid for your college education.
  
• Have Common Requirements Ready - In order to be properly prepared, you should research items that are commonly required when applying for scholarships—like reference letters, cover letters, and essays. Make sure you have these items ready—or the time to complete them—so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute. For references, specifically, be sure to reach out to individuals as early as possible so they have time to write a thoughtful letter of recommendation for you, and so they don’t feel pressured.
  
• Write Meaningful Essays - If an essay is required for a specific scholarship application, make sure you write a meaningful, genuine, and unique one. The essay prompts will change between different scholarship opportunities, and so should your writing. Don’t keep using the same old essay over and over and expect it to work.
  
• Apply for Less Competitive Scholarships - Another great way to give yourself the best chance at getting a scholarship is to apply for less competitive scholarships. These can be local scholarships in your area, or unique scholarships for specific groups of people. Either way, there will be fewer applicants, and a better possibility of you being awarded a scholarship.

Catch A Break! is proud to provide substantial financial aid to aspiring college students of all majors. With our scholarship program, students have the freedom to choose their major without fear of having low income right after graduation. Scholars also take part in an active and life-long scholarship community that fosters growth and development.

We give select Minnesotans up to $11,000 a year to pay for in-state tuition. Even better, our scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years! We’re always looking for exceptional students in our program, so apply today or visit our website to learn more!

About Catch A Break!

At Catch a Break!® we believe in the value of a college experience and the rewards of a hard-earned degree. The knowledge and abilities you gain in college can open new doors and change the course of your life. We are a testament to that fact; we’ve caught so many breaks in our lives that have helped us make a difference in the world, and we want to find deserving scholars who will catch their break and use it to make a difference of their own.

Catch a Break!® is proud to support financial awards and our scholarship program so we may choose the best students and potential talent. We select scholars each year and provide them up to $11,000 per year up to four years. Our goal is to help you graduate from college debt-free. Learn more and apply for our scholarship by visiting our website.