Getting scholarships can feel like a mystery, but we’re here to help you crack the code. The biggest scholarship offers, “merit aid,” often arrive with acceptance letters based on your GPA, course difficulty, test scores, and essays. However, the standout factor of every application is the element that lights a fire under admissions departments and makes them put money on the table. So, how do you secure this aid? Let’s dive in!
The Key to Scholarships: Merit Aid
Steps to Automatically Receive Scholarships
1. Complete the FAFSA
Many students miss out on scholarships simply by not submitting the FAFSA. In 2018, $2.6 billion in federal Pell Grants went unclaimed! Don’t let this be you. Submit your FAFSA to unlock numerous financial aid opportunities.
How Diversity Can Help You?
Colleges now focus on a broader definition of diversity, including:
- Ideas
- Perspectives
- Talents
Institutions often reward students who stand out with larger merit aid packages. Today, being a specialist in a particular field is more valued than being a generalist.
Highlighting Talents for Scholarships
Admissions departments love applicants who bring something unique. Here’s how you can stand out:
- Identify Your Passions Early: Focus on academic or extracurricular areas you’re passionate about.
- Develop Distinctive Strengths: Showcase a project, initiative, or skill that sets you apart.
Should we choose the major strategically to get better financial aid?
Opting for a less competitive major can increase your chances of acceptance and receiving a scholarship. Research schools and their offerings to find the best fit for your interests and strengths. Remember, many schools make it easy to switch majors later on, so you won’t be locked into your initial choice.
How can we leverage our good grades and test scores to get scholarships?
If you need over 25K a year in scholarships at private colleges, there is a strategy that will pull the gift money. In building your college list, you’ll want your target schools to place you in the top half of students based on grades and test scores. This increases your chances of both admission and merit aid.
What’s the best strategy for winning scholarships?
- Plan Ahead: Start identifying and developing your passions well before applying.
- Be Unique: Showcase what makes you different from other applicants.
Research Schools: Look for institutions where your chosen major and academic profile align well. - Stay Flexible: Don’t worry about being locked into a major. Many schools allow you to change it easily.
- Aim High: Use your grades and test scores to target schools where you’ll stand out.
Following these tips and staying proactive can increase your chances of securing substantial merit aid and making your college dreams more affordable.
Contact us now to help your child secure a spot at their dream school!
Good luck! 🌟