Scholarships are available both for families that have a financial need as well as for students who show strong academic merit. Additionally, there are certain scholarships that are designed for students who meet unique requirements. Besides the FAFSA, this is the other primary way to acquire funding that doesn’t have to be paid back.
Here are a few strategies to help you maximize the amount of free money for college that you can receive via scholarships.
- Apply to the right colleges – Some private colleges are known for being generous to their students. Of course, these are usually schools that are more exclusive and expensive. However, if you qualify academically, they may be willing to help you bridge the financial gap to actually be able to attend.
- Choose a school where you will be in the top 25% academically – Scholarships don’t usually go to students who are middle of the class academically. It’s great if you can get into your reach school, but they probably won’t provide you with a merit-based scholarship.
- Go all-in on extracurriculars during high school – Extracurriculars can help set you apart from other students who are at the same level academically. Of course, those students will probably have extracurriculars as well, so try to find charities, clubs, and non-profits where you can play a leadership role and really impress admissions officers.
Get Help Planning to Receive the Maximum College Financial Aid
College Planning Source wants to help you maximize the amount of free money for college that you can receive. To learn more, give us a call today at 858.676.0700, or you can request your complimentary college planning assessment on our website.
