As a student, you’re always on the lookout for ways to fund your education. While student loans and savings can help pay for college, scholarships are ideal since they provide free money that never needs to be repaid. The good news is that there are many scholarships out there for you to apply to right now. In this article, you’ll discover 10 scholarships currently accepting applications that you should consider.
These scholarships range from those based on your academic achievements to those focused on your extracurricular activities and interests. There are even some available regardless of your grades or family income. With deadlines fast approaching, now is the time for you to start your scholarship search and submit your applications. The few hours it takes to apply could end up saving you thousands of dollars in college costs. Why not apply to all 10 and increase your chances of winning free money for your education? The opportunities are out there, you just have to take advantage of them. If interested you can check our article about best universities to study medical course in Nigeria.
Scholarships With Upcoming Deadlines
Several scholarships have deadlines coming up within the next few months that you can apply for right now:
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is open to current high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Up to 150 scholarships of $20,000 each are awarded annually. The deadline to apply is October 31. To be considered, you must demonstrate leadership abilities, dedication to community service, and academic achievement.
AXA Achievement Scholarship
The AXA Achievement Scholarship offers $2,500 scholarships to 52 students nationwide. Applicants must be high school seniors who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program by fall of the upcoming year. The deadline is December 15. Winners are selected based on outstanding achievement in their activities, as well as their ambition and drive to set and reach goals.
Dell Scholars Program
The Dell Scholars Program provides $20,000 scholarships over six years to 300 students across the U.S. and Canada. Applicants must have at least a 2.4 GPA and plan to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program the following fall. The priority deadline is December 1. Recipients are selected based on their grit, drive to succeed despite personal challenges, and desire to give back to their community.
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes
The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program awards $20,000 college scholarships to 20 high school athletes across the U.S. entering their freshman year of college. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, participate in a high school sport, and demonstrate strong leadership qualities. The deadline is December 17. Winners are selected based on their outstanding performance in a sport as well as their excellence in academics and community involvement.
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Merit-Based Scholarships Accepting Applications
To receive a merit-based scholarship, you must demonstrate strong academic achievement and potential. Many major corporations, non-profits, and private donors offer merit-based scholarships for which you can apply right now.
Major Tech Companies
Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Dell offer merit-based scholarships for high school seniors and undergraduate/graduate students pursuing degrees in fields like computer science, engineering, and related areas of study. For example, the Google Lime Scholarship provides selected students with $10,000 for undergrad or grad study at a university of their choice. To apply, you must be currently enrolled or accepted as an undergraduate or graduate student, excel academically with a strong record of extracurricular activities, and belong to groups underrepresented in the field of computer science.
Fast Food Foundations
Major fast food chains also provide merit-based scholarships for students in any field of study. For instance, the Ronald McDonald House Charities U.S. Scholarship Program offers awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for students facing limited access to resources. Eligibility is based on demonstrated academic achievement, community service, and financial need.
Private Donors
Wealthy individuals, families, and private foundations commonly establish merit-based scholarship programs as a way to support students in their community or area of interest. For example, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program provides up to $40,000 per year for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s top four-year colleges and universities. To qualify, you must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and SAT scores of 1200 or above.
In summary, many merit-based scholarships are available for which you can apply right now. Do your research, focus on those for which you are a strong match, and apply to as many as possible to increase your chances of receiving an award. With time and persistence, you can win a scholarship to help fund your college education.
Need-Based Scholarships to Apply for Now
To help fund your college education, need-based scholarships are available for students from low-income families or disadvantaged backgrounds. These scholarships consider your financial situation and obstacles you have overcome. Some you can apply to right now include:
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program offered by the U.S. government. It is available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The maximum award for the 2020-2021 school year is $6,345. You must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA to determine your eligibility and award amount.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship is for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. It provides up to $40,000 per year for four years. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and SAT scores of 1200 or ACT scores of 26. The deadline to apply is November.
Dell Scholars Program
The Dell Scholars Program awards $20,000 scholarships to students who demonstrate a desire and ability to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Applicants must have at least a 2.4 GPA and plan to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited higher education institution. In addition to financial criteria, selection is based on determination, future goals, and community involvement. The application deadline is typically in January.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs. It awards 150 students annually with $20,000 scholarships in recognition of their outstanding leadership, academic achievements, and community service. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate strong leadership abilities and commitment to their communities. The application deadline is October 31st.
By researching and applying to various need-based scholarships, you have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of your college education. Make sure to start researching and applying as early as possible to increase your chances of being selected.
Unique Scholarships to Consider Applying For
There are several unique scholarship opportunities you may want to consider applying for. While less well-known, these scholarships target specific groups or interests and often have fewer applicants, so your chances of being awarded funds are higher.
Scholarships for Minorities
- The UNCF Scholarships are for African American students pursuing a college degree. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 per year.
- The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers scholarships for students of Hispanic heritage based on merit and financial need. Awards are from $500 up to $5,000 per year.
Scholarships for First-Generation College Students
- The Dell Scholars Program provides need-based scholarships for students who will be the first in their family to attend college. Awards are up to $20,000 over six years of study.
- The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is for community college students transferring to four-year schools. Awards are up to $40,000 per year for tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
Unique Interest-Based Scholarships
- The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship is for students interested in promoting vegetarianism. One $5,000 and two $3,000 scholarships are awarded each year.
- The Future Farmers of America Scholarships are for students pursuing careers in agriculture, food, and natural resources. Over 2,300 scholarships up to $50,000 are awarded each year.
- The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest invites students to write an essay on an act of political courage by a US elected official. The top prize is $10,000.
While the traditional academic or athletic scholarships are still excellent options, these unique scholarships based on identity, background or special interests are worth investigating. With some work searching and applying, you could find yourself the recipient of funds to help pay for your college education. The opportunities are out there—you just have to pursue them.
Tips for Creating a Standout Scholarship Application
To create a standout scholarship application, follow these tips:
Focus on the essay questions
Carefully read the essay questions and prompts, then craft thoughtful answers that directly address them. The essay is your chance to make a compelling case for why you deserve the scholarship. Share relevant experiences, your future goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
Highlight relevant achievements
Discuss any academic achievements, volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your potential for success. Explain how these experiences have shaped your character and future ambitions.
Follow all instructions carefully
Closely adhere to the application instructions, including formatting guidelines, length requirements, and deadlines. Failure to follow the instructions can lead to an application being rejected outright. Double check that you have included all requested materials before submitting.
Get feedback
Ask teachers, mentors, or family members to review your application for any errors or areas that could be improved. Their feedback can help strengthen your application and increase your chances.
Submit on time
Meeting the deadline is essential. Start working on the application as early as possible to avoid last minute scrambling. If possible, aim to submit at least a few days before the actual deadline in case any issues arise. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
With preparation and care, you can craft a compelling scholarship application that helps set you apart. Focusing on the details, following instructions, and submitting a thoughtful, well-written application on time will maximize your chances of success. Best of luck!
Conclusion
There are many scholarships available for students to apply to with opportunities to win free money for college. Don’t miss out on these 10 scholarships you can apply to right now. Do your research, work hard on the applications, and you’ll increase your chances of being awarded funding. With hard work and persistence, you can achieve your goal of earning a college degree. These scholarships are available to apply to at any time so start today – your future is waiting. Apply now and who knows, you may just win and be on your way to college with some extra money in your pocket. The opportunities are out there, you just have to take the first step. Now is the time to act.