Types of Scholarships
Scholarships do not have to be repaid once you graduate from college. Most scholarships are merit-based, but some may be based on a combination of merit and need. Scholarships are not awarded by the government, so there is no limit on the amount of money you can receive. Additionally, you do not have to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for a scholarship, although it is recommended that all student complete and submit the FAFSA because you may qualify for federal grant money.
Academic Scholarships
The most common type of scholarship is an academic scholarship. An academic scholarship is based on your grade point average, and this is one type of scholarship offered by many schools. Good students are good investments for colleges, so many will reward hard-working students who maintain a high grade point average and/or do well on standardized tests like the ACT or SAT.
Minority Scholarships
You may qualify for scholarships just by being you. Minority scholarships can be based on race, gender, or ethnicity. A group of people that is or has been considered underprivileged have the right to an equal education, and this is where minority scholarships come into play.
Athletic Scholarships
If you have a natural talent for any sport, you may qualify for an athletic scholarship. Many schools recruit for these scholarships but sometimes give consideration to athletes willing to work or play for the team for a year before being put on scholarship. Remember, it doesn’t have to be about the fame and glory of being a star athlete. Even if you sit the bench most games while earning a free education, it will be worth it when you graduate and start a career with no debt.
Other Scholarships
There are many different types of scholarships out there for some of the most unusual things, such as scholarships if you know many facts about the FBI, like to skate, are unusually tall, or can write or draw.
