Scholarship Secrets
Scholarships that don’t require an essay but focus on criteria like sports, academics, or community service.
What are merit-based scholarships?
The type of classes that can help you earn college credit in high school.
What are Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit classes?
This term refers to the total cost of tuition, housing, books, and fees.
What is the cost of attendance?
The first step in researching colleges.
What is identifying what you’re looking for in a school?
The best time to start researching colleges and scholarships.
What is junior year?
These scholarships are based on financial need rather than academic or athletic achievements.
What are need-based scholarships?
This is the best time to start building your high school resume.
What is freshman year?
A financial aid award that does not need to be repaid.
What is a grant?
The FAFSA determines this for college students.
What is eligibility for financial aid?
The person who can help you navigate high school and prepare for college.
Who is a school counselor?
These are smaller scholarships that many students overlook but can add up to significant amounts.
What are local scholarships?
Colleges look for leadership experience in this type of high school activity.
What are clubs or extracurricular activities?
This is the first step in applying for federal financial aid and many scholarships.
What is completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?
This college application tool used by over 1,000 colleges across the country to streamline the application process.
What is the Common App?
Building relationships with these individuals in high school can lead to strong recommendation letters and mentorship opportunities.
Who are teachers?
The most important part of writing a scholarship essay.
What is answering the prompt and telling your unique story?
Joining clubs and organizations during high school can help you develop these for your resume.
What are leadership and teamwork skills?
A program that allows students to work part-time to help pay for college expenses.
What is work-study?
Cost of attendance, academic programs, and campus culture are examples of these.
What are factors to consider when choosing a college?
This is the main benefit of creating a college checklist.
What is staying organized and meeting deadlines?
This type of scholarship covers the remaining cost of tuition after all other grants and scholarships have been applied.
What is a last-dollar scholarship?
This document lists your extracurricular activities, achievements, and skills to showcase your experience.
What is a resume?
A type of federal student loan that does not accrue interest while you are in school.
What is a subsidized loan?
The test that many colleges use to evaluate students for admissions, scored on a scale of 400–1600.
What is the SAT?
Before requesting this from a teacher or mentor, you should provide them with your resume and give them plenty of time.
What is a letter of recommendation?