Webinar Recap: Cracking the Code on Scholarships

As the cost of education increases, scholarships have become a lifeline for countless students looking to pursue their academic dreams. However, with so much competition and so many options, the scholarship search can be disheartening.

Understanding the nuances of scholarship applications, finding the right opportunities, and writing a winning scholarship essay remain daunting tasks for many. Luckily, Ascent and Road2College joined forces to discuss scholarship options, featuring panelists Will Greiger, Allie Danziger, and Debbie Schwartz.

In case you missed our webinar, “Cracking the Code: Your Guide to Unlocking Scholarships,” you can watch some of the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X53OnJ5VQp0

What are the different types of scholarships?

Understanding what types of scholarships are available is critical when trying to decide which ones to apply for. Will Greiger, CEO and Co-founder of Scholarships360, breaks down the four main types of scholarships:

1. Federal & government scholarships: These include grants such as the Pell Grant and other types of aid awarded through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®). Some states also have aid programs that fall into this category as well.

2. Scholarships from colleges: Like government scholarships, a college may also use information gleaned from your FAFSA to award you need-based aid.

Many college scholarships are based off academics or talents (aka merit-based scholarships). A subset of college scholarships is a departmental scholarship, which you might earn for being in a specific area of study, studying abroad, or being a part of a club.

3. Non-profit scholarships: Non-profits are well-known for their generosity in scholarship awards. Some examples of these organizations would be the Elks Club, the Girl Scouts, or a smaller, local non-profit in your community.

4. Scholarships from private organizations: Many private companies also give out scholarships! To date, Ascent has given away over $330,000 in scholarships to students and families. Enter now for a chance to win one of our no-essay student scholarships – it only takes a few minutes! You do not need to have an Ascent loan to enter. https://www.ascentfunding.com/scholarships/

Common scholarship myths

To get you started on the right foot, we take a moment to break down and debunk these top misconceptions about applying for scholarships:

1. “Only top achievers & athletes get scholarships” – While being a star athlete or straight A student can be a great thing to mention when applying for scholarships, there are plenty of opportunities out there if that’s not you. Researching for more niche scholarships that align with your unique passions, or entering more content style scholarships could be the best way to go. Plus, many scholarships are focused more on the financial need of the applicant, meaning federal and government scholarships may be a great fit for you!

2. “Scholarships are too competitive, so don’t bother applying!” – Applying for financial aid may feel competitive, but researching and applying for scholarships that align with your talents to boost you toward the top of the applicants. Applying for local scholarships will also mean less competition.

3. “Start researching for scholarships your senior year of high school” – While there may be plenty of scholarship opportunities out there during your senior year, there are scholarships available to you as early as your freshman year and plenty to keep exploring throughout your college journey.

4. “You must be a great essay writer to win scholarships” – Essay scholarships can feel daunting, and you should always invest time and effort into your submissions, but showcasing your creativity and who you are as an individual in your essay can be just even more valuable.

Starting your scholarship search:

Before diving into your scholarship hunt, our panelists suggest a quick look inward to find what you should be looking for in a scholarship:

– Consider what makes you unique and start there. This will give you insight on the types of scholarships you should look for based off your passions, talents, and life experiences.

– Be specific when you consider all the qualities of yourself that you might include in your scholarship research. Even the smallest or strangest interests could generate scholarship opportunities!

– The more niche, the better! Finding a scholarship opportunity revolving around a lesser-known hobby or interest can mean less competition and a better chance of winning that money for school.

A few key takeaways:

As you embark on your journey of paying for college, we’ll leave you with these four key takeaways to keep your scholarship search successful:

1. Scholarships offer invaluable financial support for students and families on their educational journey.

2. Start your scholarship search early to maximize your opportunities

3. Leverage your various scholarship research tools, including online platforms, educational institutions, and organizations

4. Apply for as many scholarships as you can!

Congrats to our latest scholarship winner!

One of our top priorities at Ascent is to contribute to the success of all students. That’s why we have given over $332,000 in scholarships to date! Join us in congratulating our most recent scholarship winner below:

Kamiyah B., Pace University, Unlocking Scholarships $500 Scholarship Giveaway