As an undergraduate student looking to the 2024-25 academic year, you’re likely researching all potential options to fund your education. Scholarships are an excellent source of free money that doesn’t need to be repaid like student loans. However, with thousands of scholarships available each year, it can feel overwhelming to sort through all the options.
In this guide, I’ll outline the most important details you need to know about scholarships for undergraduates, including:
- Types of scholarships available and how to find them
- Eligibility requirements and key criteria funders look for
- How to build a strong application and craft compelling essays
- Important deadlines and timelines for the 2024-25 school year
- Special opportunities like diversity, STEM, and donor-funded awards
- Strategies to stand out among the competition
- Answers to common questions about the scholarship process
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the scholarship landscape and action steps to put yourself in the best position for the upcoming academic year. Let’s get started!
Types of Undergraduate Scholarships
There are several common categories that undergraduate scholarships fall into based on criteria like academics, talents, identities, or intended majors/career paths. Understanding the types is an important first step.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based or academic scholarships reward strong performance in high school as demonstrated by your GPA and assessment results like the ACT or SAT. These are some of the most prestigious and widely available scholarships for undergraduates. Examples include National Merit Scholarships through your state or institutional scholarships offered directly by the colleges.
Talent/Achievement Scholarships
If you have a special talent or skill, there may be scholarships recognizing achievement in your area, such as the arts, athletics, leadership, or technical fields. These awards character and excellence are demonstrated through extracurricular activities and competitions.
Diversity Scholarships
Many scholarships aim to promote inclusion and access by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. You may find targeted awards if you are a woman, a person of color, a first-generation student, have a disability, or come from another group historically facing barriers.
Major/Career Scholarships
Scholarships are offered for intended areas of study or future careers like engineering, nursing, teaching, business, and more. You’ll want to research any supporting your academic or professional goals.
Donor-funded and Private Scholarships
These scholarships are established and funded by private individuals, companies, non-profits, or community organizations to support students meeting their specified criteria. Searching locally can turn up hidden gems.
Finding Relevant Scholarships
With a sense of the types, how can you discover scholarships matching your qualifications? There are several reliable resources to tap into.
Your College’s Scholarship Database
Most undergraduate institutions maintain extensive internal databases of all relevant scholarships—both within the college itself and external opportunities. Get started by searching your school’s dedicated scholarship website.
External Scholarship Search Engines
Sites like FastWeb.com, Scholarships.com, and CollegeGreenLight.com have searchable databases of hundreds of thousands of awards from a range of sources. Use filters to refine based on your characteristics.
Professional Associations & Unions
If you have a major or career path in mind, look into national or state organizations related to your future industry. Many offer dedicated scholarship programs.
Local Libraries & Community Foundations
Physical library research or calls to local community foundations and service organizations can shine a light on donor-funded awards established specifically for local applicants that may otherwise fly under the radar.
Strengthening Your Application
Landing a competitive scholarship requires more than qualifications—it takes a well-crafted application. With the right preparation, you can increase your chances of standing out.
Resume or CV
Accomplishments, experiences, skills, and interests should be highlighted concisely. Customize based on each scholarship’s criteria. Consult templates or your college’s career office.
Personal Statement
Craft an engaging 1-2 page essay discussing your background, ambitions, and why receiving the award matters to achieving your goals. Emphasize your uniqueness and fit with the scholarship’s purpose. Proofread thoroughly!
Letters of Recommendation
Ask recommenders—like teachers, coaches, or employers —who can attest to your character and potential months in advance. Provide context on deadlines and your accomplishments. Follow up with a thank you!
Interview Prep
Practice telling your personal story and answering tough questions concisely. Research the scholarship provider to address their priorities authentically. Make eye contact and ask clarifying questions too.
Editing Ritual
Set aside completed applications for 24 hours, then meticulously review for typos, clarity, and overall impression before submitting on deadlines. Fresh eyes catch errors better than our own.
Important Scholarship Deadlines
Timelines for scholarships are critical. Here are some key upcoming 2024 deadlines to note:
Fall 2023
- September/October: Several early action/decision deadlines for the largest national opportunities.
- November 1st: Common deadline for state-specific scholarships.
Spring 2024
- January: Rolling deadlines begin for many institutional/donor-funded programs.
- March 1st-15th: Priority deadline for federal financial aid (FAFSA).
- April: Latest deadlines for fall enrollment consideration.
Summer 2024
- July 1st: Final FAFSA deadline but state/college deadlines may be earlier.
- Late July/August: Limited last chance programs still accepting.
Plan and apply early wherever possible. Speaking with your high school guidance counselors is also highly recommended.
Special Opportunity Scholarships
In addition to general scholarships, there are targeted programs worth highlighting. Receiving one can make a huge impact.
Scholarships for Women in STEM Fields
If you intend to study science, technology, engineering, or math, look at dedicated awards from Anthropic, Coca-Cola, and others promoting participation in male-dominated industries.
First in Family Scholarships
Being the first in your immediate family to attend college presents its challenges. Programs through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Horatio Alger specifically aid first-generation or low-income students.
Diversity in Health Professions Scholarships
For those considering nursing, medicine, or a health career, exploring the National Medical Fellowships Diversity Scholarship can provide generous funding.
LGBTQ+ Scholarship Resources
Groups like the Point Foundation, Gill Foundation, and PRIDE Scholarship Fund assist talented LGBTQ+ students through university. Application criteria consider advocacy as well as academics.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
The Nissan Foundation, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, and Disability Scholarships.org connect students with various physical, learning, or cognitive disabilities and dedicated financial support.
Researching these targeted programs could unlock additional winning opportunities catering to your unique experiences and goals. Focus on applications where you are the strongest match.
Maximizing Your Chances of Winning
The competition for undergraduate scholarships is intense, so applying strategically and showcasing your strengths is paramount. Here are additional tips:
- Use all available application/essay character limits rather than providing minimal information.
- Highlight your leadership, community service, work experience, or extracurricular involvements that demonstrate character.
- Ask respected mentors for recommendation letters speaking to your potential impact.
- Tailor each application specifically to highlight your greatest fit with that program’s mission and priorities.
- Proofread thoroughly and have others review for errors or areas needing clarity before submission.
- Follow instructions precisely and meet deadlines without exception—late or incomplete applications hurt chances.
- Check portals frequently as additional/updated scholarships may be added on a rolling basis year-round.
- Keep top-graded work, test scores, transcripts, resumes, and statement materials updated for immediate access.
Applying strategically means emphasizing what matters uniquely to each scholarship provider—now is the time to put in outstanding efforts that catch eyes and stand out from the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions students have about scholarships:
Do I need good grades for scholarships?
While different programs have varying requirements, good grades are generally an important factor for most scholarships. Merit-based awards in particular emphasize GPA and test scores. Aim for as high academic marks as your ability allows to strengthen eligibility.
Can international students apply?
Yes, there are scholarships explicitly for international students attending college in the US. Be sure to research designated global/diversity funds through your intended university or independent scholarship databases. Meeting additional documentation/residency needs apply.
If I move, can I still use a scholarship?
Often scholarships are tied to the institution or recipient commits to attend. Check conditions before transferring schools—some allow portability while others must be forfeited if leaving the awarding college.
How many scholarships can I receive?
There’s no set limit, and stacking multiple awards is certainly possible if your credentials warrant it. However, most scholarship monies have annual and aggregate limits based on estimated total costs of attendance. Be aware of over-award issues if combined scholarships would exceed published tuition, housing, and other education-related expenses for the year. Coordinating with your college’s financial aid office ensures legal compliance.
What if I don’t use all the scholarship funds?
If any portion of a scholarship goes unused due to early graduation, remaining credits from the prior term, or other reasons, those additional funds typically cannot be retained by the student. Talk to the scholarship provider and your school regarding processes for any refunds going directly back to the funding source. Spending award dollars only on approved education-related costs prevents repayment complications.
