FAQs

Q: Can I apply for a scholarship if I do not know what college I’m going to attend?

A: Though some of the scholarships indicate that a student must be accepted or enrolled in a school, in most cases this actually means by interview time.  Your scholarship provider will expect you to show a letter of acceptance from a college before they give you the money.

Q: Should I have to pay a fee to apply for a scholarship?

A: No. Since scholarships are meant to support students who need funds to pay for college, they do not require those same students to shell out money. In most cases, scholarships that require a fee are scams.

Q: If I did not win a scholarship, can I apply again next year?

A: Yes. Unless you no longer qualify, you can apply for a scholarship again. However, re-work your application to improve and update it and write a new essay.

Q: Can I lose my scholarship once it has been awarded?

A: Yes. Most scholarships are for more than one year, but you have to meet the requirements to keep the award for the next year. These usually include maintaining a certain GPA level, not changing your major, notification of any change in circumstances (e.g. changing colleges), etc.

Q: Can I apply for scholarships while I am a college student?

A: Yes. One of the biggest mistakes that students make is that they stop applying for scholarships after they’ve graduated from high school. Many scholarships are targeted at students already in college.  You should also ask your college about academic scholarships and other types of financial aid as many offer financial assistance to attract and keep talented students.

Q: If I win a scholarship, will my college take away some of my other financial aid?

A: Maybe. If you receive an entry scholarship from your college they will require you to report other scholarships that you are awarded and may then adjust the amount they are giving you accordingly.

Q: Can I transfer my scholarship if I go to another school?

A: Maybe. If the scholarship is from a college, you can only use it at that specific college. If the scholarship is from another organization, you can probably transfer the scholarship, as long as you contact the scholarship provider first to ask if they will continue to fund you.

Q: Can I receive more than one scholarship?

A:  In most cases the answer is yes, unless one of the scholarships you are awarded is a full scholarship covering all your expenses. Due to the high cost of tuition many scholarship providers allow recipients to accept other awards as long as they don’t add up to more than the total college costs, airfares, books, etc.  It is important to check the award criteria.

Q: Should I bother applying for scholarships even if I don’t have perfect grades?

A: Yes. Many scholarships take need into consideration and some also are specifically aimed at assisting the B and C grade students. They may also focus on other factors like character, motivation, leadership or volunteer activities.

Q: Do all scholarships require an essay?

A: Most do, but they are often only a few hundred words long. Essays are the best way for scholarship judges to get to know you beyond your grades, and other information provided on the application form. Visual and performing arts scholarships may also require a portfolio or project.

Q: Can I win a scholarship if my parents are well off?

A: Yes. There are two types of scholarships: need-based and merit-based and they will usually state which they are on the application form. Need-based scholarships take into account your financial need. Your parents will be asked to complete an income statement similar to a bank loan form, and just because they own their own home it doesn’t mean that they are well off.

Q: What is a renewable scholarship?

A: Renewable scholarships are awarded for multiple years and are re-awarded each year as long as the student continues to meet the scholarship requirements such as maintaining a certain GPA level. Scholarships state whether they are awarded for one year or multiple years.

Q: Are scholarships only available to college students?

A: No, there are awards available for students in primary, middle and senior school. These are usually awarded directly by the school and are often bursaries based on need. Ask at your school office for details.

Q: How can I prepare to be a scholarship applicant?

A:  This is especially critical for middle and senior school students.  First, make sure you participate in a variety of extracurricular activities that will help you develop new interests and add diversity to your resume.  Focus on pursuing hobbies and activities that you are passionate about.  Secondly, become familiar with the award criteria of scholarships within your potential field(s) of interest so that you can participate in activities that will build your resume over time in favor of those requirements.