WHERE TO START?
When planning how to pay for college, it’s essential to approach scholarship applications strategically. The most valuable and reliable awards often come directly from the colleges themselves—these are known as institutional scholarships. In many cases, they are automatically considered as part of the admissions process, without the need for separate applications.
College-awarded scholarships offer key advantages:
They tend to be more substantial than most external scholarship opportunities.
They are often renewable for four years, lasting the full duration of a student’s undergraduate education.
They are aligned with each college’s mission and priorities, recognizing students whose strengths reflect those values.
In most cases, these awards are automatically renewed each year, requiring no additional application.
Here you will find important information on navigating the scholarship application process.
Applying to Scholarships
HERE is a short informational video on how to get started with finding institutional/ college-awarded scholarships. The video offers a quick guide on how to navigate college websites to locate scholarships, merit awards and funding opportunities specific to your academic interests and personal profile.
MAXIMIZING SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FROM COLLEGES
The following is a simple guide on how to search for relevant scholarship opportunities and apply for them effectively:
Visit the scholarship information section on each college website and research each college's scholarship policy
In particular, gather information on merit scholarships, competitive scholarships, and departmental scholarships
Make note of scholarship-specific deadlines, as they can differ from admissions deadlines
Ensure you submit transcripts, test scores (if required), and supplemental materials by the relevant deadlines. Some merit scholarships are only available to students who apply by early deadlines (e.g., Nov 1).
Prepare a strong admissions profile. Many scholarships are awarded based on the admissions file, so it is essential to maintain strong grades and rigorous coursework. Utilize your essays and activities to showcase your leadership, talent, and impact by highlighting honors, awards, and notable contributions.
File the required financial aid forms (even for merit scholarships). Some colleges require the FAFSA or CSS Profile to be on file, even for merit-based awards. Filing early ensures eligibility for need-aware or hybrid merit/need scholarships as well.
SEARCHING FOR DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS
In addition to general merit awards, many colleges offer targeted scholarships through specific academic departments, honors colleges, or diversity and access programs.
To find relevant scholarships, you should:
Explore the college's main scholarship page and search for sections like “departmental scholarships”, “special programs”, or “scholarship directory”.
Visit the academic department's website to find the “Scholarships” or “Student Resources” section, which lists awards available to incoming students.
Check Honor College opportunities, as many honors programs offer additional awards for academic excellence, leadership, or research potential.
Seek identity-based or background-based awards, as some scholarships target specific groups, such as first-generation college students, underrepresented minority students, students from certain geographic areas, and community service leaders. Look for these through access programs, diversity initiatives, or foundations affiliated with the college.
Contact the department directly with your queries about scholarships and awards available to incoming students.
SEEKING OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
After addressing institutional scholarships, students should explore external scholarships to supplement any aid or awards offered by their colleges. These are usually smaller, but they can add up. Below is a list of leading scholarship search engines:
Students are advised to create a profile, filter by their background/interests, and apply to opportunities that align with their goals and timeline.