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@tati27
0 answers, 20 votes
 • 4 months ago •
Paying for College

Should I apply to more essay scholarships or non essay?
Answered

I'm in 11th grade and I'm starting college fall 2026. If I can't get scholarships I won't be able to go to college. I know I will get financial aid but I know that won't cover everything. I need scholarships but I don't know which ones I am more likely to get.

11th-grade
2026
20
8
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4 answers

4
Accepted Answer
@SassySquirrel
1 answer, 6 votes
 • 4 months ago

Not strictly scholarship related, but some ways to reduce your need:

Have you checked out ASU Universal Learners program? it's a way to take online college courses ($25 each) that you can add to your transcript for just $400 (if you pass). This might help you clear some general education requirements and reduce your time need to complete a degree by a semester (or two!) just like AP courses will. (also, do not be afraid to start at a community college if you need to, and get some credits in. Look at transferring to more elite schools after that, they often have pathways to success for students that might not otherwise make it to their campuses.)

4
[🎤 AUTHOR]@tati274 months ago

thank you so much, i didnt consider those things

@Surfer4 months ago

I'd like to piggy back off of this idea and add that you can take classes at a community college sometimes. In my school district and in surrounding school districts, you can take college classes which are mostly free for high school students. It is called "dual enrollment" and can count towards your general education. I am doing this and I plan to complete my Gen Ed so I don't have to pay thousands of dollars anymore. However, some colleges may only accept a certain amount of college credits

8
@breanna_2006
1 answer, 8 votes
 • 4 months ago

Hey!

I know this doesn't completely answer your question but I hope this helps... I am going into my senior year this year and have been applying for an insane amount of scholarships. Something that has helped me immensely is Going Merry. You also want to start accounts with Niche, Scholarships.com, Collegeboard, Scholarship Owl, Bold.org, and College Vine if you haven't already. I know it's frustrating but apply to as many scholarships as you possibly can. Also, try to narrow down your college list and look at what the cost of attendance looks like for each one as well as what scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities those specific colleges provide. Just keep applying! And don't worry too much if you aren't getting any back because most deadlines aren't for a while! Keep an eye on deadlines, make lists of the scholarships you apply to, and just keep applying. I would also recommend talking to your guidance counselor for additional advice, he/she may know of some great opportunities that are personalized to you.

I hope this helps!

8
[🎤 AUTHOR]@tati274 months ago

I greatly appreciate it

3
@Jael_S238
333 answers, 669 votes
 • 4 months ago

Thoughts on scholarships:

Check out Fastweb, Scholarships.com, ScholarshipOwl, Scholarships360, Collegexpress, Going Merry, and Bold.org. My two tips: 1) Choose scholarships that require some work on your part. The one-click wonder no-essay scholarships are entered by everyone. You have a better chance of winning if you enter ones requiring essays, projects, pictures, even GPAs or transcripts. 2) Choose scholarships that fit your interest, talent, etc. There are specific scholarships for students interested in that field or a hobby. Some of the websites I just recommended (like Fastweb) take all your preferences, interests, and goals and then suggests related scholarships. Other times you have to search for them yourself. But it is worth it. Entering scholarships that are related to your interests/hobbies/majors/talents gives you an advantage. AND it becomes fun, not a burden! Just share your passion and it will go places.

Many colleges offer merit scholarships. Based on your GPA, EC's, and transcript, they may offer you a larger merit scholarship. This is where applying to colleges that may be target or safety schools is a great idea. If your stats are above the school's average, they will offer you more money to attend their school (it raises their stats and looks great for the college). Also, don't give up on scholarships. Even after you graduate high school. All of the websites I suggested have scholarships for college students, and colleges have small scholarships you can enter during your time there. Just keep at it and you will see results!

Hope this helps and lmk if you have any questions.

3
[🎤 AUTHOR]@tati274 months ago

Omg thank you so much! I haven't heard of some of those websites so ill definitely check them out.

1
@na_marmari
3 answers, 1 vote
 • 4 months ago

I think essay scholarsips use less chance and I feel like applying for essay scholarships can improve your chances of getting them.

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