How to Find College Scholarships for Homeschoolers?

Hey everyone, I'm currently homeschooled and pretty new to the whole college application process. I've been trying to figure out how to get scholarships as a homeschooled student. Are there specific scholarships available just for us? Any advice on where to start looking and how to apply would be super helpful. I'm not even sure if I should approach this differently compared to my friends in traditional schools. Thanks for any tips!

Searching for college scholarships as a homeschooled student isn't radically different from the process for traditionally-schooled students. However, there are a few scholarships out there that are specifically designed for homeschooled students, along with general scholarships you might consider.

First, you should take a look at organizations that support homeschooling. The Home School Foundation, for instance, offers several scholarships exclusively to homeschooled students. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) also has a scholarship program for its members.

Next, tap into the resources of the colleges themselves. Many colleges and universities have scholarships available for incoming students, and these are typically open to all students, regardless of their high school backgrounds. To find these, go to the college's financial aid website and look for their scholarship listings. Reach out to the admissions office if you can't find this information.

You should also look to your local community. Service organizations, local businesses, and community foundations often offer scholarships to students in their area. These scholarships usually focus more on where you live and what you've done in your community than where you went to school.

In addition, there are online scholarship databases like the College Board's Scholarship Search tool that can help you find scholarships based on your specific circumstances, including being homeschooled.

Remember, one of the keys to earning scholarships is applying to as many as possible, as long as you meet the criteria. Writing strong, personalized applications can make a substantial difference as well. Be sure to let your unique homeschool experience shine in your applications. Best of luck in your search!