Unlocking the Door to Education: A Comprehensive Guide to Securing Your Scholarship

One of the most rewarding aspects of supporting our students is helping them pursue their higher education dreams. We understand that the financial aspect of attending a university can be a significant concern for many aspiring scholars which is why we’re excited to share this comprehensive guide!

Understanding the scholarship landscape
Scholarships come in various forms and sizes and can cater to a wide range of talents, backgrounds, and academic achievements, which is why it’s crucial to understand the different types of scholarships available. For the most part, scholarships can be divided into two main categories, merit-based and need-based.

Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-Based scholarships are generally awarded based on your academic, athletic, artistic or similar achievements. High academic performance or outstanding standardized test scores can help you achieve this but it is also important to remember that having exceptional skills within your particular field can also make you eligible!

Need-based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Universities’ financial aid offices and scholarship committees consider factors such as family income, household size or similar financial responsibilities. It serves to help make higher education more accessible to prospective students to make universities more inclusive.

There is another category which we can call specialized scholarships. There are scholarships that are designed for students pursuing certain fields of study or for students that belong to specific demographics. Some of these include STEM major, underrepresented minorities or first-generation college students scholarships.

Here are some steps for when you’re navigating through the scholarship application process.

1. It’s important to begin your research early on so that you are able to organize a list of potential options and their eligibility criteria. Most universities have information on their direct website but there are options available through external organizations as well.
2. You should craft a compelling personal statement. Most applications require this to provide students with an opportunity to showcase their achievements and qualities that make you a suitable candidate.
3. Reach out to people for recommendation letters. This includes your teachers, mentors or employers who can speak to your abilities and character, make sure that your recommenders know you well and can provide specific information on your achievements.
4. Showcase your extracurricular activities. Most scholarships value well-rounded students who would be able to contribute to the university’s community which is why highlighting your involvement in things such as community service or leadership roles can help you demonstrate your potential contributions.

At Unihawk, we help students navigate this intricate journey! We understand how strenuous this process can be which is why we’re not just a guide, we’re a resource to your success. Reach out to your admissions counselor and ask for what scholarship opportunities could be available to you!

By: Sam Rajesh, Admissions Counselor