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Scholarship Myths
Many deserving students may not win scholarships because they do not know the truth behind these myths.
Myth 1: "Only 'straight-A' students win scholarships"
The Truth: Of course, good grades are important, and for some merit-based scholarships they are essential. However, many scholarship committees consider more than grades. There are scholarships that focus on other factors such as:
- Community service
- Athletics
- A health issue that you have face
- Writing and public speaking
- The arts and music
- Intended college major
- A health challenge or other obstacle that you have overcome
- Extracurricular interests and activities
- Where you or your parents are employed
- Military experience of your parents
Myth 2: "There is so much 'free money' out there that scholarships are easy to win"
The Truth: This myth is partially true. There are billions of dollars available to help students pay for college. Unfortunately, it is not "free money." You have to put forth considerable effort to win scholarships. The application process takes time and energy. You must find an appropriate scholarship, get the application materials, put together a quality application package, and submit it by the deadline.
Myth 3: "You should work hard on only a few scholarships to give yourself the best chance to win." OR "You should enter as many scholarships as you can to give yourself the best chance to win."
The Truth: The truth is that you should enter as many scholarships for which:
-
You are eligible
-
You can prepare a quality application
When choosing which scholarships to enter, consider your "odds" of winning. Your chances are probably better in a scholarship available to "seniors from Durham interested in teaching" or “chemistry majors from North Carolina” than a national scholarship open to all high school seniors in the United States.
