Be a Scholarship Detective
Finding Scholarships That Are Just Right for You
To improve your chances of receiving a scholarship, you must find the one that’s right for you. Following are some tips on how you can become a “scholarship detective” and track down money for college. Check out these resources:
- Your High School Guidance Office
Meet with your counselor and learn how your high school files and publicizes scholarships. If there is a scholarship newsletter or bulletin, make sure that you review each copy. Get to know your counselor and let him or her know that you are interested in applying for scholarships. Most high schools in Durham have one or more scholarships that are ONLY available to students attending that high school. Learn more about what your school offers by visiting your Guidance Office. -
Search Engine
Do an individualized scholarship search on several search engines such as FastWeb and WiredScholar. Links to these sites are in the section, "Using Free Web sites to Conduct Your Own Personalized Scholarship Search." Run searches on many different sites because you may find a great scholarship on one site that is not listed on another. -
College-based Scholarships
Most of the money to help students pay for their education comes from colleges themselves. Financial aid can include scholarships, grants and loans. You may find it useful to read "The Financial Aid Package -- Where Scholarships Fit In." Since this is where most of the money is, finding out about the opportunities at each school you are seriously considering attending can pay off in a big way. Read the college brochures and financial aid program information carefully. Find out what scholarships are available through the college.
Scholarship Tip: Colleges have different policies about scholarship applications. Ask each college if you are automatically considered for scholarships when you apply, or if you have to submit one or more separate scholarship applications.
In addition to MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS, there may be DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS for students entering into certain majors. Contact the Dean’s Office in your major area of study to learn more about what scholarships are available.
If you are interested in ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS, you can get this process started by talking with your high school coach and counselor. Be sure to read the "NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete," which should be available in your Guidance Office. -
Clubs, Organizations, the Religious Community and Employers
Durham clubs, organizations, businesses and places of worship offer many scholarships for local students.
Here are some places you can look to find scholarships:
- Do you or a family member belong to any clubs or organizations? Ask if they offer scholarships for members or children of members.
- Do you or your family know members of any clubs or organizations? Ask them if their group offers any scholarships for Durham students. Keep in mind civic clubs, veterans groups, professional organizations, minority organizations and patriotic and fraternal associations.
- If you work, see if your employer offers any scholarships. Be sure to have your parents check with their employers, too!
- Churches and other places of worship often offer scholarships. Some are reserved for members. Others may be open to any local student who has been active in community service or has financial need.
- Scan the local newspaper to see if upcoming scholarships are mentioned. Scholarship winners are usually announced in the Schools section or on the Hometown page of The Herald-Sun or the News & Observer. Note the organizations that awarded the scholarships and then you can contact that organization to learn how you can apply for their scholarship next year. (This works best if you are not a senior and is one more reason to start your search for scholarships early.)
5. Keep Your Eyes Open
Always be on the lookout for scholarship information. Scholarships sometimes are listed in magazines, on racks by products in drug and grocery stores and on flyers posted in schools, stores and other locations. Finding scholarships takes some work and winning them takes even more.
