What is an Academic Scholarship?
An academic scholarship is an award of financial aid for students to further their education. Awards are based on academic excellence, test scores, and other criteria set by scholarship providers. The majority of scholarships are awarded to students on the basis of academic criteria, but there are also many other ways to receive scholarships.
Benefits of an Academic Scholarship
Academic scholarships are a great way for students to get their education paid for and even ease their financial burdens. Scholarships can also help provide housing, books, and transportation asymptomatic to student’s educational goals.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Financial aid to help pay for tuition, supplies and fees
- Access to study opportunities abroad
- Networking with faculty, alumni, and other scholarship recipients
- Opportunities to embark on research projects
- Access to internships, conferences and other professional development opportunities
Recommendations
To maximize the benefits of an academic scholarship, we recommend the following:
- Be proactive and apply early. Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for a scholarship because the competition may be too fierce.
- Diversify your applications. If you are eligible for multiple scholarships, apply for them. That way, you’ll have more options to choose from.
- Utilize all available resources. Take advantage of guidance counselors, alumni networks, and other resources to help you find and apply for scholarships.
- Unlock potential funding sources. Don’t forget to look beyond scholarships offered by your college or university. There are many other sources of funding available outside of your school.
- Follow the rules. Be sure to read through all the instructions and guidelines before submitting an application. This is your chance to show the selection committee that you know how to be a responsible student.
Academic scholarships are an excellent way for students to get financial aid and access to important educational opportunities. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that you maximize the benefits of an academic scholarship.
