h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The most recent post was about a week ago, so I'm not sure this place is really in use right now, but it's worth a shot.

I can't figure out how to get scholarship money.

To clarify, I'm not talking about loans, I've already tapped out what my school will give me, and FAFSA isn't really interested in helping me. I'm a suburbanite white male, with no serious disabilities. Well, I'm blind in one eye, but I don't think that counts. My race doesn't get me any money, my gender doesn't get me any money, my various physical defects are too minor to get me money, and I don't have any connections to generous people who have money. I'm really only in school at all because I did really well on the SAT and got National Merit money. Oh, and I'm going for a BS in America, if that makes a difference.

That leaves me with only one recourse: the underworld of private scholarships. I've been to FastWeb and Scholarships.com and so on, but I really don't see them getting me anything. Why? Well, because 1) A lot of people have access to any scholarships I have access to, 2) I'm not exceptional enough to qualify for the big "come up with something brilliant" scholarships like the Intel search, 3) I have no idea what they're looking for in an essay, and 4) I hate lotteries, since by definition I'm almost certain to lose.

So, does anyone know what I should do? Is there a way to get at scholarships that nobody else is applying for? Is there some response I could give to their ubiquitous essay requests that would jump me to the top of the pile? Why do they ask for essays, anyway?

Hi there!

Sorry, can't help you - but try posting your question at <./>Askh2g2</.> - it's frequented by a lot more researchers than the 'How do I'!

FAFSA is need based. Most private scholarships are merit based so good grades and extracurricular activities other than drinking the most on drown night are important. Are you a member of any campus clubs that offer scholarships? Have you checked with local service groups in your hometown (Rotary Club, Kiwannis, Lions Club)? Those groups sometimes offer scholarships but usually only to first time freshmen. There are sometimes professional organizations that offer scholarships to students looking to major in specific things. If you're going into medicine, there are rural community hospitals and even state governments that offer grants for students. In exchange for helping you during school, you agree to work in a rural location for x number of years. It's a win-win since you're guaranteed a job. You can also check with your uni's financial aid department to see if they have any insight into academic scholarships offered by your uni. Put together a list of the activities you're in and just start applying. The key is to start working on it. Incoming freshmen are filling out FAFSA and applying for college about this time of year and on into January, February. The early birds get the worms. If you don't try or apply for any scholarships, you can be sure you won't get any scholarships.