Whether you’re a student or a parent, you’ve probably been assuming all along that getting a scholarship today is not much different from getting a scholarship 5, 10, or even 20 years ago. You compete against your classmates, and may the best man/woman win, right?
Wrong. The process of giving and receiving scholarships has changed immensely over the last 10 years by the same invention that has turned so many other industries on their heads: the Internet. Nearly all major scholarships (and most of the minor ones) are now promoted on the Internet as well as in books and in schools around the world.
But so what, you say? The Internet provides incredible, worldwide access, and today’s students can apply for more scholarships than they ever could have hoped for in the past.
That’s true, but it’s also a double-edged sword, and that’s the part that no one outside this book wants to talk about. Scholarships that once received only a handful of applications now receive hundreds. Those that received hundreds before now receive tens of thousands. And now for the really bad news: That only counts American students.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello,
I doubt you will actually read my reply since you said you said you are “normal busy human beings” but I do want to say Thank you. I now know that I really failed to complete ALL the sscholarships I applied to. Luckily, I have only applied to 5 scholarships in my entire life. I am only a sophomore so I have time.
Thank you,
Diana Duong
I think they only give them to certain areas and the rest are being ignored. We see the winners are always not from the Northeastern part of the state. Even some colleges are never mention.
Hi, Diana — I did read it, just took me forever to respond! You’re welcome, and I hope the information serves you well. If you’re just a sophomore, I expect we’ll see you around here often for the next couple of years, right?
Claudia — there are definitely biases among scholarship judges. That’s for sure. I haven’t personally noticed a Northeastern bias, but there are a lot of high-end private schools up there, not to mention a good slice of the population at large, so that could explain part of it.
Good luck to you! Hope to see you around GMS often!
Josh
Josh-
I just finished reading your book and wanted to let you know that it was appreciated. Some of the tips are a bit antiquated as the scholarship industry moves forward electronically, but still valid.
Hopefully I can win some money now with your advise.
As a 30 yr old non traditional student hopefully I have the maturity role cinched up
Hey, Tabatha — thanks very much! I’m glad you found it useful, and I also hope you can use the information to get some money in your pocket. Good luck, and come back often!
Josh
hello
Hi Josh,
You mean most of the scholarships are often offered for American students(citizens), but howabout eligible non-citizens? Do they get less chances of getting the scholarships? Thank you!
Hey,
I’m first year in the Pre-health sciences program, and maintaining my GPA of 3.93… I have applied to numerous scholarships and received nothing.. Why am I being overlooked so harshly?
Completing school without financial help from parents is very difficult, and I struggle to get by all the time. My situation is very complicated..
Please let me know if you can help me!
Thanks.
Britany
well, josh. i’m not a american student but i feel that persons out of america can apply for a scholarship for study in america. i will appreciate your concern about this. thanks for the opportunaty to express this words. thank u again. if you can or like maybe you can send me more information about how a poor and non citizen of america can get a scholarship to finish his own career in america. bye
Life without purpose is meaningless.My purpose is get educated so that i will help my country to diversify the ecomomy.I have completed my certificate in travel and tourism,so i want to persue my diploma in travel and tourism.