About Academic Scholarships
The college application process can be difficult but not nearly as difficult as paying for college can be. Academic scholarships were created to address the need for college funding by rewarding and motivating students with high or passing grade point averages.
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History
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The concept of "sponsoring" a student through his or her education has been a part of human society for hundreds of years. The practice was part of the fledgling democracy in Athens, Greece, and came into fashion late in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. The system provides some means of support, actual funding, books, living expenses or other necessary items, to students willing and able to attend college or university. Over time, different methods of providing these scholarships have evolved.
Types
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There are many types of scholarships, including athletic, academic, civic and academic. Since private scholarships often reflect the standing of the organization or individual providing the funding, many are geared towards people with specific backgrounds or history.
Public scholarships, however, are typically need-based scholarships, which are based on the student's (or the student's parents') income, rather than merit-based academic scholarships. -
Function
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Most academic scholarships are small and privately funded, designed to encourage students with a past record of good performance to continue their education. Academic scholarships are available in nearly every field of learning from a wide variety of sources.
Generally, these scholarships require an exceptionally high GPA--between 3.0 and 4.0, for consideration. The largest academic scholarships, like the National Merit Scholarships in America, are highly competitive and require near-perfect grades and a rigorous interview process.
Features
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Applying for merit-based academic scholarships can be a daunting task, with a wide range of scholarships available for students from every background and personal history. Since these scholarships are judged on student performance, the application process can be heavily involved. Students will be asked to provide transcripts and proof of grades and often may be required to write essays, show a varied course load through high school and university, and add depth to their application by showing extracurricular involvement in sports, clubs, or volunteer work.
In the private sector, each scholarship application is a separate process. This means it's important to identify a select number of scholarships that suit the student's interests, abilities and goals, and then to work hard to make those applications shine.
Benefits
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The benefits of using academic scholarships to pay for school are more than simply providing funds. The scholarship funding can go a long way towards off-setting the payments a student or his family would need to make for tuition, books and living expenses; however, these scholarships also provide a heavy sense of responsibility and motivation for students to do their best.
Many will roll over into subsequent semesters if the student continues to show a record of good performance and a high GPA. Additionally, these scholarships can be helpful when applying to graduate school or heading into a career, since they showcase a student's talents, skills and abilities and prove their ability to meet requirements in a responsible manner.
Expert Insight
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Resources vary state-by-state and by country, so be sure to check your local government's websites first (for example, your state's Department of Education or College Fund).
Public libraries often keep copies of a directory to scholarship funding available for students to use and copy, and many websites run by private foundations maintain lists of local or regional scholarships.
Consider your ties to your community--your job, your parents' jobs, and the groups you're involved with--and make a list of organizations that may offer scholarships to people involved in their programs or employment.
Most importantly, if you've chosen a school already, contact that institution's financial aid office for a list of school-specific scholarships and check to see if there is a general aid application to fill out before consideration. Many schools now tailor financial aid to a particular student's history, need, and merit, based on a general form.
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Resources
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Comments
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Doodlebabe
Jan 05, 2009
I like how you set this article up differently than most on here. You provided very relevant and great information that I think will put some parents at ease (I know a woman who thinks scholarships are contracts with scam artists).
