How to Get Private School Scholarships

The idea that people should be held back from the best academic experiences due to limited finances is ancient history. Although financial aid can partially alleviate the tuition of a private school, oftentimes you need an extra boost to make the payments. For this reason, check out the many scholarships offered to students looking to receive higher education.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Applications
• Envelopes
• Stamps

1. Maintain exceptional grades throughout your high school career. Colleges especially look at transcripts during a student's junior year, so don't slack off.
2. Try to excel in your favorite hobby. Whether it is a specific sport or a recreational activity, many private schools award scholarships to superior athletes and other students who shine in their field.
3. Get as many community service hours as possible! Colleges award a plethora of scholarships annually to students who volunteer and prove themselves active in their community.
4. Treat your teachers with courtesy and respect. A responsible disposition in high school motivates teachers to help you by writing reference letters and occasionally even applying for scholarships on your behalf.
5. Become involved! Be active within those organizations you choose to be involved in at school. Private colleges award scholarships to students who are active in their high school because it shows they will be an active part of the campus community.
6. Contact colleges for their specific scholarship packet early, at about the same time you request an application. This should be done during your senior year of high school.
7. Search through scholarships online. Sites such as FastWeb (see Resources below) are incredibly good resources when it comes to receiving scholarships for college.
8. Be prepared to answer general questions as well as personal ones and to write an essay. Private schools want to know intimately the student to whom they are awarding a scholarship.
9. Mail in all scholarship paperwork on time. Meeting deadlines shows you are responsible and deserve the scholarship.
10. Sit back and wait. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your high school guidance counselor. They are available to help you find scholarships; it's their job!
• Call the financial aid office at the college(s) you plan to attend. They can often give you very helpful information on scholarships.