How to Get a Scholarship in High School
Requirements for scholarships vary. To apply for some, you'll need to write an essay, for others, you'll need to secure references, and for most, you will need to fill out an application. Scholarships are either need- or merit-based. Need-based scholarships take your financial situation into account, while merit-based scholarships focus on evidence of skill and talent, and disregard financial need. The best way to prepare for applying for scholarships is to get involved in your community, take a proactive stance on school, and take steps to improve your essay writing.
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Instructions
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Get involved in your community. Volunteer at local non-profit businesses, participate in after-school activities, and become a leader in your high school. Investigate local charities and causes that you are passionate about to find ways that you can help. Join clubs in your high school that interest you. Look for opportunities to demonstrate your leadership skills. Apply for club president or tutor your peers after school.
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Become proactive about school by pushing yourself to succeed academically in your final years. Even if your grades were not the best in your first years of high school, you can still earn scholarships if you can show that you have improved. Talk to your teachers regularly to find out how you are doing and what you can do to get better grades.
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Look for opportunities to improve your essay writing. Some schools give classes on writing scholarship essays. Ask a guidance counselor for advice, have your language arts teacher read and edit your rough drafts, and talk to adults you know who are good writers. Make sure to write about something you are passionate about, and make sure that your final draft is free of errors before you turn it in.
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Tips & Warnings
All federal aid is need-based and requires you to compete the FAFSA (Free Application For Student Aid).
References
Resources
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