Kimberly Dulin
Senior Associate Director, Office of Student Financial Services, Xavier University
When savings and financial aid are not enough to meet the cost of attending college, private scholarships are a great way to help fill the gap, and they are more accessible than you might expect. Start by having your child ask their college counselor. There are lots of organizations that offer private scholarships, from community groups to larger associations and even a parent’s employer. Start local before moving to online scholarship databases.
As you and your child look, here are ten practical tips to help you get the most out of your scholarship search.
1. Start Early: Some scholarship applications are open to younger students. Don’t wait until senior year to look!
2. Stay Organized: Keep a list or spreadsheet with deadlines, award amounts, and requirements.
3. Avoid Scams: Don’t share confidential information or connect a social media account when applying. An easy way to stay safe is to use reputable databases for your search, including Career One Stop and ScholarshipOwl, or seeing if your prospective college offers any guidance on their website, as we do at Xavier.
4. Set Weekly Goals: Apply for a few scholarships each week to increase the chances of winning.
5. Write the Essay: Essay scholarships often get fewer applicants, giving your child better odds.
6. Match Your Interests: Search for awards related to your child’s hobbies, talents, or future career goals.
7. Don’t Skip the Small Ones: Smaller scholarships add up and are often less competitive.
8. Grades Aren’t Everything: Many scholarships value leadership, service, or creativity over GPA.
9. Clean Up Your Online Presence: Remind your child that their social media should reflect their best self — scholarship committees may check.
10. Be Patient and Persistent: Encourage your child to keep applying even if they don’t win right away. Every application is practice!
The scholarship hunt can feel daunting, but if your child treats it like a part-time job, putting in a little bit of time each week, writing essays, and seeking out opportunities, their hard work can pay off.
