As a high school student-athlete, you have a lot on your plate. Between studying for classes and participating in sports, it can be challenging to figure out how to pay for college. Fortunately, there are many scholarship opportunities available to student-athletes who are dedicated to both their academic and athletic pursuits. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to research scholarship opportunities for college.
1. Start Early
It is never too early to start thinking about college scholarships. The earlier you start, the more time you have to research and apply for scholarships. Start researching scholarship opportunities as soon as possible, ideally at the beginning of your junior year of high school. This will give you ample time to research and apply for scholarships before you graduate.
2. Use Scholarship Search Engines
There are many scholarship search engines available online that can help you find scholarships that you are eligible for. Some popular scholarship search engines include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex. These websites allow you to create a profile that matches you with scholarships that fit your qualifications and interests.
3. Check with Your School’s Guidance Office
Your high school’s guidance office is an excellent resource for scholarship information. Guidance counselors can provide you with information about local and national scholarships that are available. They may also have scholarship applications on file and can help you with the application process.
4. Contact Your Potential College’s Financial Aid Office
Each college has its own set of scholarship opportunities available for incoming students. Contact the financial aid office at the colleges you are interested in attending and ask about scholarship opportunities for student-athletes. Be sure to ask about any specific scholarships available for athletes in your sport.
5. Look for Athletic Scholarships from Outside Organizations
Many organizations offer scholarships to student-athletes. Look for organizations that are relevant to your sport, such as the United States Tennis Association, the National Football Foundation, or the Women’s Sports Foundation. You can also look for organizations that are based on your location, ethnicity, or other demographic factors.
6. Research the NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) offers scholarships to student-athletes who plan to participate in college sports. The NCAA provides information about scholarships on their website, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines. Be sure to check with your high school athletic director or coach to see if they can provide additional information about NCAA scholarships.
7. Do Not Forget About Academic Scholarships
While athletic scholarships are great, do not forget about academic scholarships. Many colleges offer academic scholarships to students who excel in academics, regardless of whether or not they play a sport. Be sure to apply for any academic scholarships that you are eligible for.
Researching scholarship opportunities for college can be a daunting task, but it’s worth the effort. By starting early, using scholarship search engines, checking with your school’s guidance office, contacting your potential college’s financial aid office, looking for athletic scholarships from outside organizations, researching the NCAA, and not forgetting about academic scholarships, you can increase your chances of receiving a scholarship to help pay for college.
