One of the most important choices your child will make on the path to high school graduation is where to go next. Many of our students, like those in the Global Prospects Academy for college-bound children who excel at sports, already have a path planned out. If the next step is college, it’s never too early to start looking into scholarships. Even if affordability is not an issue, having college paid for will help your Tampa private school student get a head start in life.
Types of Scholarships
The most commonly awarded scholarships are merit-based ones. These are given to students based on factors like academic performance, special talents, and interests. Another type of scholarship has more to do your child’s background, such as scholarships for women, specific ethnicities, or students in military families. Most scholarships fall under one of these categories or a combination of the two, and some are rewarded based on financial need. The first step to obtaining a scholarship is finding it.
Where to Find Scholarships
There are several free resources available for finding scholarships. The best source for information on scholarships is the financial aid office at the college your child plans to attend. High school counselors can also help, using their knowledge of which scholarships have been granted to past students. The library’s reference section, religious groups and community organizations can also help with scholarship information. Of course, there is always the Internet. Just be careful when searching the Internet to avoid scams. Most of the scams you will find online involve paying for information. The best online resources will be school websites. With all of these free resources available, do not pay for information from an unreliable source.
How to Apply
Before applying for a scholarship, make sure of the deadline for the coming school year. Some require prospective students to apply up to a year in advance. Make sure your child reads the application carefully, fills it out completely, and submits it on time. If there is an essay portion, proofread your child’s work. For letters of recommendation, have your child reach out to trusted sources right when she decides to apply. Just like a college application, an application for a scholarship needs to be nearly perfect. We encourage our students to work hard and strive for greatness, and we believe you can help your child get there.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, the faculty, staff, and families work as a team. Our service-oriented approach builds Christian leaders who think deeply, choose wisely, create beauty, and use their dreams to solve problems. Want to learn more about what makes us different? Contact us today.