For many college-bound students, scholarships can help make the path to a higher education more affordable. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid. They may be offered by colleges, private organizations, nonprofits, or even local community groups. Finding and applying for scholarships may seem daunting, but there are practical steps you can take to maximize your success when searching for these opportunities. 

1. Start Early and Stay Organized 

The earlier you begin searching for scholarships, the better. As deadlines pass, there are less of these free opportunities to take advantage of. Create a spreadsheet to track scholarship deadlines, requirements, and the status of your applications. Staying organized will help you avoid missing out on key opportunities. 

2. Free Resources Can Help 

There are several free tools that can help you identify scholarships based on your background, achievements, skills, and interests. The U.S. Department of Labor offers a free scholarship search tool through its career exploration website, CareerOneStop.org. Visit tmuky.us/find-scholarships to be taken directly to that search tool online. You can then use filters to find scholarships based on criteria such as where you live, religious affiliation, ethnicity, and other factors. 

Don’t overlook smaller, local scholarship opportunities. Check with religious, community organizations, and school districts that you are involved in, and local, small businesses aligned with the field you plan to study. If you or your parents are employed, be sure to check with that organization to see if they offer scholarships for attending college or have a tuition assistance program. Local chapters of professional associations that are related to your field of study can also be a good resource for scholarship dollars. The Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation provides a lengthy list of opportunities for Greater Cincinnati students. Visit tmuky.us/CSF to be taken to that list online. 

Financial Aid Offices of the schools you are interested in attending can also help. To view a list of scholarships awarded specifically by Thomas More University, visit tmuky.us/financialaid. In addition to scholarships awarded by colleges as part of your financial aid offer, the Financial Aid Office at your school of choice may also be able to direct you to known resources or scholarship programs in the community. Thomas More lists several of these types of resources at tmuky.us/scholarshiplist. 

3. Tailor Your Applications 

When applying for scholarships, make sure you carefully read and follow the application guidelines. Tailor your essays and responses to each specific scholarship. Scholarship committees are looking for candidates who align with their values and goals, so show how your experiences and aspirations fit the scholarship’s mission. 

4. Beware of Scams 

Unfortunately, scholarship scams do exist. Be cautious of scholarships that require an application fee, guarantee that you will win, or ask for sensitive personal information. Legitimate scholarships will never require you to pay to apply or promise guaranteed results. 

Have questions? 

Securing scholarships requires persistence, organization, and a bit of research. Thomas More University’s Office of Financial Aid is here to help. Give us a call at 859-344-3319 and learn how you can experience a high-quality, liberal arts education affordably at Thomas More.