Unlocking Opportunities: Preparing for Scholarship Applications as a Highschooler

Written By Fiona

When sailing into new horizons, it is crucial to prepare your map in advance to navigate these uncharted waters. Finishing high school may feel daunting as you embark on a new journey: starting the rest of your life. For most people, the ideal tide to take is starting university. However, you must weather its storm of challenges, especially as the average cost of tuition rises each year.

Luckily, things don’t have to be gloomy. As you embark on your academic voyage, a scholarship may serve as a beacon of light, much like how a lighthouse gives security and direction to its sailors. Not only does a scholarship provide financial aid, it is a chance to network and receive mentoring and guidance. Furthermore, it may also enhance your CV, thus providing diverse and detailed career prospects. However, because of its intriguing benefits, scholarships tend to also be extremely competitive, requiring months of preparation to successfully steer.

But rest assured! There is no need to drown in sorrows when navigating these waves. Here are some steps to ease your way in preparing for scholarships as a high school student:

Start now! Time is your best friend and wasting it can be your biggest regret. Therefore, it is crucial to research early. Start by reading university websites as the internet provides vast amounts of information regarding scholarships both within and outside of the country. Understand that there are many different types of scholarships funded by both government and private institutions. Remember, scholarships are not only available for students with exceptional academic or athletic talents, some even have easy and quick applications, so apply to as many as you qualify for to maximize your chances of success.

Take full advantage of your school’s resources. While preparing for scholarships, don’t solely rely on yourself. Your school may provide more resources than you might think. Start by asking your school’s guidance counselor for insight, advice, and opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your school has your best interests at heart when it comes to scholarships, do use their resources to your advantage. High school is a place for learning, so take the right classes, and try your best to sharpen your soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and critical thinking.

Strengthen your CV. In a pool of hundreds-possibly thousands of other applicants, you should do your best to stand out. At the very least, work hard to improve your grades, as grades are one of the most important factors in most scholarship selections. Stay consistent as well, and try your best to go above academic expectations by focusing on academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and if possible- work experience. Ensure that these endeavors align with your genuine interests and the education you're pursuing. This shows passion and dedication which can help you get selected for scholarships.

Build a strong bond with your teachers. A good relationship with your teachers now may help you in the future. Teachers are often the ones who appoint students to opportunities, they are also usually the first ones to know about competitions or college fairs. More importantly, they are the ones who will give you letters when you apply for scholarships. It’s important to ask for a letter of recommendation early to give them less pressure to deliver. Therefore, ensure that you show dedication to their subject, participate in their classes, treat them with respect, and show that you are responsible. However, be cautious not to overdo it as it may seem insincere or obnoxious.

Be mindful of your online presence. Digital footprints can be more damaging than you might think. Try searching yourself up, and ensure that your Google results and social media are polished to your liking. Scholarships often look into your social media before handing out acceptances as they can show what a person is like. Therefore, make sure you are not just maintaining a facade, be the person you claim to be.

Scholarship opportunities can arise unexpectedly, so do avoid procrastination! While the application process may feel daunting, securing valuable scholarships can greatly benefit you in the long run. Embrace the journey and best of luck in your future endeavors!

References:

• Beasiswa: 11 Cara agar Bisa Kuliah Gratis. (n.d.). https://danacita.co.id/blog/beasiswa-11-cara-agar-bisa-kuliah-gratis/

• Benefits of scholarships. (n.d.). https://brightsparks.com.sg/magazine/february-2022/benefits-of-scholarships.php

• Getting Along With Your Teachers. (n.d.). Nemours Teens Health. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/teacher-relationships.html

• NYS Higher Education Services Corporation - Five things to do in High School. (n.d.). https://www.hesc.ny.gov/prepare-for-college/your-high-school-path-to-college/five-things-to-do-in-high-school.html

• ScholarshipInstitute.org. (2023, November 16). How to get scholarships in high school | ScholarshipInstitute.org. https://scholarshipinstitute.org/how-to-get-high-school-scholarships/

• Top 10 scholarship application tips for high school students. (2024, February 1). National Society of High School Scholars. https://www.nshss.org/resources/blog/blog-posts/top-10-scholarship-application-tips-for-high-school-students/