How to snag scholarships that pay for room and board

How to snag scholarships that pay for room and board; College can be an expensive undertaking, but there are still some sources of funding that can reduce your expenses significantly.

Scholarships that pay for room and board are often overlooked by students and parents, but they can make all the difference in whether or not you have to take out loans or if you’re able to devote your energy to other aspects of your college experience. To learn more about how to get your hands on scholarships that pay for room and board, read on.

Pick Your Degree Wisely

Choosing your college major will significantly impact your future career prospects, so it’s important to carefully consider what you study. Earning a degree in business, for example, can prepare you for many career options.

For those who plan on staying at home while attending school, there are scholarships available to help cover room and board costs. Take advantage of these programs by applying to as many as possible.

Room and board scholarships also come in a variety of forms. Some programs require you to be enrolled full-time, while others are geared toward part-time students or those who attend online schools.

Scholarships may also be need-based or merit-based, but most will require you to have above average grades, at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, before they’ll even consider funding your school costs.

Have at Least a 3.0 GPA

Having good grades will be the most important factor in your application. You’ll need at least a 3.0 GPA, with excellent test scores on both the SAT and ACT.

Your letters of recommendation should come from teachers, advisors, coaches or employers who can speak about your academic potential. You’ll also need to submit a resume (which shouldn’t be more than two pages long) describing any extra-curricular activities or work experience you may have had.

You should also research available merit-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements or community service, without regard to financial need.

Target Private Scholarships

This is how to do it Fill out the online application – be sure to thoroughly read over the details of any award or fellowship you’re interested in before applying.

Write your personal statement – why are you applying for this scholarship? What makes you unique as an applicant? Be creative, specific, and genuine, and make it short.

The idea is to paint an image of who you are with as few words as possible. Think about what’s going on in your life right now that sets you apart from other applicants. Think about what makes you uniquely qualified for this particular scholarship, even if it doesn’t seem like there’s much competition.

Don’t be afraid to apply for outside scholarships

Don’t be afraid to apply for outside scholarships. Scholarships can go untapped because students feel they can’t afford to devote the time or effort required, but there are plenty of opportunities, including those in your community. We recommend applying to at least ten scholarships this year.

You’ll increase your chances of getting something, and the process will build your confidence if you’re successful. And don’t forget about community organizations such as your company, club or religious group that may be able to offer some financial assistance as well.

Build Multiple Streams of Funding

Finding the right scholarships can make college easier on your wallet. Scholarships come in all shapes and sizes, but luckily there are grants and scholarships out there for almost any kind of student who might need financial help with tuition, books, school fees, even housing.

These awards range from small monetary gifts from local companies to full-ride academic scholarships awarded by nationally recognized institutions such as NASA.

If you’re looking for help paying for college, it’s worth your time to check out these options. By following some basic tips, you may be able to find financial aid that makes all of your education dreams come true.

Know the Deadlines

The Fall semester is just around the corner! If you’re applying to colleges now, here are some deadlines to keep in mind:

September 1st: FAFSA by this date (universities use it)
October 15th: ACT or SAT Test. Be sure to set your test up early.
October 30th: Early Action acceptance deadline. You should get into schools as soon as possible so they know where to place you on their waitlist if they can’t accept you right away.
November 1st: Thanksgiving break is usually between November 20th-23rd and Spring Break is usually between March 19th-23rd.

Do Not Forget to Register for Classes: There’s still time to register for classes at most universities but not all will allow students who haven’t registered before the first day of class.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for scholarships with benefits, you may want to consider some of the ones that pay for room and board. They can be tough to find but if you take your time you can find them.