Student scholarship
As we all know, scholarship means a lot to a student because it is not only a financial aid but, most importantly, it recognizes the skills and ability of a student. Therefore, as a student, one is always eager to find some match for him and has the desire to work hard for it. Technically speaking, scholarship is a reward for entrance to an institution, or a financial award for an individual scholar, for carrying out his/her education.
Based on the student's need and approach, scholarships are categorized in the following different types:
Merit: In this, the recipient is selected by the students' inside capabilities like athletic, academic, artistic, etc. The monetary value of the scholarship may be very less, but it provides motivation to the student for further study of the subject.
Need: In it the student and his family's financial situation is a primary factor for selecting the recipient. These usually cover all or part of the tuition and may even cover living costs. Many times even in need-based private scholarships, it is desirable for the awarders to be distinguished students, as the document of the award may sound as, "for the studies of founder's favorite subject in founder's favorite institution of higher education for a talented youths of limited means from founder's home town/county/state, etc."
Sociology: In it applicants must be of specific race, religion, or national origin. The students selected this way, are filtered through additional factors to finally select the awarders.
Institutional: In it scholarships are granted by a specific college or university (institution) to a student who wishes to join their institution.
General: It includes all miscellaneous scholarships which are granted for different reasons other than the above. For example, some organizations give scholarships to their employees' children based upon academic, athletic, creativity skills.
Methods for Obtaining Scholarships
Guidance counselors: Every high school scholarship aspirant must contact his guidance counselors as he is the best source for these things at this stage.
Non-profit organizations: Many non-profit organizations offer scholarships for the students under various heads.
Community foundations: Many counties / cities / regions have a local organization which aids students with grants and scholarships to people and organizations in the area.
Labor unions: Most labor unions extend scholarships for its members and their dependent children.
Houses of worship: The religious organization or their headquarters offer some scholarship for their members. Mostly this reward is for the study of theology.
Chamber of commerce: It also offers (usually small) grants to students in the community, especially those who wish for careers in business and public service.
Other volunteer organizations: Many organizations offer scholarships or award grants to students whose field of interest is similar to them. For example, local professional societies may aid the studies of unusually distinguished students of their region, charity organizations may offer grant, especially if the late parent of the student was a member of their organization.
School/ University: Old, well-known schools and universities generally have different scholarship schemes for their students.
PSAT/NMSQT: These are junior year of high school scholarship exams for national scholarships. The scores of PSAT/NMSQT test determine the selection of the scholar. For many private scholarship programs PSAT score is mandatory.