Should I Focus on One Scholarship Category or Several?

Like this student dividing their attention to several laptops, should you apply for several scholarships or focus on one category

Flickr user Judit Klein

Once you’ve found something that works, it can be hard doing it any other way. So when a student finds their talent, skill, or unique factor that can be used in their scholarship search, they might only search for those relevant opportunities. For example, if a student is on their school’s student council, they may only go after scholarships that require leadership experience—and why wouldn’t they? Colleges like leadership, student council is a great experience for that trait, and they can get a feel for how to fill out multiple scholarships for that one skill of theirs.

You found a category you fit in!

So if you’ve found your niche, your scholarship strength, awesome! But don’t settle in that category. There are thousands of different scholarship opportunities out there and odds are you qualify for more than just one kind. You may be a shoe-in for some leader-themed scholarship opportunities, but what about your prowess on the tennis court? Would you ignore your athletic skills? Or what about the fact that you’re Jewish? Did you know there are scholarships out their based on your faith—go get them!

Consider other categories.

Students are multi-faceted people, and scholarships come in many different forms. So don’t only search in a singular category—go out, find your talents, your strengths, your unique traits. Don’t limit yourself or your financial aid opportunities.

Use College Raptor to discover personalized college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid for schools around the US—for FREE!

 

Lender Rates (APR) Eligibility
Citizens logo.
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT CITIZENS
Sallie Mae logo.
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT SALLIE MAE
Credibe company logo.
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT CREDIBLE
Lendkey company logo.
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT LENDKEY
Ascent company logo.
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ASCENT
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ISL
Earnest company logo.
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT EARNEST
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
Undergraduate and Graduate
VISIT ELFI
College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join thousands of students and parents learning about finding the right college, admissions secrets, scholarships, financial aid, and more.