This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our
Standards.
The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more
about how Rumie works with partners.
You’ve survived high school and thrived! Your college goals are set, and you’re ready to excel. You've got what it takes — you just need the financial resources. Because, let's face it, ramen noodles only get you so far!
What is a scholarship?
Unlike student loans, scholarships provide money for college expenses without the need to pay it back.
Scholarships can fund:
Tuition (the money you pay to attend school)
Books
Housing
Scholarships can be:
A one-time check
Be renewable each semester
Scholarships can be based on different types of criteria:
Grades (merit)
Sports
Demographics
Career specific
Need-based (financial)
Think of a scholarship as a way to say THANK YOU to yourself for all your hard work!
Quiz
Jorge is a high-achieving student with a 4.0 GPA and is also an active member of his community. He plans to major in engineering. Which scholarships should he consider applying for?
With his high GPA, he qualifies for a merit-based scholarship. Since he plans to pursue a specific career, he should look into scholarships for that field.
Hispanic/Latino scholarship opportunities
As a growing demographic the opportunities for educational advancement are in abundance!
Check out some of these scholarships available for Hispanic and Latino students:
Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Award:"Honors Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community" and for their focus in various fields such as business, healthcare, and STEM.
LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF):Sponsored by the League of United Latin American Citizens, this fund provides scholarships for Hispanic students.
The Gates Scholarship: "A highly selective" full-ride scholarship for "outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households."
Did you know?
Since its founding in 1975, Hispanic Scholarship Fund "has awarded over $500 million in scholarships to more than 65,000 students."
How do I apply?
Start with these steps:
Research and make a list of the scholarships you qualify for.
Write your personal statement and draft essays based on your scholarship requirements.
Reach out to your teacher(s), coach, boss... etc for letters of recommendation.
Mark your calendar with those deadline dates!
Tip: use a spreadsheet to organize and track scholarships. Check out Fiveable.com for free resources.
Did you know?
If you're unable to qualify for a scholarship and need to take out a loan, you'll need to repay it with interest. Check out the Federal Student Aid website for more info on interest rates.
I got the scholarship!
Scholarships require an official acceptance by you.
Read through the award letter carefully as it will contain info such as:
The amount awarded
How it will be disbursed
Requirements you need to meet to maintain the scholarship
How to officially accept the scholarship
Most importantly, keep searching and applying for scholarships!
Get inspired!
Check out this trailblazer!
Sonia Sotomayor
Received a full scholarship to Princeton University
Awarded a scholarship to Yale Law School
Went on to become the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in the United States
Take Action
Vamos!
This Byte has been authored by
Carla Cervantes
Onsite Trainer
BS Business