College scholarships is what every future student desires to get. In fact, most students need scholarships to help lower the cost of tuition at their college. It is so important that your child starts preparing for college scholarships in high school. The activities and clubs they join makes a large difference in their scholarship succuss.
When your child is entering high school, college stills so far away. However, four years goes by so quickly and if your child is a college bound student, they need to start preparing for college scholarships in high school. Day one of high school, to be honest. Here are 8 Ways To Save Money For College as these steps need to be started even before high school!
Remember, when your child applies for a scholarship, there can be a few other students applying to thousands upon thousands of other students wanting the same amount of money your child does. Usually, the scholarship is quite limited. How does your child stand out? We have a few tips for you that starts in those high school years.
Classes matter
Probably the one tip that most agree on is how classes matter when it comes to college scholarships. It is so important to take classes your freshman year that will get you on the right path to the college prep classes. That not only helps when you enter college, but scholarships like to see the level of classes you take and the level of success in them. Grades, of course, matter. However, as you will read below, it isn't the only criteria that matters.
Clubs matter
The clubs your child chooses to be apart of matter. In our experience, it doesn't matter what club, exactly, but your child needs to be involved in some way.
From student council, gaming club, National Honor Society, speech club, they all can make a difference on a scholarship form. They especially matter if your child is not a sporty child. Then they can be involved in other activities. FFA (Future Farmer's Of America) is a great one if your child is interested in Ag or something of that nature.
As your child narrows down what they want to do, they can start choosing clubs that align with what their major will be.
Sports matter
Okay, I get it. Not everyone is a sports kid. That is completely fine. However, if they have any interest at all, it looks good for a student to at least try a sport or two. It shows dedication, determination and drive. Your child does not have to be athlete of the year, but maybe the sport will be a learning experience for them. Speaking for my children, they tried a few different sports. While they excelled in some, others, not so much, they grew in a way that has shaped their future: they learned how to be leaders. That type of growth helps in so much when they go to college.
Leadership matters
Leadership is so important on college scholarship applications. Please know it doesn't even have to be something large, like class president. However, what can your student do that sets them apart from other kids? Can they be cross country team captain? They could take a role in student council. My daughter was concession manager (and loved the role!). They could lead FCA (Fellowship Of Christian Athletes).
Taking a leadership role shows responsibility and commitment. It also shows growth and a desire to expand their role then just a participant. Whether the role is large or small, it is important to grow in the role and do their best not only for the school and activity but the lessons they can learn themselves!
Music matters
If your child plays a musical instrument or sings in chorus, that is a great addition to the scholarship application! There are usually separate scholarships for music majors but it also looks good on any scholarship application. Note that even if your child isn't in marching band, concert band or in chorus at school, their musical ability can still count on an application.
Our daughter plays piano and was on the worship team at church. She also participated in a music ministry for teens and we put both of those down on her application. It counts, so be sure to use it!
FAQ
Scholarships.com is a great place to start. Also, just search for the specific scholarship for which you are looking. For example Art Scholarships.
Have him ask a teacher or friend what clubs he could get involved with. Also, start small. Maybe just choose one thing he is interested in and just start by going to the meetings. He may be surprised how it takes off!
No, they don't. If they want to be dedicated to one thing and do it well, that works! However, if possible, a club, a sport, an activity usually is pretty well rounded.
There are so many ways to be involved in high school and it certainly matters when it comes to college scholarships. They need to stand out from all the other applicants so look for ways through their high school career that helps them to do just that.
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