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Can You Get Scholarships after High School? List of Scholarships, How to Get One & Requirements

As the final years of high school draw to a close, many students begin to contemplate their future educational endeavors. Among the concerns that often arise is the question of financing their college education. Fortunately, you can get scholarships after high school to offset the cumbersome college bills.

Remember, the scholarship application process can be competitive, so it’s important to invest time and effort into your applications. Tailor your approach to each scholarship and showcase your unique qualities, achievements, and aspirations.

In this article, we will bring a list of scholarships you can get after high school, how to get them and their requirements.

Table of contents

Can You Get Scholarships after High School

Yes, it is possible to get scholarships after high school. Scholarships are not limited to high school students, and there are various opportunities available for students at different stages of their education.

Many scholarships are available to students pursuing post-secondary education, such as college or trade school. Some scholarships are specifically for students who have already graduated from high school, while others are open to students of all ages.

What are the scholarships you can get after high school? List of scholarships

Here are some of the scholarships that you can get after high school. They include;

College Scholarships

Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for current and incoming students.

These scholarships can be due to academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership, talents, or specific fields of study.

Merit-Based Scholarships:

Some organizations and foundations offer scholarships on merit, regardless of whether you’re in high school or college.

These scholarships consider factors like academic performance, usually considering your high school grades, standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT), and overall achievements, community involvement, leadership, or specific talents.

Field-Specific Scholarships:

You can get field specific scholarships after high school. Some industries or professions offer scholarships for students pursuing degrees in specific fields of study.

For example, if you’re studying engineering, there may be engineering scholarships available.

Specialty scholarships:

Many scholarships are available to students with certain interests or characteristics, such as being a first-generation college student, being a member of a minority group, or having a disability.

Trade/vocationalschool scholarships:

These scholarships help students who are interested in pursuing a career in a trade, such as plumbing, welding, or cosmetology.

Vocational school scholarships are available to students who want to pursue a career in a specific field, such as healthcare, business, or engineering.

Private Scholarships:

 Numerous private organizations, businesses, and foundations offer scholarships for students that have completed high school.

These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria, such as your major, community involvement, heritage, or other unique characteristics.

Need-based Scholarships:

These scholarships are given to students as a result of financial need. You’ll complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or similar financial aid applications.

Academic scholarships:

Another scholarship available after high school is academic scholarship.

Since the students are applying to high school, the school checks their high school academic records like GPA, test scores, or class rank.

Talent-based Scholarships:

These scholarships are given to students who exhibit exceptional skills in areas such as music, art, dance, theater, or writing.

Athletic scholarships:

High school graduates who have althletic ability can receive this scholarship.

These scholarships are given to students who excel in a particular sport and plan to participate in college-level athletics. They are by colleges and universities.

Leadership scholarships:

This scholarship can be given to a student after high school who has shown exceltional leadership qualities.

Creative scholarships:

These scholarship can be given to students after high school that is highly creative in a particular area, such as art, music, writing, or dance. They may be given because of portfolio, audition, or writing sample.

Service scholarships:

These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to service. They may be based on your volunteer work, your work with a social justice organization, or your work with a religious organization.

Ethnic scholarships:

These scholarships are awarded to students who are members of a particular ethnic group. They may be based on your race, ethnicity, or national origin.

Gender scholarships:

These scholarships are for students who are of a particular gender. They may be ‘cos of your sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Minority Scholarships:

Many scholarships are specifically available to students from underrepresented minority groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, and other marginalized communities.

Disability scholarships:

These scholarships are awarded to students who have a disability. They may be based on your disability, your academic achievements, or your extracurricular activities.

This is another scholarship you can get after high school.

First-generation scholarships:

These scholarships are for students who are the first in their families to go to college.

Legacy scholarships:

These scholarships are fir students whose parents or grandparents attended a particular college or university.

Company scholarships:

These scholarships are given by companies to students who want to pursue a career in that company or industry.

Major/Field-specific Scholarships:

 Certain scholarships after high school are tailored for students planning to pursue specific fields of study, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), business, medicine, or law.

Military Scholarships:

Various scholarships are available for students interested in joining the military or pursuing ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programs.

This is just a small sample of the many scholarships that are available after high school.

How to Get a Scholarship after high school

To increase your chances of getting a scholarship after high school, consider the following steps:

Start Early:

Begin your scholarship search as early as possible, even before your senior year of high school. Many scholarships have early application deadlines, and the sooner you start, the more opportunities you’ll find.

The earlier you start your search, the more scholarships you will find and the more time you will have to apply for them. Scholarship deadlines can vary widely, so it is important to start early and create a list of deadlines that you need to meet.

Research Scholarships:

Utilize online scholarship search engines, visit your school’s counseling office, and explore college/university websites for scholarship information. Look for scholarships that align with your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, intended major, and personal circumstances.

There are many different scholarships available, so it is important to do your research and find scholarships that you are eligible for.

Maintain Strong Academic Performance:

Many scholarships have academic requirements, so strive for high grades throughout high school. This can make you eligible for merit-based scholarships.

Prepare for Standardized Tests:

Some scholarships after high school consider standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT. Prepare for these exams to achieve competitive scores that can enhance your scholarship prospects.

Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities:

Participate actively in extracurricular activities that interest you. This can include clubs, sports, community service, leadership roles, or artistic endeavors. Such involvement can make you eligible for talent-based or community service scholarships.

Seek Letters of Recommendation:

 Build relationships with teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can write strong letters of recommendation on your behalf. These letters can strengthen your scholarship applications.

Write Compelling Essays:

 Many scholarships require personal statements or essays. Take the time to craft thoughtful and well-written essays that highlight your achievements, goals, and aspirations. Tailor each essay to the specific scholarship you’re applying for.

Get help with your applications. If you need help with your essays or other application materials, ask a teacher, counselor, or mentor for help.

Complete the FAFSA:

Even if you’re seeking merit-based scholarships, it’s essential to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Some scholarships use financial need as a determining factor, and completing the FAFSA can make you eligible for need-based scholarships.

Polish Your Application:

Pay attention to the scholarship application’s requirements and ensure that you provide all the necessary documents, transcripts, and supplementary materials. Follow instructions carefully and submit a complete and error-free application.

Apply for Multiple Scholarships:

Don’t limit yourself to a single scholarship. Apply for as many scholarships as you’re eligible for, as this increases your chances of receiving financial assistance.

Meet Deadlines:

Pay close attention to scholarship deadlines and submit your applications well before the due dates. Late applications are not accepted.

Seek Guidance:

Consult your high school counselor or scholarship advisor for guidance throughout the process. They can provide valuable insights and help you find additional scholarship opportunities.

What are the Requirements to get a High School Scholarship?

The requirements to get a high school scholarship vary depending on the scholarship. However, some common requirements include:

Academic achievement: Most scholarships require you to have a certain GPA or class rank.

Test scores: Some scholarships require you to submit your standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT.

Extracurricular activities: Many scholarships after high school look for students who were part of extracurricular activities. This shows that you are balance and have interests outside of the classroom.

Community service: Some scholarships require you to have a certain number of hours of community service. This shows that you are civic and care about making a difference in your community.

Personal statement: Many scholarships after high school require you to write a personal statement or essay. This is your chance to share your story and why you deserve the scholarship.

Letters of recommendation: Some scholarships require you to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other mentors. These letters can help to demonstrate your character and academic achievements.

Conclusion

You can get scholarships after high school. Many scholarships are available to students pursuing post-secondary education, such as college or trade school.

Read through this article for all the answers you need.

References

  • Quora – can you get/apply scholarships after high school
  • Go Overseas – can you get / apply for scholarships after high school

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