How to get scholarships for college?

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Brad Barrett and his podcast guests on offer valuable tips for securing college scholarships:

  1. Persistence and Strategy: Nick True emphasizes not giving up on applying for scholarships, even if unsuccessful initially. He suggests reapplying annually and tailoring essays to highlight stories from personal experiences that align with the goals and values of the scholarship organizations 1.

  2. Apply for Current Student Scholarships: Bryce Imhoff highlights the significance of applying for scholarships specific to your university and major. These often have lower competition and substantial awards. He stresses the importance of maintaining a high GPA and staying involved on campus to improve your chances 2.

  3. Utilize FAFSA and Merit Scholarships: Brad Barrett suggests looking at lesser-known merit scholarships that might be available at a variety of institutions, not just the most prestigious ones. Ensure to fill out the FAFSA to access federal grants and other aid options 3.

    Overcoming Scholarship Challenges

    Nick shares how he overcame his struggles with essay writing for scholarships through persistence and storytelling. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of grit and continuous improvement in the scholarship application process.
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  4. Early Preparation and Documentation: Start early by building a record of accomplishments and extracurricular involvement from high school. This documentation will be crucial when applying for scholarships 4.

  5. Consider Community College and Transfer Scholarships: If you don't receive a full scholarship immediately, consider starting at a community college, maintaining excellent grades, and then applying for transfer scholarships 5.

Applying to multiple scholarships, leveraging merit- and need-based aid, and being persistent can significantly reduce college costs.

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