How To Find Graduate School Scholarships In The US-Going to graduate school can be really exciting, but it can also be pretty expensive. The good news is that there are lots of scholarships out there to help you pay for it.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how to find those scholarships and make your graduate school dreams come true without breaking the bank.
What Are Graduate School Scholarships?
Before we dive into how to find scholarships, let’s talk about what they are. Scholarships are free money that you can use to pay for school. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back. They’re like gifts to help you with your education.
There are all kinds of scholarships out there. Some are based on how well you do in school, some are for people studying certain subjects, and others are for students from specific backgrounds. The great thing is that there’s probably a scholarship out there that’s perfect for you!
Why Are Scholarships Important?
You might be wondering why scholarships are such a big deal. Well, graduate school can cost a lot of money. Tuition, books, and living expenses can add up fast. Scholarships can help cover these costs so you don’t have to worry as much about money while you’re studying.
Plus, getting a scholarship can look really good on your resume. It shows that you’re smart and hardworking, which can help you when you’re looking for a job after you graduate.
How To Find Graduate School Scholarships In The US
Now that we know why scholarships are so great, let’s talk about how to find them.
Step 1: Start Searching Early
The most important thing to remember when looking for scholarships is to start early. Many scholarships have deadlines months before the school year starts. If you wait until the last minute, you might miss out on some great opportunities.
A good rule of thumb is to start looking for scholarships at least a year before you plan to start graduate school. This gives you plenty of time to search, apply, and maybe even win some scholarships.
Step 2: Know What You’re Looking For
Before you start searching, it’s a good idea to think about what kind of scholarships you might qualify for. Ask yourself these questions:
- What subject do I want to study?
- What are my grades like?
- Do I have any special skills or talents?
- Am I part of any specific groups (like being a first-generation college student or a member of a certain ethnic group)?
- What are my career goals?
Knowing the answers to these questions can help you find scholarships that are a good fit for you.
Step 3: Use Scholarship Search Engines
One of the easiest ways to find scholarships is to use scholarship search engines. These are websites that let you search through lots of scholarships all in one place. Some popular ones are:
- Fastweb
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson’s
- Unigo
- Chegg Scholarships
To use these sites, you’ll usually need to make an account and fill out a profile. The more information you put in your profile, the better the site can match you with scholarships that fit you.
Step 4: Check With Your School
Don’t forget to check with the graduate schools you’re interested in. Many schools offer their own scholarships to students. You can usually find this information on the school’s financial aid website.
Some schools might even have special scholarships for students in certain programs. For example, if you’re studying engineering, the engineering department might have scholarships just for engineering students.
Step 5: Look for Field-Specific Scholarships
If you know what field you want to study, look for organizations related to that field. They often offer scholarships to encourage students to enter their profession.
For example:
- If you’re studying nursing, check with nursing associations.
- If you’re going into business, look for scholarships from companies or business organizations.
- If you’re studying science, check with scientific societies in your specific area of interest.
Step 6: Don’t Forget About Government Scholarships
The U.S. government offers several scholarship programs for graduate students. Some examples are:
- Fulbright Program: This is for students who want to study, research, or teach English in another country.
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program: This is for students studying science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields.
- TEACH Grant: This is for students who plan to become teachers in high-need fields in low-income areas.
You can find more information about these and other government scholarships on the U.S. Department of Education website.
Step 7: Check With Your Employer
If you’re working while applying to graduate school, check if your employer offers any education benefits. Some companies will help pay for their employees to go back to school, especially if the degree will help you in your job.
Step 8: Look for Local Scholarships
Don’t forget to look in your own backyard. Local businesses, community organizations, and clubs often offer scholarships to people in their area. These scholarships might be smaller, but they often have less competition.
Check with:
- Your local library
- Community foundations
- Rotary clubs
- Chamber of commerce
- Religious organizations (if applicable)
Step 9: Consider Your Background
There are many scholarships out there for students from specific backgrounds. For example:
- Scholarships for first-generation college students
- Scholarships for students from certain ethnic or racial backgrounds
- Scholarships for LGBTQ+ students
- Scholarships for students with disabilities
- Scholarships for students who have served in the military
If any of these apply to you, be sure to look for scholarships specifically for students with your background.
Step 10: Use Social Media
Believe it or not, social media can be a great tool for finding scholarships. Follow the social media accounts of schools you’re interested in, professional organizations in your field, and scholarship websites. They often post about scholarship opportunities.
You can also join Facebook groups or follow hashtags on Twitter related to graduate school scholarships. Just be careful and make sure any scholarship you find this way is legitimate before you apply.
Step 11: Set Up Email Alerts
Once you’ve found some good scholarship search engines or websites, set up email alerts. This way, you’ll get an email when new scholarships that match your profile are added. It’s an easy way to stay on top of new opportunities without having to check the websites every day.
Step 12: Apply, Apply, Apply
Now that you know where to look for scholarships, the most important thing is to actually apply for them. It might seem like a lot of work, but remember: you can’t win a scholarship if you don’t apply.
Here are some tips for applying:
- Read the requirements carefully: Make sure you qualify before you spend time on an application.
- Keep track of deadlines: Use a calendar or planner to keep track of when each application is due.
- Gather your materials: Many scholarships ask for similar things, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. Get these ready early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
- Tailor your application: If the scholarship asks for an essay, make sure you answer the question they’re asking. Don’t just send the same essay to every scholarship.
- Proofread: Check your application for any spelling or grammar mistakes. It’s a good idea to have someone else look it over too.
- Submit early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Submitting early shows you’re organized and eager.
- Apply for lots of scholarships: The more you apply for, the better your chances of winning. Even small scholarships can add up.
Common Scholarship Application Materials
When you’re applying for scholarships, you’ll often need to submit similar materials. It’s a good idea to have these ready:
- Transcripts: You’ll usually need official transcripts from your undergraduate school. Some scholarships might also want your high school transcripts.
- Test scores: If you’ve taken tests like the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT, have these scores ready.
- Resume or CV: This should list your education, work experience, and any awards or achievements.
- Personal statement or essay: Many scholarships ask you to write about yourself, your goals, or why you deserve the scholarship.
- Letters of recommendation: These usually come from professors or employers who can speak about your abilities and character.
- Financial information: Some scholarships, especially need-based ones, might ask for information about your finances.
Having these materials ready can make the application process much smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers About Finding Graduate School Scholarships In The US:
When should I start looking for graduate school scholarships?
You should start looking for scholarships at least a year before you plan to start graduate school. Many scholarships have deadlines several months before the school year begins, so starting early gives you the best chance to find and apply for various opportunities.
Are there scholarships specifically for international students?
Yes, there are scholarships specifically for international students. Many universities offer scholarships for international graduate students, and there are also private organizations and foundations that provide scholarships for students from specific countries or regions.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?
In fact, it’s recommended that you apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for. There’s no limit to how many scholarships you can apply for or receive, and even small awards can add up to significant financial help.
Do I need perfect grades to get a scholarship?
While some scholarships are based on academic excellence, many others consider factors beyond grades. There are scholarships based on financial need, field of study, personal background, community service, and other criteria. Don’t let less-than-perfect grades discourage you from applying for scholarships.
Are scholarships only for full-time students?
While many scholarships are for full-time students, there are also scholarships available for part-time graduate students. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements for each scholarship you’re interested in.
Can I lose my scholarship after it’s been awarded?
It’s possible to lose a scholarship if you don’t meet the ongoing requirements. These might include maintaining a certain GPA, staying enrolled full-time, or studying a particular subject. Make sure you understand all the terms of your scholarship and meet them consistently to keep your award.
Conclusion
Finding and applying for graduate school scholarships in the US takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Every scholarship you win is money you don’t have to pay back later. Plus, the skills you develop in searching for and applying to scholarships – like research, writing, and perseverance – will serve you well in graduate school and beyond.
Remember to start early, cast a wide net, and don’t get discouraged. There are scholarships out there for all kinds of students. With some hard work and persistence, you can find scholarships to help make your graduate school dreams a reality.