scholarship search & applications

These Scholarship Misconceptions Could Cost You Money

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Getting a scholarship is like getting free money towards your education, and with college tuition getting more and more expensive every year a scholarship can come as a huge relief to students looking to pursue higher education. To some students it can mean the difference between going to the college of their dreams and settling …

scholarship search & applications

Using Social Media to Discover Scholarships

By Morgan StaubLast updated on December 22, 2022

As we move further into the digital age, social media is becoming a more central aspect of our lives. According to recent statistics, our social media use is as much of a routine as brushing our teeth; 75% of Facebook users, 51% of Instagram users and 42% of Twitter users reported that they use each …

scholarship search & applications

Can Parents Apply for Scholarships for Their Child? Here’s How You Can Help.

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 20, 2023

Parents should not apply for scholarships on behalf of their child. However, you can assist them in the process by: Helping them hone their time management skills. Brainstorming essay topics together. Proofreading their applications and essays. Helping students search for scholarships. Completing FAFSA While parents can technically apply for scholarships for their children, it’s recommended …

scholarship search & applications

The Pros and Cons of Contest Scholarships

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Contest scholarships are unusual in that they are not based on a student’s GPA or their community service. Applicants are asked to submit one or more entry, such as a creative essay, art piece, short film, practical invention—the list is endless. Pros of Contest Scholarships Students can (sometimes) submit multiple entries, increasing their chances of …

scholarship search & applications

College Scholarship Application Checklists: Search, Prep, Submit

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

The whole scholarship application process can be nerve-wracking. After you’ve gone through hundreds of scholarships opportunities and made a note of all the scholarships you qualify for along with their requirements, it’s then time to put together and submit your applications. Making things even more complicated is the fact that each scholarship opportunity has its …

scholarship search & applications

How Your Social Media Presence Impacts Your Scholarship

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Your online presence is a powerful thing indeed. Many students work hard at getting good grades, writing a powerful essay, and making sure they tick all the scholarship requirement boxes, but the one area they completely overlook is their online presence. Unfortunately, a dubious digital presence can put your scholarship at risk. At one time social …

scholarship search & applications

Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Finding Great Scholarships

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on September 24, 2024

You can find scholarships by using scholarship databases, meeting with your guidance counselor or college advisor, reviewing college-specific awards, and talking with your family and friends. With over 1.7 million scholarships and $46 billion dollars up for grabs, identifying awards you qualify for can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Here are …

scholarship search & applications

Do’s and Don’ts: Scholarship Applications

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022

Nailing your scholarship application is the key to getting valuable free money towards your higher education. As with college applications, there are several do’s and don’ts that apply when applying for a scholarship. Adhering to these do’s and don’ts will help you submit a successful scholarship application: Scholarship Applications Do’s: Do dedicate a fair amount of …

scholarship search & applications

6 Things To Do BEFORE Submitting A Scholarship Application

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 20, 2024

Scholarship awards are essentially free money* to help you pay for college. Any award money you win will lower your student loan debt by that much. With so much riding on scholarship awards, you want to make sure that every application you put together is as close to perfect as it can be. You’ve done …

scholarship search & applications

Types of scholarships: differentiating private, institutional and government aid

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on November 14, 2025

Key takeaways Private scholarships are usually sponsored by businesses, nonprofits, or individuals. They often reward achievements or membership in specific groups. Government grants, such as the Pell Grant, are need-based awards funded by federal or state programs. Applying usually requires filling out the FAFSA. Institutional scholarships are offered directly by colleges and universities. They can …