Scholarships are an excellent way to help finance a college education. But who decides who gets a scholarship? The answer depends on the type of scholarship and the organization offering it.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are typically awarded by colleges and universities. A student applies to a school and the admission office decides whether to accept the applicant. If the school gives merit scholarships, the decision typically will be made during the acceptance process, usually based on the student’s grades and test scores.
The amount of the scholarship and the criteria used to determine eligibility vary from school to school. Some schools offer full-tuition scholarships to the top students in their incoming class, while others offer smaller awards based on a combination of academic and extracurricular achievements.
Need-Based Scholarships
Need-based scholarships are typically awarded by private organizations, such as corporations, foundations, and nonprofits. These organizations have their own criteria for awarding scholarships, which may include academic performance, financial need, community service, or a combination of factors.
The organization offering the scholarship will usually have an application process, which may include submitting essays, letters of recommendation, and other documents. The organization will then review the applications and decide which students will receive the scholarship.
Competitive Scholarships
Competitive scholarships are usually offered by private organizations and are awarded based on a student’s performance in a specific competition. These competitions may include essay contests, science fairs, art shows, or other activities.
The organization offering the scholarship will typically announce the competition and its criteria in advance. Students who meet the criteria can then enter the competition and submit their work. The organization will then review the entries and decide which students will receive the scholarship.
No matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, it is important to read the criteria carefully and make sure you meet all the requirements. This will give you the best chance of being selected for the scholarship. Good luck!
