We all wish the answer to this question was simpler than it really is. It takes quite a bit of effort and work to receive a scholarship, so we’ve made a handy guide to help you through some of the more popular requirements for financial aid.
Go searching. The first step to getting a scholarship is to find some that fit you. Here at Rockhurst, we have a list of our scholarship opportunities for freshmen and transfer students, and a scholarship calculator as well to get you started. If you want to expand your search further, FastWeb has you covered. There are opportunities for students of all kinds, and it’s worth a good search to see if you can get some help.
Writing an essay. Many scholarships require an essay to be written in order to choose the right candidate. Make sure that you have someone look these over for you, as grammar, spelling, and storytelling are important elements that institutions are looking for. Be honest and open when you write. They want to get to know you and your ambitions, so they can be positive that their money is going to someone who needs it and will use it to further their education and career goals.
Taking part in an interview. Several of Rockhurst’s scholarships have interview portions, though not all will. Many of the principles from the essay section carry over here, but it can be a bit more difficult. Prepare with a friend depending on what kind of scholarship you’re interviewing for, as you’ll be answering questions both about yourself and the field you’re receiving the scholarship in. Think about the interview more like a conversation than anything else.
You won’t qualify for every scholarship. Your GPA or test scores might not be high enough, but many scholarships aren’t concerned with that. Take your time to seek out what’s right for you, and you should be able to find some help. Feel free to contact our financial aid office if you have any questions about scholarships at Rockhurst University.
