Scholarship Myths

Myth
You must be an "A" student to win a scholarship.

Truth:
Having an "A" average alone will not guarantee you a scholarship. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation conducts one of the largest corporate-sponsored scholarship programs in the United States. Although a good academic record is a contributing factor, having an "A" average exclusively will not qualify a student as a Coca-Cola Scholar. Coca-Cola Scholars are well-rounded, unique, and independent individuals.

Myth
Billions of scholarship dollars go unused every year.

Truth:
Although some scholarship money is unclaimed each year, this money is often earmarked for students with very specific qualifications such as a particular last name or some unusual characteristic. For instance, students who are Catholic and have the last name of Zolp may be eligible for a full-tuition four-year scholarship at Loyola University. For more information on unusual scholarship opportunities including those for students who are short, tall or overweight, review Chapter 15 of Winning Scholarships for College.

Myth
B or C students have little opportunity to win scholarships.

Truth:
B or C students still have opportunities for scholarships. If you are a B or C student and you have a history of participation and growth in extracurricular activities as well as involvement in your community, you have an excellent chance of winning scholarships. Highlighting your participation and involvement in a student résumé and an essay will help you be successful. For more information, read Chapter 9 of Winning Scholarships for College, "Grade's Don't Mean Everything - Standing Out in a Crowd" and Chapter 11, "Writing Perfect Essays."

Myths
You cannot win a scholarship if you do not have financial need. Or, middle class students cannot get money for college.

Truth:
Middle class students can win money for college. Although they may not be eligible for some need-based scholarship programs, they still have numerous opportunities to win merit scholarships. For more information, read Chapter 9 of Winning Scholarships for College, "Grade's Don't Mean Everything - Standing Out in a Crowd."

Myth
Grades and SAT scores are the only factors you need to worry about for winning scholarships.

Truth:
Having good grades and high SAT scores are definitely important. However, you still need to have a history of participation and growth in extracurricular activities as well as involvement in your community to win scholarships. Also showcasing your participation and involvement in a student résumé and an essay will help. For more information, read Chapter 9 of Winning Scholarships for College, "Grade's Don't Mean Everything - Standing Out in a Crowd" and Chapter 11, "Writing Perfect Essays."

Source: www.scholarshipworkshop.com