Do you want to learn about an important way to prepare for your future? Scholarships can be a crucial part of a college application process. 

There are various types of scholarships that can be used to provide financial aid, provide insight on who you are as a student and individual, and honor your hard work. Scholarships are awarded to students based on a number of factors that include athletics, personal experiences and hardships, academic achievements, student background, and more. There are scholarships offered outside of BAHS and within BAHS.

The scholarship process can be more stressful than waiting for the results. In order to find what scholarships are most beneficial to you, you can talk to a counselor who can help gear you towards websites that have possible scholarships for you. 

When searching for scholarships on your own it is important to note certain requirements and characteristics such as graduating year, interests, area of study, etc. Many scholarship applications require you to submit an essay or related questions. 

The majority of these essays include questions that ask for personal information and unique experiences. When applying for scholarships it is important to focus on the things that make you stand out from the rest of the students and individuals applying. 

Typically, there are thousands of people applying for the same scholarship and many of the people have similar academic standings and extracurriculars so it is important to include unique experiences that make you stand out.

There are many scholarships available which are designed to help and provide you with a better college experience. There is a scholarship for everyone based on a person’s personal characteristics, skills, and traits. Some popular scholarships that are included within and outside of BAHS include the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship, Harry S. Truman Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship, Heisman High School Scholarship, and Winston Churchill Scholarship. 

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship is provided to students who are graduating high school seniors that are committed to leading and serving in their community. 

Harry S. Truman Scholarship is a scholarship which is government based and offered for public service leadership. 

National Merit Scholarship is an academic competition that is offered for students who excel in academics and requires the student to take various tests such as the PSATs. 

The Heisman High School Scholarship is given to students who have a GPA of over a B and have participated in a sport in grades 9, 10, 11. 

Lastly, the Winston Churchill Scholarship is awarded to students who have outstanding academic achievement, intriguing personal qualities, and are talented in research. 

Senior Claire Topper who applied for scholarships geared towards women in STEM believes in the importance of applying for scholarships.

“I think applying for scholarships is important because it allows you to take control of your education and feel more independent,” Claire said.

Scholarships can be very important and impactful to your college application process and future. Scholarships are created to aid students in need and honor students in their achievements. Scholarships can be stressful and take a lot of commitment but have rewarding results if you choose to put in the effort.