How to Apply for Scholarships: Best Tools, Benefits, and Resources for Success. Discover the top 15 products to help you apply for scholarships efficiently.
Applying for scholarships can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and resources, the process becomes more manageable. In this article, we’ll guide you through 15 of the best products and platforms that will help streamline your scholarship applications, making it easier to find, apply, and track scholarships that fit your profile. We’ll also provide comparisons, benefits, and direct purchasing options for your convenience.
Benefits of Using Scholarship Application Tools
- Increased Efficiency: The right tools help you find scholarships faster by matching you with relevant opportunities.
- Better Organization: Many platforms offer features to track deadlines and application statuses, ensuring you never miss an opportunity.
- Improved Success Rate: Some tools offer personalized tips and insights, improving your chances of winning scholarships.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Many tools are free or offer affordable subscription options compared to the potential scholarship earnings.
Top 15 Scholarship Application Tools
1. Scholarships.com
Features:
- A vast database of scholarships
- Custom scholarship matches
- Scholarship application tracking
Use Case: Best for students seeking a wide variety of scholarships.
- Price: Free
- Advantages: Easy to use, large database
- Disadvantages: Can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of scholarships
- Problems Solved: Helps students quickly find scholarships they qualify for.
2. Fastweb
Features:
- Scholarship search and match tool
- Career planning tools
- College application resources
Use Case: Great for students who want comprehensive college and scholarship planning.
- Price: Free
- Advantages: Offers more than just scholarships; also provides career planning tools
- Disadvantages: Some users report email overload
- Problems Solved: Simplifies the entire college and scholarship application process.
3. Cappex
Features:
- Scholarship and college matching tools
- College reviews
- Admission chances calculator
Use Case: Ideal for students who want help with both scholarships and college selection.
- Price: Free
- Advantages: Provides college admissions guidance
- Disadvantages: Limited international scholarships
- Problems Solved: Offers personalized guidance on college admissions and scholarships.
4. Chegg Scholarships
Features:
- Scholarship search engine
- Internship opportunities
- Test prep resources
Use Case: Perfect for students looking to combine scholarship search with career opportunities.
- Price: Free
- Advantages: Provides internships and test prep resources
- Disadvantages: Focuses on U.S.-based scholarships
- Problems Solved: Helps students prepare for college and future careers while searching for scholarships.
5. Niche
Features:
- Scholarship search and match tool
- College rankings
- School reviews
Use Case: Great for students who want insights into college life and rankings along with scholarships.
- Price: Free
- Advantages: Combines school rankings with scholarships
- Disadvantages: Limited international scholarships
- Problems Solved: Helps students get a full picture of both scholarships and colleges.
6. College Board Scholarship Search
Features:
- Scholarship matching
- College search tools
- Financial aid resources
Use Case: Best for students who want a reliable, well-established scholarship search tool.
- Price: Free
- Advantages: Reputable and comprehensive
- Disadvantages: Limited in scope compared to newer platforms
- Problems Solved: Provides access to trustworthy scholarship sources.
7. Peterson’s Scholarship Search
Features:
- Scholarship search tool
- Test prep and college planning resources
Use Case: Great for students who want to combine scholarship search with test prep.
- Price: Free
- Advantages: Comprehensive test prep options
- Disadvantages: Some resources require payment
- Problems Solved: Helps students prepare for standardized tests while searching for scholarships.
8. ScholarshipOwl
Features:
- One-click scholarship applications
- Personalized scholarship matches
- Scholarship tracking tools
Use Case: Ideal for students who want to automate the scholarship application process.
- Price: Free with premium features
- Advantages: Streamlines the application process
- Disadvantages: Premium version can be expensive
- Problems Solved: Saves time by applying to multiple scholarships at once.
9. Going Merry
Features:
- Scholarship matching and auto-application
- College financial aid insights
- FAFSA integration
Use Case: Best for students looking to simplify both scholarships and financial aid.
- Price: Free
- Advantages: Offers financial aid help along with scholarships
- Disadvantages: Limited to U.S.-based scholarships
- Problems Solved: Combines scholarship search with financial aid guidance.
10. Bold.org
Features:
- Exclusive scholarships
- Personalized scholarship matching
- Donation and fundraising opportunities
Use Case: Great for students seeking unique and exclusive scholarships.
- Price: Free
- Advantages: Offers scholarships not available elsewhere
- Disadvantages: Requires creating a Bold.org profile
- Problems Solved: Provides exclusive scholarships not available on other platforms.
Comparison Table: Best Scholarship Application Tools
| Product | Use Case | Advantages | Disadvantages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarships.com | Wide variety of scholarships | Large database | Overwhelming | Free |
| Fastweb | Comprehensive college planning | Career planning tools | Email overload | Free |
| Cappex | College and scholarship matching | College admissions guidance | Limited international options | Free |
| Chegg Scholarships | Scholarship + career opportunities | Internship opportunities | Focus on U.S. scholarships | Free |
| Niche | Insights into college life | School rankings + scholarships | Limited international scholarships | Free |
How to Apply and Where to Buy
Purchase Links and Pricing
- You can access all of these platforms for free, although some may offer premium features.
- Simply click the product name to visit their respective websites and begin your scholarship journey today.
FAQs
1. What is the best platform to apply for scholarships?
Each platform offers unique advantages. For a wide range of scholarships, Scholarships.com is ideal, while Fastweb is great for career planning.
2. Are these scholarship platforms free to use?
Yes, most platforms are free, but some, like ScholarshipOwl, offer premium features for an added cost.
3. How do I track my scholarship applications?
Platforms like Going Merry and ScholarshipOwl offer tracking features to monitor your applications.
4. Can international students use these platforms?
Some platforms, such as Cappex, have limited international options, but others like ScholarshipOwl may have more global opportunities.
5. How can I increase my chances of winning scholarships?
Use personalized matching tools like Bold.org and follow the tips provided by each platform to improve your chances.
