Scholarships - Lake Washington High School

Did you know that Washington has a great scholarship-searching tool that is administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council called theWashBoard.org? Unlike other web-based scholarship searching tools, the goal of theWashboard.org is to connect students with available local and state scholarships. TheWashBoard.org is free to use. They do not use spam, marketing ads, or pop-up advertisements on the site.

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE GIFTS! They don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, ethnic background, community service, leadership, and personal interests regardless of financial need. Students should be searching and applying for scholarships while they are applying to colleges.

Scholarship Search Engines (GearUp)

Western Undergraduate ExchangE

SCHOLARSHIP CALENDAR

Scholarship Flyers

Scholarships for Specific Colleges

For community and technical colleges, be sure you are applying for scholarships for the quarter you plan to start taking classes at the college. You can apply for scholarships at most colleges and universities before you are admitted. Click on the logos below to see each school's scholarship information.

Scholarship FAQs

What are scholarships?

Scholarships do not need to be repaid. They are offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations as a way to help students finance their post-high school education and training.

Students can search for scholarships anytime. Opportunities are most prevalent for 12th grade students.

Check the Scholarship Calendar. Scholarships will begin to be added every month, but activity will pick up early winter through spring.

Where do scholarships come from?

College/University Scholarships

What are college awarded scholarships?

College-awarded scholarship opportunities are detailed on the financial aid/scholarship tab of a college's website.

Some are automatic based on your admission application while some may require a separate application, always check!

Review requirements and deadlines. Many college scholarship deadlines are tied to fall or priority application deadlines.

Ask if they are renewable and if so, if there are renewal requirements such as minimum credit hours or GPA.

Ask what happens if you are awarded an outside scholarship. Occasionally, schools decrease their scholarship awards by the amount of outside scholarships earned.

What kinds of college awarded scholarships are there?

Merit Scholarships: Often based on academics (such as GPA). In addition to academic achievement, talent, skill, athletic ability and geographic diversity may also attract merit money. Departmental scholarships (usually selected by a professor) are occasionally available to incoming freshman but most are reserved for returning students, especially in the sciences. Check college websites for eligibility guidelines.

Need-based Scholarships: Often called “grants”. Funds awarded are based on the family’s financial profile obtained through the FAFSA and supplementary financial applications such as the CSS Profile.

What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?

outside scholarships

How do I find outside scholarships?
How do I spot a scholarship scam?

How do I find outside scholarships?

How do I spot a scholarship scam?

Scholarship application tips

What things should I look for in a scholarship application?

What are the typical scholarship application components?

Application: This will usually include contact numbers, grade level, personal background, college plans, intended major, etc.

Letters of Recommendation: Requirements will vary but expect to need two. Pick letters writers who know you well, give them plenty of time, and say thank you!

Transcript: Even if the scholarship doesn't have a minimum GPA, many providers will still want to see a transcript.

List of activities: Describe and think "impact".

Essay: We hear from students all of the time how much they dislike writing essays, but the essay section is your chance to shine and distinguish yourself.

Financial Information: Most need-based scholarships require a copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report or other documentation establishing your financial need.

Do you have tips for writing a scholarship essay?

Understand the scholarship's mission and audience

Pick a topic where you shine

Be authentic, gracious and proud

Show, not tell. Avoid repeating accomplishments listed elsewhere in your application.

Always have someone look at it. Does it sound like you?

Re-imagine essay materials from your college applications but don't cut and paste. Customize for the unique scholarship mission and essay prompt.