Scholarship Search Checklist
- Check out scholarship opportunities by your College and/or Campus
- College of Aeronautics and Engineering
- College of Applied and Technical Studies
- College of Architecture and Environmental Design
- College of the Arts
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Visit the individual academic departments for more information.
- College of Business Administration
- College of Communication and Information
- College of Education Health and Human Resources
- College of Nursing
- College of Podiatric Medicine
- College of Public Health
- University College
- The University College does not have scholarship opportunities
- Use the KSU Scholarship Search to identify additional Kent State scholarships for which you may be eligible to apply.
- Complete the Student Financial Aid Scholarship Application.
- Ask about scholarship opportunities when you talk with Kent State staff, academic advisors, faculty, and other students. Someone might know about a new or upcoming resource to check out.
- Explore scholarship opportunities in your community:
- If you are still in high school, meet with your high school counselor and ask what scholarships are offered by your high school and the surrounding community.
- Check with your friends. What scholarships did they apply for?
- Read announcements and local newspapers for local scholarship opportunities.
- Are you active in a club or student organization? Check and see if they offer scholarships at a local, regional, or national level.
- Does your church, synagogue, mosque, or other religious affiliation offer scholarships? Ask!
- Check with your employer (both students and parents) to see if they have a scholarship program.
- Are you volunteering somewhere? Ask if they offer scholarship opportunities.
- Businesses and industry groups in your major or career field may offer scholarships. A simple Google search can help you uncover these types of scholarships. For example, search for “scholarships for aviation students” or “scholarships for human resource management majors”.
- Research state and national organizations which may offer scholarships to individuals with your cultural background or personal circumstances. Google is a great place to start with these types of searches.
- Register for 1-2 external scholarship search engines. View a list of free and reputable search engines!
As you start to identify scholarships you are eligible to apply for:
- Schedule time every week to complete and submit applications.
- Make note of application deadline dates and put them in a calendar.
- Keep track of what you have applied for and what you should work on next, based on deadline dates.
- Let someone else read your scholarship essays and give you feedback.
- Check out our video video on how to write an effective scholarship essay!
- Thoroughly review your scholarship application before submitting it. Make sure you did not skip or leave a question blank. Double check your spelling and grammar.
A scholarship search takes time, energy, and effort. Successful students apply for everything and do not make excuses! You may have to fill out a lot of applications to get one scholarship. It is always OK to ask about scholarships. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed. Finding free money for college will be worth it. Never give up!
Need some additional motivation? Check out these books:
- “The Academic Hustle: The Ultimate Game Plan for Scholarships, Internships and Job Offers,” by Matthew Pigatt
- “Finding College Cash: Proven Ideas to Find Scholarships, Grants and Other Resources to Finish College Debt-Free or Better!” by Steven Roberts
- “Confessions of a Scholarship Winner: The Secrets that Helped Me Win $500,000 in Free Money for College – How You Can Too!” by Kristina Ellis