Exploring Scholarship Opportunities

Preparing for college can be one of the most stressful times in your life.  Between college visits, standardized tests, financial aid forms and deadlines, it can feel like a whirlwind. It’s all too easy to be overwhelmed, but we’re ready to help you explore some ready financial options.

Let’s spend a few minutes looking at some key points about scholarship opportunities you can explore—and what to avoid.

Students admitted to all Penn State campuses are automatically considered for numerous scholarship awards and many more campus-specific opportunities are available by applying. But an estimated $100 million in scholarship money goes unawarded each year across the United States, mostly due to a lack of applicants.

Yes, there are thousands of scholarships out there just waiting for the right takers. Many don’t even have a GPA requirement.  BUT there are also many scholarship scams out there that target unsuspecting students. These scams can take different forms-- from promising guaranteed scholarships for an upfront fee to asking for personal and financial information under the guise of helping you apply for a scholarship.

Some scholarships require very little information from you, while others may require a lot of detail. Our PSU-LV financial aid advisors can help you know whether the scholarship site asking for your information is legitimate. Unless you’re sure it’s a legitimate source, then STOP! Do not submit the application!

More tips:

  • If you haven’t already done so, your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to submit a new FAFSA form each year of attendance.
  • Start Early – apply 6 months to a year prior to the semester or academic year.
  • Never pay for a scholarship search engine to “match” you with awards. Instead, do your own research and apply directly. While some search engines claim to “match” you with a scholarship, you can not apply directly through the search engine.
  • Never provide your Social Security Number (SSN).
  • If a scholarship seems too good to be true it probably is!
  • Avoid SCAMS! – Online links are easily duplicated to appear legitimate. Read the entire link before clicking on it or completing an application. Or check with the PSU-LV financial aid office to verify that the scholarship is legitimate.  Scammers often charge some kind of fee to apply or process the application. But legitimate scholarships do not charge any fees, or ask for your credit card or Social Security number. One click on the wrong link and you could become a victim.
  • Look close to home. Large search engines are typically nationwide. The larger the potential pool, the less likely you are to be awarded. Many of the clearing houses claim amazing results – but if you read the fine print, most of the awards are minimal. Instead, check with your municipality, church, or community organizations like the Chamber of Commerce. 

Penn State Lehigh Valley provides scholarships for students specifically attending our campus. Learn more about these opportunities and more, or to contact our financial aid advisor.

Applying for Scholarships

The letter came – congratulating you on your acceptance to Penn State Lehigh Valley. What do you do next—right after you dance around the kitchen and text your best friend?  You go online and you apply for scholarships, that’s what!

There are countless opportunities out there – some through Penn State that you’re considered for automatically. Others required that you apply – and do it early! Missing application deadlines is too often the only reason students don’t qualify for a scholarship.

At Penn State Lehigh Valley, we want to help you take a straight path through the scholarship maze.  Our single application puts you into consideration for dozens of campus scholarship awards established by generous Lehigh Valley donors. We’re also ready to point you to the best sources for other community and national scholarship opportunities.

While you may hear that there are thousands of big national scholarship offers out there, we always advise our students that their best strategy is to start close to home. Large search engines are typically nationwide. And the larger the potential pool, the less likely you are to be awarded. Many of the national clearing houses claim amazing results – but if you read the fine print, most of their awards are minimal.

Submitting our online application gives you a great start by getting you into consideration for one of our donor-funded awards. Some of our regional scholarships target students in specific academic programs, others look for students who demonstrate community involvement; some select by academic performance, while others take a diversity focus.

So remember, whatever your situation, there’s likely to be a scholarship that could be just right for you. But they all have application deadlines, so your first step should be to apply as soon as possible. 

And keep applying EVERY YEAR! Remember, scholarships aren’t just for your freshman year. You can be awarded every year you attend!

Penn State Lehigh Valley provides scholarships for students specifically attending our campus. Learn more about these opportunities and more, or to contact our financial aid advisor.