Scholarship Search: FAQ

Scholarships FAQ

Using the Scholarship Search Engine

» How do I use the NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine?
» Is there a cost to use the NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine?

Searching for Scholarships

» How can I increase the number of scholarships in my search results?
» What types of scholarships should I include in my search?
» What’s the difference between “All Funding Options” and “Scholarships, Grants, & Awards Only”?
» I’m still in high school; how do I look for scholarships?
» I’m not sure what my major is going to be; how can I look for scholarships?
» I’m trying to improve my GPA, but it’s not very high right now. What scholarship options do I have?

Your Scholarships Profile

» Do I have to create a new student search profile every time I use the NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine?
» How do I update or change my profile?
» What is a “what if” scenario, and how do I create one?

Applying for Scholarships & Receiving Awards

» Who can apply for scholarships?
» How do I apply for a scholarship?
» How will I know if I’ve won a scholarship?
» Will a scholarship award affect my financial aid?

Using the Scholarship Search Engine

How do I use the NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine?

Simply create your student profile, and select “Search” for a comprehensive list of scholarship opportunities customized just for you.

Is there a cost to use the NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine?

Absolutely not! You may use the NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine as often as you’d like, whenever you’d like. There’s never a fee, and we’ll never bother you with annoying pop-up ads.

Searching for Scholarships

How can I increase the number of scholarships in my search results?

Simple! Just broaden your search criteria, and you’ll find more awards. For example:

  • Change your Year of Study to check for scholarships that may be available in the future.
  • In the State of Residency field, enter all the states you’re considering. Don’t forget to include the state in which you currently live; you may be eligible for local scholarships, too.
  • Select multiple responses in the Academic Major field to see what’s available, or select “No Academic Major” to financial aid awards available regardless of field of study.
  • Select “None” in the College(s) You May Attend field to see awards offered by schools throughout the country.
  • Expand your responses in the Artistic Skills and Athletic Skills fields to include other areas in which you might be interested or skilled.
  • In the Types of Scholarships to Include in Search section, select “all types” to see awards from all entities offering money for college.

What types of scholarships should I include in my search?

Most users select “All Types” here. However, if you’re looking for a particular award, you can narrow your search results by selecting a scholarship type. Or, if you’re not interested in some types of awards, you can filter these out by selecting only those that interest you.

What’s the difference between “All Funding Options” and “Scholarships, Grants, & Awards Only”?

Selecting “All Funding Options” will give you access to all funding options, including federal college loans, parent loans, and private student loans.

I’m still in high school; how do I look for scholarships?

If you want to check on scholarships that may be available down the road, set your “Year of Study” for a year or more in advance.

I’m not sure what my major is going to be; how can I look for scholarships?

The NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine contains millions of awards, many of which require no specific major. To see these opportunities, select “None” as your academic major. The search results will show only those financial aid sources that don’t require an academic major. You can also select multiple majors to see the award opportunities for various fields of study. Hold down the CRTL key on your keyboard to select up to five majors.

I’m trying to improve my GPA, but it’s not very high right now. What scholarship options do I have?

You have lots of options. Although some scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, many do not consider your GPA at all. The NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine lets you estimate your GPA, in case you’re not sure what it is or what it will be when you graduate. If you expect your grades to improve, enter your expected GPA to see how the change affects your scholarship opportunities.

Your Scholarships Profile

Do I have to create a new student search profile every time I use the NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine?

No. This option is offered to help you broaden your search easily and conveniently. You can create different profiles for yourself, each based on different academic scenarios such as grades, class ranking, major, etc., and save these for future use. We’re constantly adding and updating our database of scholarships, and saved profiles can save you lots of time in your search process.

How do I update or change my Scholarship Search Engine profile?

If your academic situation has changed, you can either create a new scholarships profile or update an existing profile by highlighting the appropriate profile and selecting “Edit Profile.” If you’re updating basic personal information such as your e-mail address or mailing address, select “View/Update Account,” and enter your updated information.

What is a “what if” scenario, and how do I create one?

The NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine maximizes your scholarship opportunities by making it easy to compare various scenarios to see what yields the best scholarship search results for you. You can compare scenarios by creating a number of scholarships profiles, each with a different set of criteria, such as your selected academic major (or no major at all), various SAT or ACT scores, a higher or lower GPA, and many other options. You can also work with the same profile, simply changing your options to see what the search results provide.

Applying for Scholarships & Receiving Awards

Who can apply for scholarships?

Just about every student is eligible for college scholarships and grants, regardless of background, abilities, or academic level. Scholarship and grants awards aren’t limited to students with high academic achievements or extraordinary abilities, and they’re available to high school students just entering college, students already in college, and even graduate students.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Once you’ve received your search results, read the descriptions carefully for application instructions. Each scholarship is different; some refer you to their website to complete an online application while others provide a phone number or address for the person you need to contact.

How will I know if I’ve won a scholarship?

The NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine helps you identify scholarship opportunities, but we’re not involved in the application or funding process. Once you’ve applied for an award, you’ll be dealing directly with the awarding organization and can check with the scholarship administrator to determine the status of your application.

Will a scholarship award affect my financial aid?

It might. Depending on your financial situation and the amount of student aid you’ve already received, a scholarship may reduce the amount of financial aid for which you’re eligible. Scholarships, though, are free money that doesn’t have to be repaid, so you’ll still want to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Be sure, however, to report your scholarship awards to your school’s financial aid office, and contact the financial aid office if you have any questions about your financial aid eligibility.

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