Scholarship Myths

Myth

You must be an “A” student to win a scholarship.

Truth:
Having an “A” average alone will not guarantee you a scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation conducts one of the largest
corporate-sponsored scholarship programs in the United States.
Although a good academic record is a contributing factor, having
an “A” average exclusively will not qualify a student as a Coca-Cola
Scholar. Coca-Cola Scholars are well-rounded, unique, and
independent individuals.

Myth

Billions of scholarship dollars go unused every year.

Truth:

Although some scholarship money is unclaimed each year, this
money is often earmarked for students with very specific
qualifications such as a particular last name or some unusual
characteristic. For instance, students who are Catholic and have
the last name of Zolp may be eligible for a full-tuition four-year
scholarship at Loyola University. For more information on unusual
scholarship opportunities including those for students who are
short, tall or overweight, review Chapter 15 of Winning
Scholarships for College.

Myth

B or C students have little opportunity to win scholarships.

Truth:

B or C students still have opportunities for scholarships. If you are
a B or C student and you have a history of participation and growth
in extracurricular activities as well as involvement in your
community, you have an excellent chance of winning scholarships.
Highlighting your participation and involvement in a student
résumé and an essay will help you be successful. For more
information, read Chapter 9 of Winning Scholarships for College,
"Grade's Don't Mean Everything - Standing Out in a Crowd" and
Chapter 11, "Writing Perfect Essays."


Myths

You cannot win a scholarship if you do not have financial need.
Or, middle class students cannot get money for college.

Truth:

Middle class students can win money for college. Although they
may not be eligible for some need-based scholarship programs,
they still have numerous opportunities to win merit scholarships.
For more information, read Chapter 9 of Winning Scholarships for
College, "Grade's Don't Mean Everything - Standing Out in a
Crowd."



Myth

Grades and SAT scores are the only factors you need to worry
about for winning scholarships.

Truth:

Having good grades and high SAT scores are definitely important.
However, you still need to have a history of participation and
growth in extracurricular activities as well as involvement in your
community to win scholarships. Also showcasing your
participation and involvement in a student résumé and an essay
will help. For more information, read Chapter 9 of Winning
Scholarships for College, "Grade's Don't Mean Everything -
Standing Out in a Crowd" and Chapter 11, "Writing Perfect
Essays."