Hardest Scholarships to Get: Which Scholarships Are Most Competitive and Why?
Not all scholarships are created equal. Find out which scholarships are hardest to win, why they’re so competitive, and what you can do to stand out.
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Ever wonder why some students snag free money while others struggle? Usually it's because they target the right merit scholarships and follow a few simple steps. Merit scholarships reward good grades, leadership, sports, or special talents – no need to prove financial need. If you know where to look and how to present yourself, you can add extra cash to your education budget.
Start with the places you already belong to. Your school counselor keeps a list of local and national awards. Many colleges publish merit‑based awards on their admissions pages – just type the school name + “merit scholarship” into a search engine. Community groups, charities, and businesses often run scholarships for residents or members, so check the town council website or your employer’s HR portal. Don’t forget the big scholarship databases – sites like Scholarship.com or Fastweb let you filter by merit criteria, GPA, or extracurriculars.
Two posts on this site can help you dig deeper: “Scholarship Odds Explained” breaks down the real chance of winning, and “Find Scholarships Nobody Applies For” shows hidden gems that most students overlook.
First, match the scholarship’s focus. If it’s for leadership, highlight clubs, sports captaincy, or volunteer projects. Use numbers: "Led a team of 12 volunteers to raise £2,000 for charity" reads better than vague claims. Second, keep your essay tight. Start with a hook – a short story that shows why the award matters to you – then link that story to your goals. Third, proofread. A single typo can feel careless, so ask a teacher or friend to review your work.
Another practical tip: gather all required documents early. Transcripts, recommendation letters, and activity lists are the usual suspects. Ask teachers for recommendations at least two weeks before the deadline, and give them a quick reminder of your achievements so they can write specific praise.
Finally, track deadlines. Create a simple spreadsheet with scholarship name, amount, due date, and required items. Set a calendar alert a week before each deadline. Missing a deadline is a free money loss you don’t need.
Merit scholarships often stack. If you win a small award, you can use it as proof of success when applying for larger ones. Schools like to see that you’ve already been recognized, so list every award, even the modest ones.
In short, the formula is simple: find the right list, match your strengths to the criteria, write a clear story, and stay organized. Follow these steps and you’ll see your odds improve dramatically. Good luck, and start filling out those forms today!
Not all scholarships are created equal. Find out which scholarships are hardest to win, why they’re so competitive, and what you can do to stand out.
Read more
