November 1st is the first major deadline for college applications. It is also an important date for those looking for money to fund college. The first places to look for scholarships are the schools you would like to attend. Depending on your school, it may also be the deadline to get institutional merit-based scholarships. Many colleges attach scholarship eligibility to the November 1st deadline. Students applying Early Action need to determine if scholarships are associated with this date.
When researching college websites, you should also research their scholarship page to find out the dates and timelines for submission. This is particularly important for public institutions like Indiana State which states the following, “To receive first consideration for many scholarships, students must be admitted by 12/1.” Other colleges may require a separate date for scholarship consideration. If you miss a priority admission deadline you may be considered for scholarships based on the availability of funds on a first-come first-served basis.
The following should be taken into consideration when applying to colleges:
- Major priority deadlines for scholarship consideration are 11/1, 11/15, and 12/1.
- When setting up your application timeline, priority should be given to deadlines that have scholarships attached to them.
- Admission applications submitted by the priority dates are given the highest consideration for scholarships.
- Merit-based scholarships are not based on income which is why scholarship offers can be made early.
Whether or not you are applying for institutional scholarships, I highly recommend getting your admission applications in before Christmas break. You can enjoy your break and start researching for outside scholarships.
Good luck.