What Should You Know Before Starting Your Scholarship Search?
Your scholarship search just got easier. Get expert advice from St. John’s University on finding real opportunities and avoiding scams along the way.
With thousands of scholarships out there, figuring out which ones are actually worth your time can feel overwhelming. Some are nationally known, others are tucked away on school websites, and a few might not be trustworthy at all. It’s no surprise many students start their scholarship search and quickly hit a wall.
But the truth is, finding reliable scholarship opportunities doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you know where to look (and what red flags to avoid) you can save time, protect your information, and uncover real ways to make college more affordable. From trusted national search tools to specific university pages like the one at St. John’s University, there are plenty of resources that put the power back in your hands.
Trusted Scholarship Search Tools You Can Count On
Start your search with scholarship databases known for their credibility and up-to-date listings. These sites pull from thousands of legitimate awards and let you filter by things like major, background, location, and more:
U.S. News Scholarship Finder: Curated by a trusted name in education rankings, this tool lets you browse scholarships based on your interests and eligibility.
Big Future by College Board: Search more than 23,000 scholarships with filtering options for deadlines, award amounts, and more.
CareerOneStop Scholarship Search: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this tool includes over 8,000 scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
Scholarships.com: One of the largest and oldest scholarship databases, offering a wide range of filters and personalized recommendations.
FastWeb: An established resource that matches you with scholarships based on your profile and interests.
Pro Tip: Bookmark these resources early and set reminders to check back regularly. New awards are posted year-round, and some deadlines come earlier than you might expect.
Be Cautious: Watch for Scholarship Scams
Unfortunately, the rise in scholarship searches has also led to a rise in scammers. Some common scholarship scam red flags include:
- Being asked to pay an application fee
- Claims you’ve been selected for a scholarship you didn’t apply for
- Promises of “guaranteed” awards
- Requests for sensitive information like bank details or your Social Security number
According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers often pose as financial aid officers, using official-sounding terms like “national” or “federal” to appear trustworthy. They may even send checks that later bounce leaving students responsible for the money. And in one extreme example, a Georgia family lost nearly $6,000 to someone pretending to be a college recruiter, convincing them to withdraw a real scholarship with the promise of a “better offer” that never came.
To protect yourself:
- Stick with well-known scholarship search tools and university websites.
- Never pay to apply.
- Ask questions and verify details with a trusted counselor, especially if something feels off.
- Report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Don’t Forget: Check University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities offer their own scholarships, some based on academics, others on involvement or service. These aren’t always listed in national databases, so it’s worth visiting each school’s financial aid site directly.
Scholarships at St. John’s University
St. John’s University offers a wide variety of institutional scholarships for incoming students, many of which are automatic upon applying.
Academic Merit Scholarships: These awards are based on your high school performance and are automatically considered when you apply to a bachelor’s degree program. No separate application is needed.
Catholic High School Scholarship: Incoming first-year students from Catholic high schools automatically receive a scholarship from St. John’s.
College Advantage Award: High school students who participated in the College Advantage program can receive scholarships annually if they enroll at St. John’s immediately after graduation.
Engagement Grants: By attending St. John’s events like Accepted Student Day, Open House, or campus tours, students can earn a one-time tuition credit.
Future Johnnie Awards: First-year and transfer students who meet early application and deposit deadlines may qualify for a credit distributed through their St. John’s StormCard for use on books and more.
Service Scholarships: St. John’s honors the children of U.S. police officers, firefighters, and military members.
Application-Based Scholarships: These include the Ozanam Scholars Program Catholic Scholars Program, and additional awards for students in programs like Risk Management or for those with connections to the Notre Dame College legacy.
Explore more opportunities and application details
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