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If you are like many people, you may have asked yourself at some point in life, “Will I be rich one day?” No one knows for sure what the future holds, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of becoming a millionaire.

One of the best ways to amass wealth is to invest in assets that will appreciate over time. But while that sounds good, finding a starting point can be challenging for some. For example, you can start your own business or work hard to climb the corporate ladder, but which is the better option? And you’ll want to invest the money you earn. But where?

Whatever you do, it’s smart to remember that it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes; learning from your experiences is a critical component of success. Above all, remember that wealth accumulation is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes patience, commitment, and perseverance to achieve financial security.

What Is a Sign of Wealth?

Often, specific aspects of one’s physical appearance such as luxury cars and designer clothes are taken as a sign of being rich or wealthy. Unfortunately, these signs aren’t always reliable. For example, some people may live in an extravagant home, giving off the appearance of wealth, but it may simply mean that they can access money — perhaps through credit, savings, or even family.

Real signs of wealth are often more attitudinal, and many can be cultivated through patience and practice. Here are a few people who were early millionaires due, in large part, to their drive and focus.

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Examples of Millionaires Under 30

With the advent of the tech industry, smart investments, business ventures, or inheritances — i.e., the great wealth transfer — millionaires under 30 are becoming increasingly common. Here are three examples of millionaires who earned their fortunes before turning 30.

Mark Zuckerberg: Zuckerberg created Facebook at age 19 while attending Harvard University. The idea was to match photos with the names of other students. And in just a few short years, Zuckerberg became a self-made millionaire at age 22.

Sergey Brin: Brin is a Russian American computer scientist who, at the age of 25, co-founded Google, Inc., and became a millionaire. Google is one of the world’s most valuable companies, and today, Brin’s net worth is estimated to be upwards of $120 billion.

Alexandr Wang: Wang founded Scale AI in 2016 as a way to analyze data far faster than any human could. Today, Scale AI’s technology has been used by the U.S. Airforce and U.S. Army, as well as 300+ companies. Today, Wang’s net worth is estimated to be over $2 billion, and at age 27, he’s among the youngest self-made billionaires.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity?

9 Signs of Wealth to Look Out For

In the U.S. 1% of earners take home nearly 30% of the country’s income, so it’s essential to know what signs to look for when trying to identify if someone is wealthy. While there’s no one-size-fits-all definition of wealth, some cues can give you a good idea of whether you or someone you know is doing well financially. (And a net worth calculator can help you tally up your own assets.)

Here are six signs of wealth to look out for that indicate you’re on track to becoming wealthy:

1. You’re an Overachiever

It’s hard to be modest when you’re an overachiever. You know you’re good at your work and are not afraid to let everyone know. Overachievers work hard and try harder. While this may make some people uncomfortable, it comes naturally to you.

2. You Started Making Money At a Young Age

It is not uncommon to see young adults with successful careers in today’s society. While some people played with toys as a child, others learned how to make money. For example, it could mean that you had a paper route or a babysitting business.

Making money at a young age, or any age for that matter, is not always easy. But an early start in earning, tracking your money, and investing can put you on an accelerated schedule when it comes to building your wealth and becoming a millionaire.

3. You Take Action

There will be times when things happen that are out of your control. You may feel stuck and as if you have no way to change your circumstances. However, these are the times when you must take action to create the life you want to live. For example, it might mean organizing your finances to get what you want. And, sometimes you’ll have to take some risks and go for it. It can be scary, but it’s worth it to achieve your goals.

When faced with a difficult situation, it’s essential to remember that you always have a choice. You can choose to give up, or you can choose to fight for what you want. Only by taking action can you make progress and take a step towards achieving financial wellness. So don’t be afraid to step up and take on whatever life throws your way — you can do it!

4. You Are Outspoken

In a society where people get judged by how much money they have, it is no surprise that many go out of their way to keep up appearances. And while some may try to blend in with the wealthy crowd, a wealthy person will often stand out with his unique style or outgoing sense of humor. Wealthy people tend to feel less inhibited and are more likely to speak their minds. They may also be less concerned with the rules and more likely to take risks.

5. You Possess a Sense of Urgency

When it comes to the wealthy, there are a few telltale signs that set them apart. One of these is their sense of urgency — they don’t like wasting time and are always moving forward. This urgency allows them to set financial goals, achieve them, and maintain their wealth. It’s also one of the reasons why they may seem constantly stressed out — they’re always trying to do more.

6. You’re Focused More on Saving Than Earning

It doesn’t matter if you earn $50,000 or $250,000 a year. Unless you consistently spend less than you make, you’ll never get ahead financially. People who focus on their budget and saving their disposable income understand how to live within their means and focus on what’s most important: saving money for the future.

7. You Know the Difference Between Needs and Wants

In our materialistic society, getting caught up in the “must-have” mentality is easy. Advertisements are everywhere, and social media posts tell us we need the next latest and greatest products. It can be challenging to discern between the things we need and want.

A sign of a wealthy person is their ability to distinguish between the two. They know which items are essential for their well-being and those which would be nice to have. Advertising or peer pressure doesn’t work on rich people, and their possessions don’t rule them.

Recommended: Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?

Spiritual Signs You Will Be Rich

Are there spiritual signs that you can be a wealthy person? Some people believe steadfastly in spiritual and other signs of wealth and luck. Here are a couple of examples:

Gravitating to the Lucky Number, 8

In Chinese culture, the number 8 is considered a lucky number. Individuals who gravitate toward this number may believe it will bring them good fortune. Some people might even go as far as to change their phone number or social media handle to include the digit 8.

A Psychic Confirms Wealth is Coming

Some people consult psychics to get guidance on anything from love to health and even money. While many psychics will say they can tune into your energy and give you specific information about your future, and many people believe their predictions, you may be better off putting the money you’d pay the psychic into savings.

Pros and Cons of Having Signs of Wealth

There are very few times when it can be helpful to show off your wealth to others. Indeed, showing off can make others feel intimidated. Additionally, it can attract unwanted attention from criminals or others who want to take what you have. And having too many signs of wealth can make you a target for scams or other fraudulent schemes.

The Takeaway

If you identify with any of these habits you’re likely well on your way to building a significant amount of wealth. However, it is essential to remember that wealth accumulation is not a one-time event; it’s a way of life. It’s something you’ll need to make a habit of, if you want to succeed. For many people who work hard, stay focused, and are disciplined, it is possible.

And as you’re building your wealth, tracking your income and expenses is one of the primary ways to manage your money. SoFi’s money tracker app can help you keep track of your funds so you can make the best spending decisions and start building your very own fortune today.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

At what point is someone considered wealthy?

There is no magic dollar amount that indicates someone is wealthy and one person’s definition may not be the same as another’s. But in 2022, the top 1% of earners took home an average of $785,968, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Of course the amount you earn is only part of the wealth story. How much of your income (or inherited wealth) you retain is affected by your spending habits.

What are invisible signs of wealth?

People who are stealthily wealthy still might have a “tell” that gives them away. Use of private banking or wealth management services would be one example. Another might be not working but being able to maintain an expensive hobby such as riding horses or boating. Buying bespoke products, whether tailor-made clothing or custom-designed furniture, is another subtle giveaway.

Photo credit: iStock/miniseries

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Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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You made it through the interview process and have an official job offer via email. But how do you accept an offer letter? Say yes right away, or take time to think it over? Should you talk to your new employer on the phone even if you received the offer by email?

Before you commit, you’ll want to make sure you take the right steps. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process once that job offer appears in your inbox.

How To Accept a Job Offer

It’s important to know how to reply to your new employer in order to show them you’re a professional and reinforce their choice in hiring you. Accepting the job offer with clear, respectful communication helps make a good impression and establish a positive rapport from the beginning.

Whether or not the employer offers you the job by email or phone, the first thing to know is you don’t have to give a definitive answer right away. Employers realize a new hire may need time to mull it over. It’s perfectly okay to reply with, “Thank you for the offer. I really appreciate it. May I take the next day or two to think it over before I respond?” This is important, particularly if you want to prepare to discuss salary, bonuses, your title, or other company benefits such as health or employer-sponsored life insurance.

Unless it’s urgent for the employer to fill the position ASAP, they will most likely be fine with granting you two or three days to make your final decision. Try not to take too long, though. It’s best to stay within a 48-hour timeframe so you don’t leave them hanging.

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Evaluate the Job Offer

If you’re taking a couple of days to give your final answer, you’ll want to truly assess if this position is right for you. First, and probably most important, is evaluating the salary offer. Is what they’re paying enough for you to live on, or are you going to need a side hustle or a second job to make ends meet?

Another factor to consider is whether the offered income is commensurate with the job’s duties, responsibilities, and your experience. Researching similar positions in the industry can give you an idea if the company is offering competitive pay.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re satisfied with the benefits package, work hours, and vacation and sick time policies. Is the employer offering any other perks that may seal the deal, such as college tuition assistance or an employer match on your 401(k) contribution?

Other factors you may want to evaluate include the work culture and environment. For example, if you tend to be someone who works alone and the company loves hosting afterwork happy hours or frequent team-building workshops, it might not be the best fit for you.

Lastly, think about your career trajectory and how this job might help move you forward. If it provides challenges, allows you to learn, and offers room for advancement, it may be a clear cut answer, especially if it’s your first job or you’re changing careers.

Questions To Ask the Employer Before Accepting a New Job

Before accepting an offer letter, make sure you get answers upfront to any questions you may have. During the time you’re evaluating your options, gather your thoughts and make a list of what you want to know. These queries can eliminate any doubts you might have, provide answers to questions you may not have asked during the interview, and prepare you for what to expect on your start date.

Asking important questions also clarifies what your role is, the company’s expectations of you, and in turn, what your expectations of the employer should be.

Some questions you may want to ask:

•   Is the salary negotiable?

•   When will I be eligible to receive benefits?

•   What types of employee savings plans are offered?

•   What types of pre-employment background checks or screening does the company do?

•   To whom will I be reporting to?

•   What should I expect from the onboarding process?

•   What type of training will I receive?

•   What is the company policy regarding remote or hybrid work?

•   Will I be expected to work late or on the weekends?

•   Does this position offer bonuses or commissions?

•   What’s the workplace dress code?

Negotiate the Job Offer

Seeing if there’s any wiggle room with certain aspects of the job is important before you make your official decision. For example, if the job doesn’t require you to be onsite every day, you might ask if you can work a hybrid schedule. Or perhaps there’s a possibility of a flexible schedule where you choose the 8-hour shift you want to work.

Although it can feel awkward and uncomfortable to bring it up, many employers actually expect potential new hires to bring up the salary subject. In fact, according to a poll by CareerBuilder, 73% of employers in the U.S. anticipate a salary negotiation upon the initial job offer. And bringing it up can literally pay off. A study by Fidelity Investments found 87% of young professionals aged 25 to 35 who negotiated their salary got at least some of what they asked.

(If you find yourself more interested in maximizing your income and managing your finances, a free budget app can help you get started.)

Talking to your new boss about salary before signing on may be the only time you’re in the driver’s seat in salary negotiations. Take advantage of this moment and the fact the employer wants you. Asking for more money, even if it’s for an entry-level salary, demonstrates you’re a confident, business-savvy professional who knows their worth.

If you want to negotiate the salary after you get the job offer, do your homework. Find out what salaries competitors are offering for someone with your skill set and experience, on such sites as Payscale.com, Glassdoor.com, or Salary.com. Set the bar high initially and ask for the top of your range, knowing you’ll probably end up somewhere in the middle between what you want and the maximum the employer is willing to offer. Be prepared to give reasons as to why you should earn more, touting your experience, accomplishments, and the value you’ll bring to the company.

In the event you don’t get your desired salary, see if you can negotiate for other things that might make up for it, such as a signing bonus or employee stock options.

Accept the Job Offer Over the Phone

A phone call is a common way employers let the applicant know they’ve landed the job. When that call comes, you’ll want to be prepared to know exactly what to say.

If you’re offered the job by phone, first thank the caller, confirm you’re interested, and express your gratitude for the opportunity to fill the position. This gesture helps to establish a good relationship and lets the supervisor know you’re enthusiastic. A reply can be as simple as, “Thank you for extending this offer. I’m delighted and am excited by the opportunity to work with you and the company.”

At this time, you’ll want to ask the employer to send you the written offer letter or contract detailing the conditions of employment, salary information, job duties, and benefits. Once you get it, review it carefully to make sure the terms are acceptable, determine what you might want to negotiate, and look for any small details in fine print that may not have come up during the interview process.

Follow Up With an Email

The process for accepting a job through email closely follows the same protocol as by phone.

In an email, you’ll want to open with a thank you for considering you for the position and say you’re excited about the prospect of joining the team. Here’s the opening to request time to think about the offer, letting them know you have some questions, and inquiring when it may be possible to discuss them. The person will then set up a time to talk on the phone or by video chat, or might ask you to send your questions along in an email.

You should also ask for the written offer here too, if it is not included in the email. If you’re recently out of school, your offer letter can serve as proof of income for student loan repayment plans and apartment applications.

Who Should You Email To Accept a Job Offer?

The person who officially offers you the job is the one to whom you should directly respond. At this point it will most likely come from the hiring manager or your future boss. Regardless, reply to the person sending the email. If there are cc’s, be sure to hit reply all to include those parties.

What To Include in a Job Offer Acceptance Letter

A job acceptance letter gives you the chance to document key points about your new job and clarify the terms of employment. Getting it in writing helps prevent future misunderstandings.

Your acceptance letter should include the following:

•   Thank you to the employer for offering you the position, stating the full job title.

•   A formal acceptance of the job offer.

•   Confirm the terms and conditions of employment: starting salary, health benefits, work hours, and start date.

•   Close by showing appreciation for the opportunity and your eagerness to join the company.

Advice on Writing a Job Offer Acceptance Letter

Don’t quickly jot off and send a job acceptance letter. Instead, carefully plan out what you want to say. Make sure it’s well-written, strikes a professional and polite tone, and covers all of the important bases. Be sure to proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors before sending.

When composing the acceptance via email, create a concise subject line such as:

•   Acceptance of [Job Title] job offer – [Your name]

•   [Your Name] – [Job Title] job offer acceptance

Here are some sample templates to help you craft your response:

Job Offer Acceptance Letter Sample #1

Dear Ms. Jones,

Thank you for offering me the position of Account Executive with XYZ company. It is with great enthusiasm that I accept the job offer and look forward to starting employment with your company on [Month, Date, Year].

As we discussed, my starting salary will be $50,000 and health insurance benefits will be provided after 60 days of employment.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time if there’s anything more you need from me.

Thank you again for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I am eager to join the team and make a positive contribution to the organization.organization.

Sincerely,
Your signature
Typed name

Job Offer Acceptance Letter Sample #2

Dear Ms. Jones,

I am writing to confirm my acceptance of your job offer on [Date job was offered] and to let you know how delighted I am to be joining the XYZ company as an Account Executive. I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the company, and I am very grateful for the opportunity you have given me.

As discussed, my starting salary is $50,000 with the full range of benefits granted to your employees. My scheduled work hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. I will report to work on [Start date].

Thank you for the confidence you have expressed in me. I look forward to a long and productive career with XYZ company.

Sincerely,
Your signature
Typed name

Job Offer Acceptance Letter Sample #3

Dear Ms. Jones,

I was very excited to get your call and receive the job offer for the Account Executive position at XYZ company.

After reviewing the offer, I had a few questions I wanted to run by you — particularly about the base salary and the company’s benefits package. Would it be possible to arrange a phone call to discuss?

Thank you in advance for your help with this. I look forward to speaking to you again soon.

Sincerely,
Your signature
Typed name

What to Expect When Accepting a Job Offer

Once you and your new employer have hashed out any negotiated terms in your offer letter, ask them if anything else is needed from you prior to your first day. If you’re employed elsewhere, inform your current boss you’re leaving and set your termination date (typically two weeks after you give notice). You’ll also want to determine if you have the option of utilizing COBRA to stay on your current employer’s health insurance plan if your new employer’s health benefits don’t kick in right away. And look into how to roll over your 401(k) to the new employer’s plan if you wish to do so.

Your new workplace may require certain things before you start, including filling out paperwork and submitting documentation for your HR file, plus drug testing or a background check. There may be an orientation, training classes you’ll need to attend when you start, and an employee handbook to study.

Recommended: What is The Difference Between TransUnion and Equifax?

The Takeaway

Whether you’re offered a job by phone or email, it’s important to respond in a timely, professional manner, especially if you decide to take the position. But you don’t have to say yes immediately. It’s acceptable to ask the employer if you can have a couple of days to think about it before you can make a final decision. Depending on what the company is offering benefits- and salary-wise, you may want to come to the negotiating table with the employer to see how to maximize your situation.

SoFi helps you keep track of your money, all in one place. With our money tracker app, you can set budgets, categorize your spending, spot upcoming bills, and monitor your credit score, all for free. You’ll get updates on your progress and be able to set financial goals. You can even talk one-on-one with a financial planner.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

What do you say when you accept a job offer?

Thank the employer, let them know you appreciate the offer, and communicate you’re excited about joining their company. Responding in an upbeat, positive way shows your enthusiasm and signals to the employer they made the right choice.

How do I accept an informal job offer?

You can accept the job offer over the phone or by email but follow the employer’s lead. If they call you, it’s best to respond in kind and accept it over the phone. In the case of an emailed job offer, you can send your response that way. Most likely, even if they offer you the job over email, the employer will follow up to solidify things verbally.

How do you say yes to a job offer?

Once you’ve sorted out any questions with the employer and completed any negotiations, ask for the offer in writing if you haven’t already received an offer letter. Read over the offer letter carefully to ensure all of the details are correct. If everything is in order, you can send the email confirming your salary, your job title, start date, and any other agreed-upon conditions. Be sure to thank them again and express again how much you’re looking forward to joining the team.

Photo credit: iStock/Tempura

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL-Q324-045

One way a college student can fund their education is by getting a scholarship, which is gifted money that doesn’t have to be paid back. A scholarship can be awarded to a student for a number of reasons, including having a special talent, academic or athletic merit, community involvement, financial need, or a combination of any of these factors.

College scholarships aren’t just for high school grads who are trying to find financial awards to pay for school. Students who are already enrolled in college and in the process of earning their degree can also apply. Although there are certain time periods where scholarship deadlines are more prevalent, there are still plenty of scholarships current college students can apply for year-round.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of scholarships for college students, how to find them, and application tips to consider to increase your chances of being selected.

Eligibility Requirements

While college scholarship requirements can vary, there are some common eligibility qualifications that most will require. For instance, every scholarship application will want your basic information, such as your name, address, email, phone number, and what college you’re currently attending.

Sometimes a scholarship will only ask for basic information, but others will require more. You may be asked to give your GPA, submit an essay, or provide letters of recommendation. Scholarships that are based on financial need may call for the student or their parents to provide financial information, such as income or assets.

How to Find Scholarships for Current College Students

According to the Education Data Initiative, more than 1.7 million scholarships are awarded in the U.S. each year. With so many opportunities, it can be difficult to know where to start looking.

One easy way to dive in is by using SoFi’s scholarship search tool, where you can scout out thousands of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other awarded aid. The tool enables you to use keywords to search and filters to see only awards according to type, level of study, residency, and more.

SoFi also has a $2,500 scholarship sweepstakes you can enter every single month just by registering with SoFi.

Another way to find out about getting free money for college is by visiting your college’s financial aid office and consulting with your academic advisor or head of the department for your particular major.

You may also be able to apply for a scholarship if you or a parent work for an employer who offers scholarship awards. For instance, if you’re a college student employed at McDonald’s, Starbucks, T-Mobile, Walmart, or Taco Bell, you may be eligible to apply for their scholarship opportunities.

Large employers, such as Wells Fargo, CVS, American Airlines, and PepsiCo, offer the opportunity for an employee’s dependent to apply for that company’s college scholarship. College students with a parent who is an active, retired, or deceased military member are also eligible to apply for a scholarship program, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Scholarships for Current College Students

As mentioned previously, there are a multitude of scholarships to apply for while in college, including those that are based on merit, financial need, and even those geared toward certain cultural heritage or minority populations.

Depending on the scholarship provider, there may be strict terms and conditions on how the money is spent, such as dictating the money go toward tuition, room and board, books, and other college-related expenses. Others may give you more leeway, and some may even allow you to use the funds to pay off student loans.

Here’s a list of some of entities that offer scholarships for current college students to consider:

Federal or State Government Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants, which are usually based on need and awarded according to the student’s financial situation, are available through the U.S. government and through the individual states.

Through the federal government, college students can apply for a Pell Grant, a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), or a TEACH Grant for those students who want to be teachers. With a TEACH Grant, you can get up to $4,000 a year, but you must commit to teaching a highly needed subject in a low-income area elementary or secondary school, where there’s a shortage of specific subject teachers.

To find out what your individual state offers scholarship-wise, you can check with your state’s education agency. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators offers links to each state’s education department, which you can access by clicking the state on their map.

It’s important to know that in order to be considered for a federal or state scholarship or grant, you’ll need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form needs to be submitted every year since eligibility for financial aid doesn’t carry over to the next school year.

Recommended: Pell Grant Eligibility: What Are the Income Limits?

Financial Institutions

Sallie Mae, a bank and education solutions company, offers many scholarship opportunities, including their easy to apply for $2,000 award. Other financial institutions, including Discover, U.S. Bank, Charles Schwab, and Morgan Stanley, also have scholarships for students currently enrolled in college.

Your College

Your school may offer their own scholarships or grants. These prizes may be funded by private individuals, foundations, organizations, or even via the federal or state government. As mentioned earlier, checking with your school’s financial aid office or talking to the department head of your field of study can help steer you toward eligible awards.

Clubs or Organizations

Many national organizations, such as the Elks National Foundation, Rotary International, and the NAACP, offer scholarships to college students. The good news is you may not have to be a member of a club or organization to qualify.

Diversity and Identity-Geared Groups or Agencies

There are a multitude of scholarships for college students with specific social identities. Based on your cultural heritage, ethnicity, race, or religious affiliation, you can find financial awards specifically for these populations. There are also scholarships for women and for individuals who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Recommended: A Guide to Unclaimed Scholarships

Types of Scholarships Available for Current College Students

There are two principal categories of scholarships: need-based and merit-based scholarships. The two aren’t exclusive, though. You may find a scholarship that’s both need- and merit-based.

Here’s the key differences between the two:

Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are based on a student’s financial need rather than any specific achievements. Need-based scholarships allow someone who may not have had the funds otherwise to attend college.

Since these financial awards are based on a student’s financial situation, the application process is pretty straightforward, typically only requiring a student or their parents’ income information.

Merit-Based Scholarships

A merit-based scholarship is one given to a student based on their achievements, which can be academic, artistic, athletic, or related to leadership or a special interest. Unlike a need-based scholarship, a merit-based scholarship rewards a college student’s accomplishments over financial need.

Applications for merit-based scholarships tend to be more involved, asking for essays, letters of recommendation, possibly an interview, and wanting to see if you have a certain GPA.

Tips to Help When You’re Applying for Scholarships

Read on for some strategies to increase your chances of landing a scholarship while already in college:

Create a List of What Makes You Unique

Take stock of your particular background, skills, hobbies, and personal experiences and see what college scholarships might be tailored for you. For example, if you speak another language, play an instrument, are a first-generation college student, or have overcome a difficult life challenge, there’s a scholarship out there for you.

Cast a Wide Net During Your Search

Since there aren’t any limits on how many scholarships you can apply for and receive, look for those offering both large and small amounts of money. It all adds up.

Read the Fine Print

Review the scholarship eligibility qualifications carefully; otherwise you may be applying for one that you’re not able to receive. Double-check the deadline date, too, and mark it on your calendar so you can keep track.

Start the Application Process Early

Factor in how much time you’ll need to complete certain requirements, such as gathering letters of recommendation and writing an essay.

Seek Out Scholarship Workshops

In-person or online scholarship workshop seminars can help walk you through the process and give you tips on how to stand out in your application. Check to see if a workshop is available at your school.

The Takeaway

College scholarships aren’t only for high school seniors applying to college. If you’re already a college student, there are myriad scholarships out there and there’s no definitive limit on how many you can pursue or the amount of money you can receive. Once you’ve applied all of your scholarships to your cost of attendance, you can pay your remaining college expenses with cash savings, grants, and student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How often should I apply for scholarships in college?

You should apply for scholarships as often as possible and for as many as you can. Doing so can only increase your chances of winning. And don’t discount scholarships offering smaller amounts of money: When it comes to paying for college, every little bit helps.

Can I receive scholarships and federal aid at the same time?

Yes, you can. However, it’s important to realize the monetary amount of your scholarship and federal aid can’t total more than your cost of attendance at your college or university. If you are rewarded with a scholarship and your aid exceeds the cost of attendance, you’ll need to notify your school’s financial aid office. They will have to recalculate the financial aid package, which can lower the amount of your financial aid.

Do scholarships for current students consider GPA?

It’s up to the scholarship provider to set the criteria for eligibility, and some may not even ask for your GPA. In general, though, a 3.0 GPA or higher will give you a leg up when it comes to qualifying for many scholarships.

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