Scholarships After Already Starting College

[JC92]

I just have a few quick questions about getting scholarships after one has already gone through the first year or so of college. My mediocre GPA from high school, a result of slacking, prevents me from getting a lot of scholarships right out of high school. I'm completely fine with using student loans and federal aid to pay for my first couple of years or even my first 4 years of college. However, once I get my undergraduate degree, I really don't want have to pay for graduate school and beyond with student loans. The first 4 years will be bad enough. So what I'm wondering is are there normally scholarships in college I can get (assuming I have very good scores. Such as a 3.5 GPA + good scores in all my classes) that will pay for my future years in college? And are there normally any scholarships that I will be able to work for that will pay for grad school? I understand that it will probably differ with each college, but I'm speaking in general. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Newtime]

I just have a few quick questions about getting scholarships after one has already gone through the first year or so of college. My mediocre GPA from high school, a result of slacking, prevents me from getting a lot of scholarships right out of high school. I'm completely fine with using student loans and federal aid to pay for my first couple of years or even my first 4 years of college. However, once I get my undergraduate degree, I really don't want have to pay for graduate school and beyond with student loans. The first 4 years will be bad enough. So what I'm wondering is are there scholarships in college I can get (assuming I have very good scores. Such as a 3.5 GPA + good scores in all my classes) that will pay for my future years in college? And are there any scholarships that I will be able to work for that will pay for grad school? Thanks in advance for any help.

There are definitely continuing student scholarships, but speaking from experience, they are MUCH harder to get (harder to find even) than scholarships right out of high school.

 

[JC92]

There are definitely continuing student scholarships, but speaking from experience, they are MUCH harder to get (harder to find even) than scholarships right out of high school.

How hard exactly? I mean I plan on having as close to straight A's as possible. And a very high GPA. Are they hard to get even with that? I'll also be getting the Pell Grant, and I remember seeing a few scholarships from a college I'm considering that required you to be getting the Pell Grant.

 

[QuarkCharmer]

I asked this very question for the most part. I rely on the GI bill for my undergrad and it will not cover anything after that. For that reason I am very motivated to get grad school paid for. I was told my many sources that a solid GPA, research, and recommendations would allow me to slide into a tuition-waived grad program with a stipend. I am shooting for a 3.9 at least, but I generally heard that 3.5+ is a solid gpa for that.

 

[Jack21222]

I'm a 3rd year student, and I was approved for a $2,500 scholarship.

Also, if you plan on getting a Ph.D., grad school is usually free.

 

[ehilge]

From my experiences, there are a handful scholarships available after you get started. My department sponsors a number of awards in particular. However, they generally aren't more than $1000 and only a one time award. Don't expect to find a full ride scholarship after you start school. Its great that you're keeping good grades since that is naturally important, but make sure to get involved in one or two student activities, preferably at least one in your department. It'll help you stick out on applications. Hope that helps and sorry, but I don't have much info on grad school.