Financial aid packages exist to help students afford the costs of higher education. No matter the type of secondary education you complete, there are scholarships and grants available to support your education costs. With a high score on a General Educational Development (GED) test, you can use your academic achievement as a way to stand apart from other applicants and land a scholarship that matches your background.
Completion of High School
Most students apply for college scholarships while they are still enrolled in high school. Scholarship programs assume that students are on track to graduation based on their academic prowess and data submitted on their applications. However, the first step in qualifying for most post-secondary education scholarships is completing high school. With a GED, you have proof that your high school education is complete.
Acceptance to College
Some scholarships require that you are already accepted to a college to qualify for a scholarship. Others elect winners before they are accepted to college as long as they are planning to attend. Review the terms and conditions of the scholarship award you are seeking to determine whether you qualify as a prospective student rather than an accepted applicant.
If your anticipated college is waiting for your GED scores, submit them as soon as possible so you can receive an admission decision and expand your scholarship opportunities. With a high score on your GED exam, you should not have trouble getting accepted as long as your grades are acceptable.
Scholarships That Fit
Some scholarships are awarded only to traditional students. Search for scholarship programs that target both GED students and high school seniors. These programs often weigh a variety of factors, including your cumulative grade point average, leadership skills and community service.
Your GED score is rarely a direct factor, but can demonstrate your determination to succeed even in a nontraditional environment. In your scholarship essay, explain any adversities related to the completion of your GED and how you believe this makes you a good match for the scholarship award.
Additional Considerations
Scholarships are also awarded based on personal background. If you have financial need or are a member of a racial minority, your opportunities to receive a scholarship award increase dramatically. According to Scholarships.com, the most common student-specific awards are minority scholarships.
You may also find awards specifically for students interested in certain careers or those involved in civic clubs.
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Writer Bio
Lanae Carr has been an entertainment and lifestyle writer since 2002. She began as a staff writer for the entertainment section of the "Emory Wheel" and she writes for various magazines and e-newsletters related to marketing and entertainment. Carr graduated from Emory University with a bachelor's degree in film studies and English.