Full-ride scholarships cover the entire cost of your education, from tuition to room and board to textbooks. 

Less than 1% of students get full-ride funding for college. If you want to pay for college, it’s usually a better strategy to apply to a wide variety of scholarships and grant programs. 

However, here are the areas you can focus on to make yourself a strong candidate for a full-ride scholarship: 

Academics: Many full-ride scholarships are merit-based, meaning that they go to students with outstanding academic records. Raise your GPA and aim for high SAT or ACT scores.

Extracurriculars: Leadership roles, community service, and unique talents can make you stand out.

Athletics: If you're a sports superstar, an athletic scholarship might be your path to a full ride. Just remember, it's not all about the game. Academics matter too!

Financial need: Some full-ride scholarships are need-based. Submit your FAFSA to demonstrate your financial situation, then contact your financial aid office to let them know any other relevant information about your financial situation that FAFSA didn’t ask about.

Unique talents or background: Some scholarships might be available for students with unique skills or from underrepresented backgrounds.

Research: Look for scholarships offered by colleges, private organizations, and government programs. Each has its own criteria, so read the fine print and apply to as many as you qualify for.

Essay: If an essay is required, make it memorable. Share your story, your dreams, and why you're the perfect candidate.