No doubt that every introvert’s nightmare is having to prove that you’re the coolest, most confident student ever… AKA, scholarships.
And for my Kitelings who might prefer a “look-at-phone-in-bed” sort of day to going out and getting turnt, I wanted to put together a short guide to some chill financial aid pathways.
There’s no need to be the best at a particular sport or give a speech in front of a panel of judges. I’m talking cozy study corners, thoughtful essays, and earl grey tea, people!
I, myself, am an ambivert, which means a combination of both introvert and extrovert. So I totally get having those days where even going to the grocery store feels like sensory overload.
Never fear, my scholarship peers! (Sorry.) Let’s get into all the ways you can pay for college… without leaving the house.
First things first, let’s remember that being an introvert is not a negative thing. Everybody functions differently – for example, I wish that it was perfectly acceptable to wake up at 3 PM every day, but that’s neither here nor there.
In fact, introverts have superpowers that often fly under the radar. It’s true that extroverts can dazzle admissions offices by putting on a show, but introverts were bred for the scholarship scene.
Just think: for many people, it’s super difficult to sit still long enough to crank out an essay, or fill out those tedious, repetitive questions on scholarship applications. You’ve been training for this kind of patience your entire life!
Plus, not every scholarship involves standing in front of a room full of people, or – dun dun dun – group projects. It’s time to embrace your solo side:
Essay-Based Scholarships
As I mentioned earlier, while some people break into a cold sweat at the thought of writing a 500-word essay, you might be like, “Only 500? I can knock that out in my sleep.😎”
Better yet, these types of scholarships are practically designed for those who thrive in quiet reflection and articulate self-expression!
Scholarship essays give you the perfect opportunity to channel your thoughts, opinions, and even your witty commentary into something productive.
Take, for example, the Optimist International Essay Contest. It’s essentially asking you to grab a cup of coffee, sink into your favorite comfy chair, and be positive!
No public speaking, no networking, no need to be the life of the party – just you and your brain, quietly doing what it does best. And this one’s fun!
Take your time, craft your thoughts, and then put them on paper in a way that feels natural. The best part is that your effort could turn into real dollars for your education!
Creative Scholarships
If your creativity runs deeper than your YouTube “To Watch” list (no judgment), there are scholarships out there just waiting for your brilliance. And you can express yourself without having to talk to a single person.
Whether your passion lies in art, design, or even video creation, there are opportunities where your creativity can speak volumes for you.
Imagine submitting a powerful short film or a piece of visual art that captures your unique perspective. You get to channel your imagination into something tangible.
Scholarships like the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, for instance, allow you to showcase your artistic talents. It’s your creativity on your terms, and it could lead to some serious scholarship cash!
Research or STEM Scholarships
Now, for my more left-brained peeps, many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) scholarships are based on academic performance or research projects.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search rewards students who can crack the code on scientific research. Whether that’s discovering a new species or figuring out how to make cereal stay crunchy longer (just a suggestion), if you’re interested in STEM, you should definitely take a crack at this one!
Service or Volunteer-Based Scholarships
Just because you’re an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact in your community! In fact, introverts provide some of the most essential local work, such as library and information services, IT and tech support, and environmental services.
Scholarships for volunteer work give you a chance to showcase the difference you’re making. Colleges are looking beyond GPAs for students who take the extra step.
For example, The Offline Mode Scholarship recognizes students who have been quietly saving the world by not using their phones while driving. Introverted superheroes!
Tips for Introverts Trying to Survive (and Win) the Scholarship Process
- Lean Into Your Uniqueness: Let’s face it – you’re probably not going to enjoy standing in front of a crowd delivering a Ted Talk anytime soon. (Unless it’s about Beyoncé. [Just me? Okay…]) Instead, look for scholarships that let you show off your written, creative, or research skills.
- Create a Scholarship Fortress of Solitude: Every introvert needs their quiet place. A coffee shop, your bedroom, an undisclosed cave somewhere… find a focus zone where you feel comfortable.
- Avoid the “Fake It Till You Make It” Trap: The world may want you to be a social butterfly, but guess what? You’re amazing just as you are. No need to pretend to be someone you’re not. Your authentic, introverted self is more than enough to win scholarships.
- Take Breaks from Overthinking: We know you like to think things through, but don’t let your overthinking spiral into the dreaded “I’ll start my application tomorrow” black hole. Give yourself plenty of time by starting early and taking plenty of rest.
Introverts, you’ve got what it takes to win scholarships without ever leaving your pillow fort. By leaning into your strengths, avoiding the high-pressure, spotlight-heavy opportunities, and taking your time to craft killer essays, you’ll be raking in scholarship money in no time!
Ready to get started? Red Kite can help you every step of the way!
We’ll personalize your financial aid results to help you find scholarships that fit YOU.
Whether you’re a quiet genius, a master of creative arts, or the person who just really loves sitting alone with your thoughts, you can start your search today!