With the fall semester fast approaching, there’s still time to apply for financial aid!
Scholarship season is all year, y’all. Whether you’re a high school senior, a college student, or a grad school hopeful, there’s a ton of great opportunities waiting for you year round.
And let’s be real—finding the perfect scholarship can feel overwhelming. That’s where Red Kite comes in. Our platform is designed to help you personalize your financial aid search, making the process easier and more efficient.
So, if you’re still on the hunt for that ideal scholarship, be sure to sign up with Red Kite today and let us help you navigate your options!
Personally, there’s nothing that motivates me like good music. While applying to scholarships, you’ll have to tackle essays, recommendation letters, endless forms… I know that I never would’ve made it through without Beyoncé.
A good playlist sets the vibe, giving you the energy and focus you need to power through. Of course, everybody’s taste is different, which is why I’ve curated a list of songs across multiple genres.
I wanted to stick with the motivational theme, or else just high-energy songs to pump you up. Here’s a link to the full playlist on Spotify! (The clean version, of course…)
Whether you’re into pop, rock, hip-hop, or something more mellow, ya girl Jane has got you covered. Grab your headphones and let’s get to work!
Table of Contents:
Rock
Pop
R&B
Country
Hip-hop/Rap
K-pop
Music of Latin America
Rock
The song: The Beatles – “Hey Jude”
The reason: This one’s a classic, of course, but “Hey Jude” was also written for a very special reason. Paul McCartney wrote it to comfort his bandmate John Lennon’s young son during a stressful time. So if you’re feeling the pressures of applying to financial aid, remember the golden line: “Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders.”
If “Hey Jude” was a scholarship, I’d probably classify it as need-based. We all need a little help sometimes, and need-based scholarships help underprivileged students achieve their dreams!
The runner-ups:
- Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
- Elvis Presley – “Jailhouse Rock”
- Rush – “Tom Sawyer”
Pop
The song: Beyoncé – “BREAK MY SOUL”
The reason: You knew this was coming. There are so many pop icons to choose from, but of course, our queen Bey is proficient across every genre (which is why she shows up on this list so often). If she was a type of scholarship, she’d be a “No Essay” scholarship – one that’s open to everyone!
(P.S. – with Red Kite Premium, you now have access to a curated list of active “No Essay” scholarships!)
And if, like me, you were also raised on Miley Cyrus and Rihanna, you know that pop music gets you grooving. Let’s not forget the greats: Madonna, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, and Michael Jackson, to name a few. But if I had to pick just one song for your scholarship search, you can’t go wrong with music royalty.
“BREAK MY SOUL” has that classic beat that just makes me want to jump out of my cubicle and dance. I’ll be applying to graduate school soon, and this song has been getting me through the brainstorming process. It’s all about persevering through struggle!
The runner-ups:
- Katy Perry – “Roar”
- Lady Gaga – “The Edge of Glory”
- Justin Bieber – “All in It”
R&B
The song: Alicia Keys – Underdog
The reason: I know the “blues” half of “rhythm and blues” doesn’t exactly scream “motivational.” But you’d be surprised at the wealth of positive, uplifting R&B songs that can accompany your scholarship journey!
If R&B was a scholarship, it’d be targeted at artsy, creative kids who balance their go-with-the-flow personality with their unique talents. That’s why I chose Alicia Keys, another brilliant artist who defies genres. Remember, don’t be afraid to take risks, because standing out of the crowd might just win you a scholarship!
The runner-ups:
- Jordin Sparks – “One Step at a Time”
- SZA – “Open Arms (feat. Travis Scott)”
- Khalid – “Motion”
Country
The song: Morgan Wallen – “Cowgirls”
The reason: Morgan Wallen is a country GOAT, and this song never fails to pump me up! I wanted to look beyond all the great motivational country songs – like “I’m a Survivor” by Reba McEntire, for example – and turn my focus to modern country.
“Cowgirls” sets the vibe for the scholarships of the future. I’m picturing all the students interested in AI, robotics, and STEM, among others. The song blends sounds from multiple genres to create a toe-tapping bop that charted for weeks when it first came out.
The runner-ups:
- Beyoncé – “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”
- Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
- Tim McGraw – “I Like It, I Love It”
Hip-hop/Rap
The song: Lil Wayne – “Good Morning”
The reason: Obviously, the classic “Lose Yourself” by Eminem gets everybody hyped, but I wanted to dig a little deeper. You need all the good vibes you can get while applying to scholarships, which is why I chose the song that I listen to every morning before work!
“Good Morning” helps me start the day on the right foot, which is why it’s for hard-working students applying for early action deadlines. For all my motivated Kitelings who get up and work on their college applications, you might find that this song gives you a little extra boost!
The runner-ups:
- Mac Miller – “100 Grandkids”
- JAY-Z, Kanye West – “Murder to Excellence”
- Kendrick Lamar – “DNA”
K-pop
The song: BTS – “IDOL”
The reason: I know, I know, I’m basic. But when I first heard this song a few years ago, not only did it introduce me to the genre of K-pop, I also fell in love with the core message: “I love myself!”
“Idol” goes out to all the students applying for skills-based scholarships. It reminds me of all the dedicated athletes working hard to score financial aid from their favorite colleges. Iconic people need the proper background music to accompany their greatness!
The runner-ups:
- BLACKPINK – “Shut Down”
- IVE – 해야 (HEYA)
- TAEYEON – “Heaven”
Music of Latin America
The song: Marc Anthony – “Vivir Mi Vida”
Like with the other genres, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone (Bad Bunny and Rosalía) by asking my Latino boyfriend for his recommendations. I told him I was looking for upbeat, positive songs to help our Kitelings to the finish line.
Most of what he referenced consisted of love songs, which I put as the runner-ups. But “Vivir Mi Vida” is a fantastic call-to-action for dancing your way through all the trials and tribulations of life. The song won a Grammy and made waves as an instant classic.
So, let’s close out this playlist with a song that reminds me of first-generation students! My college roommate was first-gen, and she is by far the hardest-working person I know. “Vivi Mi Vida” is for all the trailblazers looking for scholarship success not only for themselves, but for their families, too!
The runner-ups:
- Grupo Marca Registrada – “La Guerita”
- Santa Fe Klan – “Tu y Yo”
- Chino & Nacho – “Nina Bonita”
Hopefully, you all found some inspiration for your college journey on this playlist. Scholarships come in many shapes and sizes, just like the diverse genres of music we enjoy. So, as you navigate the world of scholarships, remember to keep an open mind and explore every genre!
The process may seem daunting at times, but by staying open to different opportunities, you’ll discover scholarships that align with your unique goals and passions. With the right mix, you’ll find the perfect track that not only fits your style but also keeps you motivated and focused on your path to success.
Whether it’s a big award that covers all your needs or smaller grants that add up over time, there’s a scholarship out there that can help you turn your college dreams into reality. So keep exploring, stay persistent, and let your scholarship search play on!