I did not take high school seriously as the classes were boring and uninteresting. I never realized how much that would cost me in the long run. I currently have a 3.8 gpa and A’s in all my relevant courses in school history (diff equations, fluid mechanics, thermo, calc 1-3, chem, physics, etc) but I cannot find any scholarship money from university.
Meanwhile, I know two students on full scholarship. One I am practically his teacher in fluid mechanics and the other is leaving engineering because it is too hard I guess. so the people who ace fantasy world (aka high school) get full rides and the real students get crap? Sorry for the rant.
Where should I look for money? I’m looking for scholarships within academia mostly and not industry. Thank You.
As you have figured out, the best scholarships are from the schools for incoming freshmen. Schools try to entice high performing kids to enroll in order to enhance their own stats. There is little incentive for a school to offer other than small departmental scholarships to current college students.
Is your school now unaffordable for you? Do you have financial need or is it more that you want to rewarded for getting a 3.8 in your first two semesters of college?
Go to your financial aid office and your department and ask. There are some engineering scholarships available to upperclassmen but you need to search (women have some available through the women’s engineering societies). The school may have some alum awards. You need to do the footwork. Go ASK. Get a job as a TA if you are at the top of you class. Make yourself known in the department.