Scholarships

• “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”: What It Means for Your College Journey [2025-07-08]

  Navigating the world of college funding has always been complex, but with new legislation constantly reshaping the landscape, staying informed is more crucial than ever. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” recently cleared Congress and was signed into law, impacting students, colleges, and higher education as a whole.

  Reading through the entire Act would require extensive time and effort due to the dense legal material, so we are breaking down the key aspects of this Act as it relates to higher education. Note that the full legislation covered numerous policy areas, but we are focusing solely on its impacts on students and colleges. Our goal is to provide a clear, unbiased look at how these changes might impact your financial aid, loan options, and even your choice of institution, highlighting both the stated intentions and potential challenges.

  How is Federal Financial Aid Changing as a Result of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”?

  The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” introduces significant shifts across higher education that primarily go into effect on July 01, 2026. These changes attempt to rein-in student loan borrowing, while also increasing accountability for that debt amongst both borrowers and colleges. There are also some positive changes that expand access for Pell Grants – more about that below.

  Impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” on Student Loan Borrowers

  • Eliminates Deferment or Forbearance for Unemployment or Financial Hardship

  The new legislation prevents borrowers from qualifying for a period of non-payment (deferment or forbearance) due to unemployment or financial hardship. This is a significant change, and will impact borrowers who are struggling financially. Previously, borrowers knew that if they were enduring significant financial hardship, they would be able to request a temporary period of non-payment to help them get back on their feet.

  Unfortunately, as of July 01, 2026, unemployment or financial hardship will no longer qualify borrowers for a deferment or forbearance. Borrowers will be required to make a minimum monthly payment regardless of their financial situation. More on this below.

  • Existing Student Loan Debt

  For those who have already incurred federal student loan debt, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” rolls back some student loan protections. While private student loans are not directly affected by this federal legislation, the broader environment for federal loan repayment and forgiveness is shifting.

  Borrowers with existing student loan debt should review the next section in detail, as there are significant changes to student loan repayment plans.

  Note that your federal student loan interest rate will not be changed by this legislation. The interest rate applicable to your student loan(s) is set based on the year in which you borrowed the funds. Find your interest rate here.

  • Changes to Student Loan Repayment Plans

  This legislation reduces the number and variety of loan repayment plan options to just two choices for both existing borrowers and future borrowers.

  • • Existing student loan repayment plans will begin phasing out for borrowers with existing student loan debt in July 2026. You’ll have between July 2026 and July 2028 to select from one of these two plans. If you do not proactively make your own choice, you’ll automatically be put into the Standard Repayment Plan after July 01, 2028.
    • If you take out new loans after July 01, 2026, you’ll lose access to the existing plans, even for loans you took out prior to this legislation. The legislation incorporates language that states that if a borrower takes out new loans after July 01. 2026, ALL loans taken out by the borrower must be repaid under the same repayment plan. 
    • Standard Repayment Plan

  Borrowers will have a fixed payment for 10 years to repay their loan with the Standard Repayment Plan (SRP). If you have consolidated your federal student loans, you’ll have between 10 to 30 years to repay your consolidated loan:

  • • • If you owe less than $25,000, you’ll have a 10 year repayment period
      • If you owe between $25,000 – $50,000, you’ll have up to 15 years to repay
      • If you owe between $50,000 – $100,000, you’ll have up to 20 years to repay
      • If you owe more than $100,000, you’ll have up to 25 years to repay
    • Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)

  Similar to some of the existing income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, RAP bases your payment your adjusted gross income and number of dependent children; however, your monthly payment on RAP is likely to be higher than it would be on some of the existing IDR plans, which this legislation eliminates.

  Your monthly payment with RAP will range from 1% to 10% of your income, depending on your income level and the number of your dependents. Unlike existing IDR plans, borrowers are not eligible for a $0 payment if they are below a certain income level.

  RAP requires a minimum payment of $10 per month for those with the lowest income level. For some borrowers, even a $10 monthly payment may be difficult, depending on their circumstances.

  That said, there are several advantages to requiring a monthly payment:

  • • • With RAP, as long as you make your minimum required payment on time, the government will waive any unpaid accrued interest not covered by your payment. This will help prevent your loan balance from ballooning.
      • Borrowers will make continuous progress towards repaying their loan. Even for borrowers with the lowest minimum payment, it can be motivating to see their loan balance reducing every month.
      • By making a monthly payment of any amount, borrowers will remain connected to the student loan system, and may be less likely to default than borrowers who were able to avoid making payments for a period of time.
  • Future Student Loan Debt

  If you’re planning to take on federal student loan debt in the future, you’ll encounter new restrictions:

  • • Just Two Repayment Plan Options
    •  See the above section for details about repayment plan options for future student debt.
    • Elimination of Grad PLUS Loans

  A significant change under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is that it phases out the federal Grad PLUS loan program in 2026. This program has helped graduate students finance their studies. As a result, future borrowers are more likely to turn to private lenders to be able to finance their graduate education.

  Current graduate school students are not effected; however, those who pursue a graduate degree after July 01, 2026 will no longer be able to take out a Grad PLUS Loan and will need to consider alternate funding sources.

  • • Graduate Program Borrowing Caps

  The bill places strict limits on how much money graduate students can borrow from the federal government.

  • • • For a master’s degree, students cannot take out more than $100,000.
      • For doctoral, medical, or other professional degrees, the cap is $200,000.

  • • Pros and Cons of Borrowing Caps

  Supporters of these borrowing caps feel that unlimited access to graduate federal student loans has actually resulted in colleges increasing their prices. It is hoped that by capping graduate federal loan debt, colleges may need to reduce their tuition cost.

  On the other hand, opponents warn that some students, particularly those in high-cost fields like medicine, may find it impossible to pursue their programs, or will be forced into the private loan market. It is important to note that private loans are not eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which many borrowers have relied on to reduce their debt.

  Impacts on Parent PLUS Loans

  When viewing their financial aid offer, one ever-present option that has been available to students is the ability for their parent to apply for a Parent PLUS Loan to help pay for their child’s education. A parent who chooses to take out a Parent PLUS Loan is the borrower, and only the parent is liable for this debt.

  • • In many families, parent and child strike a deal in which the child agrees to make all of the loan payments after graduating, despite the fact that only the parent is legally obligated to repay the loan.
    • This has led to many students having greater access to a more expensive college; however, often the agreement made by the parent and child doesn’t end up being realized, leading to the parent having to make payments on the Parent PLUS Loan while trying to save for their own retirement.
    • On top of this, parents often end up taking out multiple Parent PLUS Loans to support their children, leading to crippling debt.

  The “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” still enables parents to take out Parent PLUS Loans, but now the amount they can borrow is capped:

  • • Annual Limit: Parent PLUS Loans will be capped at $20,000 per child annually for new loans beginning July 01, 2026.
    • Aggregate Limit: The total amount that a parent can borrow through the Parent PLUS Loan program will be capped at $65,000 per student over the student’s lifetime.
    • As before, only the borrowing parent is legally liable for Parent PLUS Loan debt.

  Pros and Cons of Parent PLUS Loan Changes

  Parent PLUS Loans provide an important opportunity for parents to help their kids pay for college; however, the lack of caps in prior years has sometimes led to irresponsible borrowing by parents who want to enable their child to attend a more expensive university. While well-intentioned, parents often end up underwater as they may have to take out these loans every year their child is in school. And if they have more than one child, parents may feel obligated to offer the same option to each of their children.

  Even if their child fully expects to be financially positioned to be able to repay Parent PLUS Loans taken out by their parent, the unfortunate reality is that many recent college grads are unable to manage their living expenses, their own student debt, AND the debt their parents took on for them. As a result, parents may be left holding the bag, putting their own livelihood and credit rating at risk.

  By instituting annual and lifetime caps on Parent PLUS Loans, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” ensures parents will no longer be able to have unlimited access to borrowed funds for their children’s education. It is hoped that this will encourage students to focus on a more affordable college choice, and it may also reduce the likelihood of loan default for these kinds of loans. And finally, perhaps universities will be less emboldened to keep increasing their prices.

  I Have or Will Have Student Debt. What Steps Should I Take Due to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”?

  If you have existing federal loans, we highly recommend getting advice regarding your specific situation, and clarifying how this legislation might impact your existing debt, as well as current or future repayment plan options.  Contact your loan servicer as well as your college financial aid officer to ensure that you understand your loan repayment plan options, any loan caps that result from this legislation, etc. If you had planned on pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), discuss this as well to understand how to preserve your eligibility for the program.

  Due to the many changes that lie ahead related to higher education and student loan borrowing parameters, we strongly recommend that you download all of your loan documents and written correspondence related to your existing debt, and that you do so for any future student loan debt and future correspondence as well.

  Loan servicers often sell student loan debt, so the loan servicer you started with may not be your current or future loan servicer, and it is important that you as the borrower have a complete history for each of your student loans. This is even more crucial if you hope to pursue forgiveness through PSLF.

  Changes to the Federal Pell Grant in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

  The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” retains the federal Pell Grant, which provides debt-free grant aid to students with the greatest financial need.

  • Workforce Pell

  The Act expands the Pell Grant program in July 2026 with Workforce Pell, a grant that enables low-income students attending short-term job training programs of 8 to 15 weeks in length to be able to receive a Pell Grant. As such, those interested in learning skills to train for a new career or improve their ability to advance in their existing career will have the ability to do so with shorter programs. This change makes job training more accessible, benefiting both students and their future employers.

  Low-income students will be eligible for a Workforce Pell Grant as long as they don’t have a graduate degree. This encourages working adults – even those with a bachelor’s degree – to upskill via a short-term program to ensure they can remain competitive in the job market.

  Workforce Pell Grant amounts will be prorated based on the amount of time spent in the program (number of clock hours, credits, or weeks). Note that while the maximum Pell Grant is currently $7395, Workforce Pell Grants will be lower than this amount.

  Interested in learning more? Contact your local community college to find out about available training programs as well as your eligibility for financial aid.

  • Changes to Pell Grant Eligibility

  Pell Grants are intended for the students with the greatest financial need. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” attempts to preserve this intention with certain changes:

  • • Student Aid Index (SAI) Change: FAFSA applicants with an SAI that is at least double the maximum Pell Grant will not be eligible to receive a Pell Grant. Currently, the maximum Pell Grant is $7395, so an SAI that is higher than 14,790 would make that student ineligible for the Pell Grant.
    • The legislation also removes Pell Grant eligibility for students who receive non-federal scholarships and grants that already cover the full cost of attendance at their college.

  New Accountability for Colleges Links Federal Student Aid Eligibility to Student Outcomes

  The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” introduces a controversial accountability measure for higher education institutions that are eligible to receive federal student aid. For the first time, colleges will be held accountable for the financial success of their graduates. What does this mean?

  • Income Thresholds

  According to the new legislation, undergraduate and graduate degree programs are at risk for losing their ability to use federal student aid to pay for students’ education if the college’s graduates fail to meet specified income thresholds after program completion.

  On its face, this may seem positive, as it puts colleges on notice that they are a partner in the success of their graduates.

  • • Until now, while colleges may have felt ethically and morally tied to student success, they haven’t been financially tied to student outcomes.
    • While many graduates are able to attain a decent salary after graduating, there are some graduates who struggle to find a employment after graduating, or may be underemployed despite the degree they earned.
  • Why Income Thresholds May Not Be the Right Solution

  There are many factors that may result in a graduate not attaining a well-paying job, and the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” does not account for them:

  • • Some academic programs may not lead to high-income jobs, but it doesn’t mean that these academic programs aren’t worthwhile. There are many helping professions, for example, that may not have high income earning potential, but they are nevertheless critical for our future. For example, Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) don’t have the same earning power as a Registered Nurse, but given the fact that we have an aging population, CNAs are an in-demand occupation. We also currently have a teacher shortage, but most teachers will tell you that their work isn’t valued monetarily the way that they feel it should be.
    • Additionally, students often choose their academic program and career path based on their personal passion. Some passions are more lucrative than others, and some passions are more competitive than others. As such, a graduate’s ability to monetarily succeed in their chosen field may depend on other factors more than the quality of their college’s educational program.
    • AI has upended many early-career job opportunities, leaving many new grads scrambling. In the coming years, more and more early-career job opportunities will give way to AI agents, creating a vacuum that young workers will struggle to navigate.
    • The ups and downs of the economy understandably impact employment and the job market – this is particularly true for younger workers.
  • What Steps Are Colleges Taking?

  As a result of the new college accountability features of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, colleges are already evaluating how the legislation might impact their institution, and what they can do to mitigate that impact. Some options that institutions may be considering:

  • • Eliminating or consolidating certain academic programs that are lacking the desired student outcomes
    • Improving academic counseling services
    • Boosting activities and programs that improve student retention
    • Working closely with employer partners and advisory boards to create a more seamless transition from college to career, ensuring that the college provides the necessary education, training, and employability skills to help prepare students for the jobs in their field
    • Potentially adding internship requirements and/or improving on existing internship requirements
    • Beefing up their career preparation and job search assistance services to help graduates land employment in their field

  Navigating Your Path: Smart Strategies for an Affordable Future

  Regardless of what the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” brings, your core mission remains the same: choose the most affordable and effective path that enables you to reach your academic and career goals. Here are steps you can take:

  • Accrue College Credits in High School

  If you’re still in high school, prioritize earning college credits through dual enrollment classes, AP exams, or CLEP exams. This can save you thousands of dollars and countless hours in college.

  When choosing a university:

  • • Focus on colleges that will award you ALL the college credits you’ve already earned AND give you subject credits rather than just elective credits.
    • This is especially crucial at many private universities, where it’s common to get elective credit for a required general education class that you should be able to get credit for if you successfully passed the relevant AP exam.
      • Example: Many private colleges will award you elective credit for your passed AP English exam, and still require you to take their freshman English class.
  • Prioritize Earning Scholarships

  Make scholarships your absolute top priority.

  • • Aim for applying to 3 scholarships per week, year-round, starting from age 16 up until you complete your college education. Far too many students get overwhelmed and give up on scholarships. Don’t be that student!
    • Want to really improve your scholarship game? Try ScholarshipOwl! Our platform uses advanced technology to match you with relevant scholarships, streamlines the application process with a universal application, and helps you focus on low-competition scholarships to maximize your chances of earning money for college. Get started with a free 7-day trial and see how fast and easy it is to apply for scholarships!

  • Find Out What Level of Education You Actually Need for Your Career

  Research the career you plan to have and find out how much education you actually need to get started.

  • • If you can enter your field with a certificate or an associate degree from a community college, that is likely the most affordable path forward.
    • Even if a bachelor’s degree is ultimately necessary, starting at a community college for your first two years and then transferring to a university can save you significant money.
    • Plus, if you have an associate degree or certificate in hand, you can often find a part-time job in your field, gaining valuable experience and a higher wage while you complete your last two years of college – a true win-win!
  • Choose a Stable College with Strong Employer Partnerships

  With the new accountability measures and potential for closures, selecting a financially stable and well-entrenched institution is crucial. When considering colleges:

  • • Research the colleges’ fiscal health and their commitment to your chosen major
    • Many institutions, especially those struggling, are consolidating or eliminating programs. Ensure your chosen college is fully invested in your academic path and has the resources to withstand potential future challenges.
    • Research student outcomes for your major at the college(s) you are considering. Many students focus on the graduation rate, but that’s not what is important. Focus instead on the percent of students who were able to get a job in their field soon after graduating. 
    • Talk to faculty from the college to ask how well the college connects students to internships and jobs. Find out which employers often hire from the academic program you are considering.
  • Work & Earn Throughout Your Education

  Work part-time during the school year and full-time during the summers, starting from age 16. Use the money you earn to help pay for college expenses.

  • • Prioritize employers who offer education benefits or tuition assistance.
    • Where possible, seek out jobs that are related to your chosen career. This gives you valuable experience and a future higher wage.
  • Rethink the Grad School Rush

  Unless you’re aiming for medical or law school, work full-time in your field for 1 to 2 years after your bachelor’s degree.

  • • This practical experience can help you determine if grad school is truly necessary. You might find that you actually don’t need grad school, and would then be able to avoid the time and cost of pursuing an advanced degree.
    • You’ll also find that you are better able to refine your career goals, and clarify which graduate degree and major will best serve you in the event that you feel that graduate school is needed.
    • And remember: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement and/or other education benefits. How awesome would it be if your employer paid for much of your future education??

  Focus on Earning and Growing, Not Owing

  Relying on student loans should always be a last resort. The impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” makes this even more clear.

  • Remember: Student loans only delay your financial burden, kicking the can down the road until after graduation, when you’ll be just starting your climb up the career ladder. The last thing you need is significant student loan debt weighing you down, just when you are wanting to fly!
  • With stricter repayment plans, the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, new borrowing caps, and increased debt collection efforts under this legislation, the pitfalls of student loan debt are even more pronounced.
  • Given the restrictive loan caps, students may gravitate towards higher-cost private loans, which should be avoided where possible.

  Instead:

  • Focus on proactively applying for scholarships with ScholarshipOwl and work your way through college to fund your education.
  • Be sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for every year you’ll be in college to apply for federal and state grants.
  • Choose a college that is financially secure with the employer partnerships and connections needed to help you get started on your career path.

  By taking these steps, regardless of the contents of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” you can cost-effectively pursue your academic and career goals, enabling you to celebrate your achievements and plan for your future without the burden of debt.

   

  The post “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”: What It Means for Your College Journey appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

• Stop Googling, Start Winning: How ScholarshipOwl Changes the Scholarship Game [2025-07-02]

  Wondering how you’ll manage to afford college without the crushing weight of student loan debt? You’re not alone. The cost of college has skyrocketed 1200% since the 1980’s. That’s not a typo. Given all of the economic challenges that have impacted households in the last two decades, it’s no surprise that the overwhelming majority of parents have been unable to save much – if anything – for their children’s education. While grant aid can help students with the most significant financial need, most students are unable to qualify for enough grant aid to cover all of their college costs. As a result, many students end up relying on student loans to cover their out-of-pocket costs. But loans are not a “solution.” Loans only compound the problem, kicking the can down the road until after graduation. Loans are the last thing you’ll want to think about  as you’re celebrating your achievements and planning for your future. Students know that scholarships are a better choice, but they often don’t know how to maximize their opportunities. ScholarshipOwl changes the scholarship game with an AI-powered smart system that streamlines the application process AND boosts your chances of winning.

  Scholarships Are Your Lifeline to an Affordable College Education

  Students know that scholarships provide a debt-free alternative to loans. But students often don’t know how to:

  • Find and apply for scholarships that are a good match for them
  • Determine which scholarships they have a better chance of winning
  • Organize their schedule to ensure they have time to prioritize applying for scholarships
  • Stay motivated and engaged in their scholarship application efforts

  In fact, most students who have tried applying for scholarships quickly give up because they feel overwhelmed. It can be tough to summon up the time and energy to add scholarship applications to the list.

  But if you aren’t applying for scholarships, those dollars don’t go away. They go to someone else who has chosen to prioritize scholarships over loans to pay for college. We’ve all heard the news stories about some students getting offered over $1 million in scholarships. That doesn’t happen by accident. That happens because those students have created and leveraged scholarship strategies to ensure they can afford college without going into debt. And you can do the same!

  If You’re Googling for Scholarships, You’re Doing It Wrong

  Most students search for scholarships online using Google, which can unfortunately be a frustrating experience.

  An Example

  • You’re a computer science major, and you try Googling for “computer science scholarships.” You’ll get pages and pages of search results, so it’s hard to know where to start.
  • You see a search result titled “50 Computer Science Scholarships” which sounds promising, so you click that link. Now you get a blog post with 50 links to computer science scholarships. You click the first link, and it launches a new tab in your browser. You skim the page and discover you aren’t eligible.
  • You go back to the blog post and try the next link, which again opens a new browser tab. You skim the page and are happy to see a scholarship that you’re qualified for, but the deadline has already passed.
  • You go back to the blog post and try the next link. And so on.
  • By the time you are done, you have a cascade of open browser tabs which is annoying, but on the positive side, at least you’ve found a few scholarships that you feel are worth applying for, and that are currently open and accepting applications.
  • To keep yourself organized and on track, you create a spreadsheet to list the scholarships you’ve chosen, creating columns for name, dollar amount, and URL of each scholarship, along with the deadline date, date you applied, etc.
  • You fill in the spreadsheet for the scholarships you’ve decided to apply to, and now you are finally ready to apply for some scholarships!
  • You go back to the website for each chosen scholarship and read the instructions in detail so that you’ll know how to apply.
  • Then you complete the application form for each one, as well as write your essays, prepare the required documents, etc.
  • As you complete each application, you update your spreadsheet.
  • Once you are finally done applying for the selected scholarships, you go back to your original Google search to select another page that lists dozens of computer science scholarships, and begin the process all over again…

  Googling for scholarships is mind-numbing

  Is it any wonder that most students find this to be a mind-numbing, frustrating, and time-consuming process? The reality is that while students do understand that scholarships are an important lifeline, most students apply to very few scholarships, if any at all, because they get fed-up with the entire experience… So they give up. But it doesn’t have to be this way. ScholarshipOwl changes the scholarship game, making the application process so much easier!

  Effortless Access, Real Wins with ScholarshipOwl

  Instead of spinning your wheels in Google, you can apply for scholarships with ScholarshipOwl! ScholarshipOwl changes the scholarship game with AI-powered technology tools that are trusted by over 10 million students! When you apply for scholarships with ScholarshipOwl, you’re accessing an online marketplace that matches scholarships offered by businesses and organizations to the students best-fit for those opportunities.

  The ScholarshipOwl platform has AI, machine learning, and other proprietary technologies built-in to ensure your scholarship matches are truly relevant to you. And our tools help you focus on the scholarships you’ll be most interested in AND that you’ll have the best chance of winning.

  Tons of scholarship matches all in one place

  With ScholarshipOwl you’re able to view hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships all in one place, year-round! In fact, at any given time, we have over half a million dollars in live and active scholarships. Our database is dynamic, with new scholarships added every week, and expired scholarships removed as soon as the deadline passes.

  What does all this mean to you? It means you can skip the endless Google searches and just log in to ScholarshipOwl to see all of your scholarship matches right in your dashboard. ScholarshipOwl changes the scholarship game by literally taking care of the search and match for you, so all you’ll need to do is apply.

  One universal application form for the scholarships in our database

  With ScholarshipOwl, you won’t have to fill out repetitive application forms over and over again. Instead, our platform uses our profile registration form as a universal application. Each time you apply for scholarships through our platform, your profile data will automatically fill-in each scholarship’s application form, so you won’t have to do it yourself each time. No wasted time, no wasted effort. How cool is that?? Just another example of how ScholarshipOwl changes the scholarship game!

  Access AI-powered weekly scholarship recommendations customized just for you

  Every time you login to ScholarshipOwl, you’ll see our scholarship recommendations. We send three recommended scholarships to your dashboard each week – and these recommendations are personalized for you based on the AI built into our platform, as well as your profile data. But we also layer other factors into our Recommendation System, prioritizing:

  • Low competition scholarships
  • Scholarships with a more limited eligibility criteria (because if you’re eligible and a lot of other students are not, you’ll have a better chance of winning)
  • Scholarships with a high provider credibility score (more on that below)
  • Scholarships with a close deadline because we don’t want you to miss those opportunities

  Struggling when it’s time to write essays? Our AI Essay Assistant can help you get started

  One of the most frequently-cited reasons why students don’t apply to scholarships is because they dread writing essays. While not all scholarships require essays, many do. To combat their essay anxiety, many students have turned to generative AI platforms and tools for assistance. In fact, according to a recent ScholarshipOwl survey, 65% of Gen Z students have tried using AI to help them with their college application essays and scholarship application essays.

  So we decided to introduce our own AI Essay Assistant to help students write scholarship application essays, and this tool is accessible every time you see a scholarship in our platform that requires an essay. With our AI Essay Assistant, you can quickly generate a draft essay that is relevant to the essay prompt AND that is relevant to you, based on what we know about you through your profile data as well as what we know about you based on other scholarship applications you’ve submitted through our platform. To find out more about how ScholarshipOwl changes the scholarship game with our AI Essay Assistant, read on!

  Leverage our filter and sort tools to organize your process

  With so many scholarships in your match list, you’ll wonder which scholarships to focus on first. Just access our filter and sort tools and you’ll quickly be able to get started in the platform. Here are some of our favorite tools:

  Filter your matches by Time Until Deadline

  It’s always best to apply for scholarships that are expiring soon so you won’t miss out on those opportunities. You can filter for scholarships due in less than a day, 1 to 7 days, in less than 4 weeks, or more than 4 weeks. So set your filter and start applying!

  Looking to avoid certain kinds of scholarship requirements? Filter by Requirement Type and you can!

  Sometimes all you want to do when applying for scholarships is avoid the kinds of requirements that you like the least. For example, if you really don’t want to apply for essay scholarships, when you use the Requirement Type filter, select essays. When you do, our system will make the essay scholarships in your match list temporarily disappear so that you can focus on scholarships with other kinds of requirements OR you can focus on easy-apply scholarships that have no requirements at all!

  Focus on low-competition scholarships with the Number of Applicants filter

  Wouldn’t it be great if you could know which scholarships have fewer applicants? With ScholarshipOwl, you can see that information right in your dashboard! For every scholarship in our system, you can see how many other ScholarshipOwl members applied, enabling you to focus on the scholarship with less competition. Because if there are fewer applicants, you have a better chance of winning!

  Access the Credibility Score filter to focus on scholarships truly worth your time and effort

  Only ScholarshipOwl assigns a credibility score to each scholarship. The higher the score, the more confident you’ll feel applying for the scholarship!

  Sort your matches in multiple ways to see your match list the way YOU want to see it

  We’ve got lots of ways for you to sort your match list:

  • Sort by magic – enables our AI to bring the scholarships that are most relevant to YOU to the top of your match list!
  • Highest dollar amount
  • Lowest dollar amount
  • Least requirements
  • Closest deadline
  • Fewest applicants
  • Most recent

  Missing a “Google-like” search experience? No worries, we’ve got you covered with our Keyword Search!

  Instead of searching all of Google to get pages and pages of search results, you can search your match list to hone-in on scholarships that you’ll really like! Try searching for your major, or a hobby, or a personal circumstance and see what comes up. Remember that we add new scholarships all the time, so if you have favorite keywords, you’ll want to try them often in case new scholarships have been added that match what you’re looking for.

  Save your favorite scholarships; ignore the ones you’re less interested in

  One way to quickly customize your experience with the ScholarshipOwl platform is to take advantage of our “save” and “ignore” options. While browsing your match list, if you see a scholarship you like, hit the “heart” button to move it to your “Saved” tab so you can quickly find it later. See a scholarship that doesn’t interest you? Hit the “ignore” button to move it to your “Ignored” tab. That way, you can keep your match list clean and organized, and you’ll be able to work more quickly and efficiently.

  When you are ready to work on your applications, go to the Saved tab and get started. And if you are second-guessing yourself about any scholarships you’ve ignored, check them out in your Ignored tab. You can unignore them and throw them back in your match list OR if you think you want to apply, Save it instead!

  Quickly access your in-progress applications in the Started tab

  If you’ve started an application but haven’t yet finished, it can be easy to lose track – but not with ScholarshipOwl. We keep all of your in-progress applications all in one place, in the Started tab. Each time you login, check to see which applications you’re working on, and make sure you submit them before the deadline.

  Apply for scholarships directly from the ScholarshipOwl platform

  Can’t stand all those open browser tabs?? We can’t either! Unlike so many other scholarship websites that simply provide a list of URL links, ScholarshipOwl changes the scholarship game by enabling you to apply for every scholarship in our system directly from our platform. By staying in our platform, not only will you avoid a messy browser; you’ll also find that your application process is more streamlined. You’ll work more productively and efficiently, and you won’t have to remember where you found a scholarship, where you applied for it, or what to do next.

  Leverage our Similarity Engine to quickly apply for similar scholarships

  You know that awesome feeling when you hit “submit” on a scholarship application? Wouldn’t you love to get that dopamine hit some more?? ScholarshipOwl changes the scholarship game with our Similarity Engine! Every time you submit a scholarship application through the ScholarshipOwl platform, our system quickly searches your match list to find scholarships that are similar to the one you just applied to! Scholarships might be similar in terms of topic or theme, or they might have a similar requirement. For example, if you just submitted a scholarship application that had an essay question about your academic and personal goals, our system might find another scholarship with a similar essay prompt, enabling you to re-purpose that essay and quickly apply for another scholarship! How cool is that??

  Track the status of your completed applications with the Submitted tab

  One of the most frustrating aspects of applying for scholarships is simply waiting to find out what happened to your application. Unfortunately, scholarship providers often don’t inform their applicants about what is happening with their application. In fact, providers will often only reach out to the winner, rather than notifying all of their applicants that a decision has been made. We can’t solve for this directly, but to the best of our ability, we do try to keep students informed on the status of the applications they’ve submitted through the ScholarshipOwl platform. You can check to see how your applications are doing by looking at the Submitted tab.

  And extra bonus: Now you won’t have to create and maintain a spreadsheet of all your scholarship applications!! Innovative easy-apply options that enable you to “set it and forget it”

   

  The ScholarshipOwl product team is always working on your behalf, developing and executing product updates that make it faster and easier to apply for scholarships. Some of our newest innovations:

  • Opt-in to be automatically applied to ALL of the “no requirement” scholarships in your match list
  • Opt-in to be automatically reapplied to recurring scholarships so that you won’t have to remember to reapply each time the scholarship recurs
  • Email notifications for certain scholarships that you can literally apply for via email

  With these additions to our product, ScholarshipOwl changes the scholarship game by enabling you to authorize us to apply you for certain scholarships even if you aren’t logged in to the platform! And we’ve got more exciting product updates in the pipeline that you’ll love!

  Not yet a ScholarshipOwl member? Go to ScholarshipOwl.com, hit the “Sign Up” button and follow the prompts to start your free 7-day trial so you can try it out for yourself!

  Work Smarter, Not Harder

  Once you get into the swing of applying for scholarships, you’ll discover clever ways to streamline the process:

  Repurpose Your Content

  Let’s say a scholarship asks you to write a 500-word essay about your volunteer service experience. When you find other scholarships requiring an essay on a similar topic, use your original essay as a starting point! Need 750 words? Expand on your original points with more detail and content. Need 250 words? Edit and trim your 500-word version down. This strategy allows you to quickly and easily apply to a handful of scholarships with customized but efficient effort.

  Embrace Variety

  Don’t forget that while some scholarships require essays, many others don’t! Explore opportunities that ask for a video on a particular topic, a creative social media post, or showcase your visual or performing arts abilities. By varying the kinds of scholarships you apply for, you’ll be able to play to different strengths, and you’ll also discover which kinds of scholarships you personally most enjoy pursuing.

  TIP: You might be surprised to learn that video scholarships have far fewer applicants than most other scholarships. In fact, more students apply to essay scholarships than video scholarships! So if you see video scholarships in our platform, don’t scroll past them. If you do, you’ll be missing out on a low competition scholarship that you might have a great chance to win!

  Increase the quantity of your applications through easy-apply scholarships

  No-requirement scholarships and survey scholarships are appealing because you can submit the applications quickly. But your odds of winning are not high because there are going to be so many applicants. But someone WILL win these scholarships, and it could be you! And since these kinds of scholarships literally take just a moment to apply for, you should find all of the easy-apply scholarships on the ScholarshipOwl platform and apply for them. Because why not??

  BUT

  Simply applying for these kinds of scholarships is not going to be enough. You’ll ALSO want to focus on scholarships that you have a much better chance of winning – see below.

  Increase your chances of winning by focusing on lower competition scholarships that require more of your time and effort

  This is where the real strategy comes in. If you focus on scholarships that require more of your time and effort (like an essay, video, or creative project), your odds of winning will be significantly HIGHER. Why? Because most students will bypass doing the extra work required! Instead of competing against thousands, you might be competing against only a few hundred applicants. This dramatically improves your chances!

  When deciding which scholarships to apply for, aim for a mix of scholarships, ideally 3 scholarships per week. Apply for some easy scholarships, but FOCUS on those scholarships that ask more of you. These “low competition” scholarships are often your best bet for a real payout!

  Your Debt-Free Future Starts Now

  A college education is an investment in yourself. Scholarships are an important lifeline that can make that investment pay off without the burden of overwhelming debt. It’s true that it takes time and dedication to apply for scholarships. When you use the ScholarshipOwl platform, you’re leveraging a smart system that makes the process faster, easier, and more intuitive.

  You’ll find that you can be more focused, proactive, and persistent in your scholarship efforts. You’ll also find greater scholarship success – which is exactly what you’re looking for! Checkout our Winners page to find out more.

  Ready to super-charge your scholarship efforts?

  Just go to ScholarshipOwl.com, hit the “Sign Up” button and follow the prompts to start your free 7-day trial so you can try it out for yourself!

  The post Stop Googling, Start Winning: How ScholarshipOwl Changes the Scholarship Game appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

• Feeling Stressed? Discover How to Nurture Your Mental Health in High School & College [2025-06-28]

  Life as a high school or college student can be exciting, with many opportunities to learn, grow, and have new experiences. But it can also be a journey filled with unique pressures, unexpected challenges, and moments that can feel incredibly overwhelming. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, you’re not alone. In fact, recent studies show that Gen Z students experience far more stress, anxiety, and depression than previous generations. Let’s unpack why this might be happening, and more importantly, what you can do to boost your mental health and well-being.

  Why Is Gen Z Feeling Stressed More Than Previous Generations? The Weight of the World

  Teens and young adults today are impacted by numerous stresses that are different than previous generations. So it makes sense that Gen Z is struggling and feeling stressed.

  • You’re in the first generation of true digital natives. You’ve grown up during a time when everything around you is in your face, all the time, through social media. You see the headlines as you scroll, so you’re acutely aware of what’s happening in your local community and the world around you.
  • Concerns ranging from the weakening economy, the rise of artificial intelligence and automation, political polarization, the profound threat of climate change and social justice issues are being discussed and shared constantly, all hanging out amidst the shadow of the pandemic that upended our lives.
  • Then there’s the relentless highlight reel of everyone else’s seemingly perfect lives despite all of the doom-and-gloom news, which understandably can lead to self-doubt. It’s a lot to process, and it can really impact the way you feel.

  Academic, Financial & Career Challenges

  And let’s not forget the more basic things, like just trying to perform well enough in school to get into the college you want, and to earn the scholarships you’ll need to pay for it. Then there is the ever-present stress of career planning, and charting a path for your future at a time when technology is evolving at break-neck speed. It is daunting to try to determine which direction to go for a future-proof career that will sustain you until you are ready to retire.

  Personal Challenges & Difficult Life Experiences

  Beyond these common experiences, some students carry particularly challenging life experiences: navigating family dynamics like divorce or estrangement, coping with addiction within their family, grieving a loss, healing from abuse, or living in unsafe environments. These personal battles can add an invisible weight, making everyday challenges feel even heavier.

  The Importance of Self-Care When You’re Feeling Stressed

  When you feel overwhelmed, remember that you are NOT alone. There are so many other students like you who are feeling the pressure, and there are resources that you and your friends can access to get through the harder days. In fact, by working together with your peers to reduce your stress and anxiety, you’ll already be making a positive step. When the stress feels like it’s piling up, employ these strategies to regain a sense of balance and calm.

  Stress-Reducing Activities

  First, try incorporating stress-reducing activities into your daily routine that you can do right at home or in your immediate surroundings. Even small moments can make a big difference!

  • Practice Mindfulness

  Consider starting your day with a few minutes of yoga or meditation, using free apps or online guides to help you focus your breath and quiet your mind.

  • Get Active and Get Outside

  Getting your body moving is a fantastic stress reliever – whether it’s working out at home or a gym, taking a brisk walk, or just enjoying some fresh air outside.

  • Be Creative

  Engaging in creative outlets like crafting, drawing, photography, writing, or playing an instrument can be incredibly therapeutic.

  • Participate in Clubs and Organizations at Your School

  Recent studies – including one conducted by ScholarshipOwl – have shown the importance of belonging. When students feel they belong on campus, they are more likely to perform well academically, and they are more likely to graduate. Conversely, students who don’t feel they belong are more likely to isolate, and may struggle emotionally as well as academically. One easy way to combat this is to join clubs and organizations on campus that resonate with you. So if you’re feeling stressed, build friendships with similar backgrounds and interests, and you’ll keep yourself busy and engaged in the campus community.

  • Connect Live and In-Person

  And don’t underestimate the power of simply spending quality time with friends and family – connecting with loved ones can provide immense comfort and perspective.

  • Improve Your Sleep Habits

  Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for your mental and physical health, especially when you’re navigating the demanding schedules of high school or college. Think of sleep as your brain’s reset button – it’s when your mind processes information, consolidates memories, and repairs itself, helping you manage stress and improve your mood. To boost your sleep habits, aim for consistency:

  • • Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends.
    • Create a relaxing bedtime routine that signals to your body it’s time to wind down, like reading a book, listening to calming music, listen to a sleep-inducing app like Calm, etc.
    • Make your sleep environment dark, quiet, and cool, and try to limit screen time (phones, tablets, computers) at least an hour before bed, as the blue light can interfere with your natural sleep cycle.
    • Prioritizing rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a powerful strategy for building resilience and ensuring you’re at your best, ready to tackle any challenge.

  • Turn Off Your Phone

  In our hyper-connected world, one of the most powerful steps you can take for your mental well-being is simply choosing to go unplugged for awhile. Taking intentional, long blocks of time each day to disengage from “virtual life” and dive into “real life” can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and comparison that often stem from endless scrolling. Instead, you create space for genuine connection with friends and family, immerse yourself fully in hobbies, explore your surroundings without distraction, or simply enjoy moments of quiet reflection. This shift helps you reconnect with yourself and the tangible world around you, fostering deeper relationships, boosting creativity, and reminding you of the richness of life beyond a screen.

  If You’re Feeling Stressed, Reach Out and Connect for Support

  Sometimes, tackling stress and mental health challenges requires reaching out beyond yourself. For challenges that feel too big to handle alone, remember that professional help is not only available, but it is incredibly effective and courageous to seek out.

  • Talk to a Family Member or Friend

  Sharing your stress and concerns with a trusted family member or even a trusted parent of a friend can provide a much-needed outlet and support system. They can also provide insight and suggest resources to help you navigate your anxiety.

  • Supports Available at Your School

  Your school counselor is a fantastic first point of contact, trained to help students navigate these very issues. A trusted teacher or school administrator can also be a source of support and help you find resources.

  • Crisis Hotlines and Therapeutic Support

  You can also reach out to crisis hotlines (many offer text options!), explore speaking with a therapist, or connect with a pastoral counselor.

  • Primary Care Doctor

  Don’t forget your primary care doctor. Your physician can offer guidance, referrals, and check if any physical symptoms are related to your stress.

  • Virtual Support

  Many professionals now offer support conveniently over text or Zoom, making it easier than ever to access help from wherever you are.

  Resources and Links to Get the Help You Need

  • Free Crisis and Support Resources

  The following resources are available at no cost. Note that the support provided is not therapy; however, if you or someone you care about needs help, these resources offer a great place to start:

  • • Crisis Text Line 

  Receive free, confidential crisis counseling via text. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor or visit Crisis Text Line.

  • • The Trevor Project

  The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention support 24/7 for LGBTQ+ youth via phone (1-866-488-7386), online chat, and text (text START to 678678).

  • • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  It can be hard to reach out to someone when things are overwhelming, but conversation is a powerful coping tool. Talking or texting with someone on an anonymous, private helpline can relieve stress. Call or text 988 for support, or visit 988Lifeline. 

  • • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  Provides a helpline (1-800-950-NAMI) and online resources, including information and support for teens and young adults. For more information, visit National Alliance on Mental Illness.

  • • 7 Cups

  Offers a large mental health community with trained volunteer listeners and peer support chat rooms. While not licensed therapy, it provides emotional support and self-help resources. Visit 7 Cups to find out more.

  • • Bliss by the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions (CIMHS)

  Offers free, self-guided online interactive therapy sessions focused on depression. To get started, visit CIMHS.

  • Active Minds

  Want to get involved in activities and advocacy? Active Minds mobilizes youth and young adults to lead a transformative movement in mental health. To find out more, visit Active Minds.

  Know that You’re Resilient, and Things Will Get Better

  Life as a student is a dynamic mix of triumphs and trials. While the journey is incredibly rewarding, it’s also demanding, and it’s completely normal if you are feeling stressed, anxious, and pr experiencing other mental health challenges along the way. Acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward managing them. Whether you find solace in quiet self-care practices, draw strength from your closest circle, or courageously seek professional guidance, know that you are resilient, capable, and surrounded by a community that is rooting for you!

  Whatever you are experiencing, remember that things can and will get better. But if you are struggling, you don’t need to go it alone. Reach out to trusted family, friends, and professionals who can assist you in accessing the support and resources you need to feel better, and to thrive.

  The post Feeling Stressed? Discover How to Nurture Your Mental Health in High School & College appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

• How Gen Z Uses AI: ScholarshipOwl Survey Reveals How Students Are Hacking Their Education and Their Future [2025-06-23]

  From helping with homework to sparking creative ideas, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a part of daily life for students everywhere. But how deeply are students actually engaging with it? What tools are they experimenting with, and how is Gen Z using AI to truly shape their learning journey? To find out more about how Gen Z uses AI, ScholarshipOwl went straight to the source, and surveyed thousands of high school and college students to gauge how much they are using AI, and which AI tools they most prefer. This survey further builds on our knowledge base in this area, after our previous survey regarding student usage of generative AI. And what did we find out? We learned that 97% of Gen Z students have used one or more AI tools, demonstrating that we are truly in the midst of a paradigm shift in education.

  Who Participated in the Survey?

  In May 2025, ScholarshipOwl surveyed 12,811 high school and college students on the ScholarshipOwl scholarship platform to learn more about how Gen Z is using AI and how AI is evolving the education landscape.

  Among the respondents, 62% were female, 36% were male, and 2% identified themselves as a different gender identity or preferred not to respond to the question. Nearly half (43%) were Caucasian, 26% were Black, 17% were Hispanic/Latino, 7% were Asian/Pacific Islander, 2% were American Indian/Native American and 6% selected “other” or preferred not to respond to the question.

  Nearly half (44%) of the respondents were high school students, with the overwhelming majority high school seniors; 44% were college undergraduate students, primarily college freshmen and college sophomores; 10% were graduate students and 3% identified themselves as adult/non-traditional students.

  AI Tool Usage

  With the first question, ScholarshipOwl’s goal was to better understand which AI tools students had tried. Students were able to select from a variety of AI tools that are known to be popular among high school and college students, and were encouraged to select all of the tools that they had tried. The overwhelming majority selected more than one tool from the list.

  • 80% selected ChatGPT
  • 60% selected Quizlet
  • 59% selected ScholarshipOwl, although 100% of respondents were actually ScholarshipOwl users
  • 50% selected Grammarly
  • 27% selected Brainly
  • 26% selected Google Gemini
  • 21% selected Microsoft Copilot
  • 17% selected Google Scholar
  • 14% selected QuillBot
  • 9% selected Mathly
  • 7% selected Tutor AI
  • 5% selected ChatPDF
  • 5% selected Notion AI
  • 4% selected Claude
  • 4% selected Perplexity
  • 3% selected Wolfram Alpha
  • 3% selected Otter AI
  • 1% selected Lateral.io
  • 1% selected Consensus
  • And 3% said they hadn’t tried any of the tools listed

  How Gen Z Uses AI in Education

  ScholarshipOwl was especially interested in finding out how students are using AI tools in relation to their education. Students were asked to select from several options to share how they were utilizing AI tools for learning, studying, completing assignments, and more. Respondents were able to select all that applied to them.

  • 66% said they have used AI tools for studying / boosting their knowledge for specific subjects
  • 56% said they have used AI tools for test prep
  • 55% said they have used AI tools for research / searching scholarly literature
  • 46% said they have used AI tools for note taking
  • 35% said they have used AI tools for answer search
  • 32% said they have used AI tools for scheduling / organization
  • 31% said they have used AI tools to write essays for assignments
  • 20% said they have used AI tools to write scholarship application essays / college application essays
  • 5% said they have never tried using AI tools in relation to their education

  Overall AI Platform Usage

  The final question in the survey asked students served to gauge students’ overall usage of AI platforms. Students were asked to quantify the total number of AI platforms they use.

  • 63% said they use 1 to 2 AI platforms
  • 25% said they use 3 to 4 AI platforms
  • 5% said they use 5 to 6 AI platforms
  • 3% said they use more than 6 AI platforms
  • 5% said they don’t use any AI platforms

  Key Takeaways: What Our Survey Tells Us About How Gen Z Uses AI

  Our ScholarshipOwl survey peeled back the layers on how Gen Z engages with artificial intelligence, revealing some fascinating insights that paint a clear picture of AI’s integration into the student experience:

  • AI is No Longer “Future Tech” – It’s Today’s Tool

  A whopping 97% of respondents have tried at least one AI tool, demonstrating that AI isn’t just a niche interest; it’s a mainstream reality for today’s students. Only a tiny fraction (3%) reported no experience with the listed tools, underscoring its widespread adoption. So we know how Gen Z uses AI – Gen Z students use it a lot!

  • ChatGPT Reigns Supreme

  With 80% of students having tried it, ChatGPT stands out as the dominant gateway AI tool. This highlights its accessibility and broad utility, making it the go-to for initial AI exploration for most students.

  • Learning & Research are AI’s Top Classmates

  Students are primarily leveraging AI for core academic tasks. Over two-thirds (66%) use it for studying and boosting knowledge, while 55% tap into AI for research. This shows AI is becoming an integral part of how Gen Z gathers information and deepens their subject matter expertise.

  • AI is a Strategic Academic Assistant

  Beyond just learning, AI is actively used for practical academic needs. A significant 56% use it for test prep, and 46% utilize it for note-taking, indicating AI’s role in optimizing study habits and organization.

  • Writing with AI is a Growing Trend

  Just over half (51%) of students are engaging AI for writing assistance, with nearly one-third (31%) using it for general essay assignments, and one-fifth (20%) using it to help write their scholarship and college application essays. This suggests AI is becoming a tool for overcoming writer’s block and refining written work.

  • Students are Multi-Platform Explorers

  While 63% stick to one or two AI platforms, one-third (33%) are exploring three or more AI platform tools. This trend suggests a growing sophistication and willingness among students to experiment with different AI solutions tailored to specific needs, moving beyond just the most popular options.

  These takeaways underscore that for Gen Z, AI isn’t just a novelty; it’s a functional, integrated part of their educational toolkit, reshaping how they learn, study, and prepare for their future.

  How AI Platforms Can Propel Your Journey

  Our survey shows that Gen Z students are already savvy with AI, but there are so many powerful ways these kinds of tools can make a difference in personal and professional growth. If you are interested in exploring how AI can benefit you, consider the following:

  • In Your Academics

  Go beyond just essay drafting! Use AI to generate flashcards or practice quizzes for tough subjects, clarify complex concepts, break down research papers into digestible summaries, or even help structure an outline for a massive project. Need to understand a complicated math problem? AI can walk you through the steps. Want to brainstorm creative ideas for a presentation? AI can be your infinite idea generator. Remember to always use AI as a tool to enhance your learning, not as a replacement for your critical thinking.

  • In Your Personal Life

  AI can be your ultimate personal assistant! Use it to optimize your daily schedule, suggest healthy meal plans based on your preferences, help you learn a new language with personalized practice, or even spark inspiration for creative hobbies like writing stories or designing digital art. Want to organize your thoughts for a big decision? AI can help you outline pros and cons. It can streamline routine tasks, freeing up more time for what truly matters to you.

  • In Your Career

  Getting comfortable with AI now gives you a massive head start. You can use AI to research industries and companies, personalize your resume and cover letter for specific jobs that interest you, prepare for interviews with AI-powered mock interview tools, and even brainstorm ideas for your personal brand or entrepreneurial ventures. The more fluently you can integrate AI into your workflow, the more valuable you become to any future employer, regardless of your field.

  AI and Your Future: Navigating the Evolving Job Market

  Now that we know how Gen Z uses AI today, it’s time to look ahead to what’s next. The rise of AI is undeniably reshaping the job market, and for Gen Z, this means entering a landscape that looks different from previous generations. You might hear concerns about AI “taking jobs,” particularly in entry-level roles where routine, menial tasks are increasingly being automated. This shift is real, and it’s prompting a re-evaluation of traditional career paths. In fact, according to a recent article in the New York Post, employers are actively Gen Z workers who have experience with AI tools.

  However, it’s crucial to understand that while AI may eliminate certain entry-level jobs; it’s also transforming some roles and creating entirely new opportunities. Employers need job candidates who can build, manage, troubleshoot, and leverage AI effectively. Your digital native status gives you a significant advantage, making you ideally positioned to work alongside AI, rather than in opposition to it.

  How to Future-Proof Your Career with AI

  The secret to thriving in an AI-powered economy isn’t necessarily becoming an AI developer (unless that’s your passion), but rather learning how to strategically integrate AI tools into your chosen field.

  • Embrace AI Literacy

  Understand how different AI tools work, how to craft effective prompts, and how to critically evaluate their outputs. This skill isn’t confined to tech roles; whether you’re in marketing, healthcare, finance, or social sciences, knowing how to use AI as an assistant will make you indispensable.

  • Cultivate Human-Centric Skills

  AI excels at data and repetition, but it can’t replicate core human abilities. Focus on developing skills like critical thinking, complex problem-solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and powerful communication. These are the skills needed for innovation, leadership, building relationships, and navigating unpredictable situations – areas where humans will always lead.

  • Become a Continuous Learner

  The AI landscape is evolving at lightning speed. Future-proofing your career means committing to lifelong learning. Stay curious, take online courses, experiment with new AI tools, and adapt quickly to new technologies and workflows in your industry.

  • Focus on Problem-Solving with AI

  Instead of fearing automation, think about how AI can help you solve more complex problems, analyze bigger datasets, or free you from tedious tasks so you can focus on strategic thinking and innovation.

  Conclusion

  The ScholarshipOwl survey clearly shows that Gen Z is already a generation of AI natives, integrating these powerful tools into their academic lives in significant ways. From mastering test prep with AI-powered flashcards to leveraging large language models for research and even essay drafting, Gen Z students are confidently navigating this technological revolution.

  As we look ahead, it is important to remember that AI is not just a passing trend; it’s a foundational shift in how we learn, work, and interact with the world. By strategically exploring how AI can benefit us academically and personally, and by proactively cultivating both our AI literacy and our uniquely human skills, we can ensure that we are not just adapting to the future – we are actively shaping it. So let’s embrace the tools, hone our human edge, and get ready to lead the way!

  Interested in Taking Advantage of AI to Help with your Scholarship Search?

  ScholarshipOwl is your go-to resource for AI-powered scholarship search, match, and applications! To find out more, or to start your free 7-day trial, visit www.scholarshipowl.com.

  The post How Gen Z Uses AI: ScholarshipOwl Survey Reveals How Students Are Hacking Their Education and Their Future appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

• Your Ultimate Dorm Room Guide to Moving In Without Breaking the Bank [2025-06-13]

  The summer after your high school graduation is an exciting time, filled with plans for adventures and fun before starting college. If you’ll be moving away from home to go to college, you’ll also have many things to do to prepare. One of the most important tasks is planning what will be needed in your new dorm room, and how you’ll manage to keep the costs in check as you create your shopping list.

  At ScholarshipOwl, we’re all about smart strategies for your college journey, and that includes setting up your new digs without draining your family’s savings. Let’s tackle the “what to buy” and “how to save” so you can focus on the joys and challenges that lie ahead as you begin your college journey, like making new friends, experiencing campus life, and gearing up for the academic rigors that await you!

  Focus on the Essentials

  We’ve all heard about how small dorm rooms are. You’ve probably witnessed that for yourself if you’ve toured college dorms. Whatever you’ve seen or heard about, you’ll realize for yourself that it’s even SMALLER than you estimated, because usually when you tour a dorm, the tour guide is either showing you a dorm that has been especially set up for that purpose OR they’ve chosen a dorm room from a resident who is known to keep their room organized and tidy.

  It’s also important to note that dorm housing is harder to come by. Many colleges try to make room for incoming freshmen by assigning them to a “triple” room, meaning that instead of sharing with one roommate, you’ll be sharing with two roommates, all within the sized dorm room as your peers with just one roommate. Sharing such a small space with two roommates can be particularly challenging, so if you are in this situation, you’ll want to be especially strategic in deciding what to bring with you to campus.

  So first things first, let’s break down what you’ll actually need. If you are moving into an apartment with roommates, you’ll have a bit more space, but you’ll also be sharing that space with others, so you’ll want to opt for a minimalist approach.

  Bedding

  • Twin XL Bedding

  A dorm room typically will come furnished with a Twin XL bed for each resident. If you aren’t sure what size bed you’ll be provided, call the housing office to find out. Note that a Twin XL is NOT the same size as a standard Twin bed. So if you have a standard Twin bed at home, unfortunately you won’t be able to bring your existing bedding with you to school. For your bedding, you’ll need at least two sets of sheets so that you can launder your sheets at least SOMETIMES during the year lol! You’ll also need a comforter, pillows to sleep on, and perhaps a decorative pillow or two if you like.

  • Mattress Topper

  Dorm mattresses are NOT known for their comfort. They are sometimes thinner than a standard mattress, and they aren’t replaced very often by the college. Some students find that it can be challenging to sleep in their dorm bed, but a good-quality mattress topper can make all the difference. While a mattress topper isn’t “required,” it’s highly recommended – and of course it doesn’t take up any additional space, so if you can incorporate one into your budget, it’s well worth it!

  Studying

  • Desk Lamp

  A desk lamp is essential for late-night study sessions, enabling you to avoid turning on the overhead light and potentially disturbing your roommate(s).

  • Basic School Supplies

  Be sure to purchase school supplies such as notebooks, printer paper, pens, highlighters, stapler with staples, post-it notes, etc. Depending on your personal organizational style, you might want to also add binders and/or folders to your list. If you are taking any art or design classes, you’ll need to get the needed supplies for those classes as well.

  • Laptop

  You’ll want to have a laptop to use for homework as well as for bringing to class. You’ll find that many students use their laptops for notetaking, rather than taking notes by hand. If you have an existing laptop that you can use, that will be fine – but if not, you’ll want to buy a laptop. Note that you may be able to find a perfectly suitable used laptop by asking your friends or family, or by searching for options on Facebook Marketplace, local buy/sell ads, NextDoor, eBay, etc. Just be sure to check the reviews of any seller before purchasing a used laptop to ensure that you’ll be happy with your purchase. Ask a parent or other trusted adult to help you with selecting a reputable seller.

  • Power Strip with Surge Protector

  A power strip with surge protector is essential for plugging in your electronics. You might have one at home that you can bring with you to school rather than purchasing a new one.

  • Small Trash Can

  If your dorm doesn’t supply one, you’ll want to have a small trash can to keep your space tidy.

  • Storage Solutions

  With such a small living space, you’ll want to maximize opportunities for storing your stuff. Consider under-bed bins, desk organizers, small vertical shelving units, etc.

  Bathroom & Personal Care

  • Shower Caddy

  Having a shower caddy is super helpful if you’ll be walking down the hall to a communal bathroom / shower facilities.

  • Towels

  You’ll need to have at least two sets of bath towels, hand towels and washcloths. You can save money by bringing towels from home rather than buying new.

  • Basic Toiletries

  Make sure you bring shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, body wash, toothbrush and toothpaste, shavers / shave cream, and any personal hygiene products that you’ll need.

  • Flip-flops/Shower Shoes

  It’s critical that you wear waterproof flip-flops/shower shoes since you’ll be using a shared shower. This is essential to help prevent transmission of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot that can linger on shower surfaces.

  Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

  • Laundry Hamper/Bag

  Having a lightweight way to store and transport your laundry to the laundry room (or your parents home!) is essential.

  • Laundry Products

  You’ll want to have laundry detergent on-hand to be able to launder your clothes at school. If your dorm uses coin-operated machines, you’ll also want to have quarters. But many dorms now have loadable laundry cards, which makes the process simpler. Optional items you may want to consider include a stain-remover stick or spray, dryer sheets, etc.

  • Basic Cleaning Supplies

  All students should have a standard multi-purpose spray cleaner, dish soap, sponges, dish towels, and paper towels. Even if you have a meal plan, you’ll find that you will still sometimes snack in your room. By keeping your small space clean, you’ll avoid unwelcome smells and also ensure that your dorm doesn’t attract bugs. You’ll also be a roommate who is more enjoyable to live with!

  Clothing

  • Don’t Bring Your Whole Closet

  Be selective when deciding on what clothing to bring with you to school. Remember that you’ll have minimal space, so choose items that are practical and that pair with other clothes in your wardrobe. Most students find that college campuses have a casual vibe, so keep your dressy clothes at home, except for perhaps one or two items that you might want to wear for a fun evening out with friends or a date night.

  • Consider the Weather

  Choose clothes that make sense for the weather you’ll experience when you move to school. Weather in your new home may be very different from where you live now, so investigate what you should expect in the fall, winter, and spring.

  • Bring Less if You’ll be Visiting Home Often

  If you plan on returning home for a visit before Thanksgiving, you can bring fewer clothing items with you in the short-term. Bring only what you’ll need for the first few months of school. When you are ready to return home for a visit, bring clothing items with you that you didn’t really wear and/or are no longer appropriate for the winter weather, so that you can make room in your school closet. Once you are home, you can select additional items to take back with you to school to get you through the end of your first term.

  Other Essentials

  • Command Hooks/Strips

  It is critical that you purchase hooks / strips that won’t damage the walls. Command is one brand, but there are others. Read the packaging to ensure that what you are buying won’t damage surfaces. If you cause damage to your dorm room walls, you’ll be charged for repairs when you are ready to move out.

  • Mini First-Aid Kit

  One item you’ll definitely want to have is a basic first aid kit for unexpected injuries or illness. Your kit should have bandages of varying sizes, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever tablets (acetaminophen and ibuprofen), and antiseptic wipes.

  • Reusable Water Bottle

  Having a reusable water bottle to take with you to and from classes will help you stay hydrated. Most campuses have bottle refill stations, enabling you to be both eco-friendly as well as save money since you won’t be relying on bottled water. Be sure to wash your water bottle often to avoid bacteria growth on its surface.

  • Backpack

  Choose a backpack that has a cushioned compartment for your laptop as well as space for other essentials.

  • Basic Dishes & Cutlery

  You’ll want to have a plate, bowl, mug, and fork, spoon and knife on-hand for snacking in your dorm.

  Apartment Needs

  If you’re moving into an apartment, you’ll also need to consider basic kitchenware (plates, cups, cutlery, a few pots/pans), bathroom cleaning supplies, and potentially a few pieces of shared furniture like a small couch or dining table.

  Cost-Saving Strategies

  Given all of the other costs associated with college, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep your dorm costs down as much as possible. Here are some tips for stretching your budget:

  • Borrow From Family & Friends

  Ask your family if they can help you go through your home to select items that you may need more than they do. Chances are, there are some old towels and dishes they have that you could use. They might have a desk lamp, storage bins, or other items on your list as well. After you’ve exhausted your options at home, as other friends and family what they might have that you can borrow for school.

  • Purchase Used Items Rather than New

  Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and apps like OfferUp or Nextdoor are goldmines for gently used furniture, decor, kitchenware, clothing, and more.

  • Focus on Shopping from Low-Cost Retailers or Buy Items on Sale

  Walmart, Target, and IKEA are popular retailers that sell lower-cost products ideal for a college dorm room. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for back-to-school deals and seasonal clearance sales.

  • DIY & Repurpose

  Get creative and repurpose what you have. Maybe a fresh coat of paint is all you’ll need to breathe life into your childhood, making it an ideal choice for your dorm room!

  Coordinate in Advance with Your Roommate(s)

  Where possible, reach out to your roommates before you move in together. Discuss what you’re each planning on bringing, and coordinate with each other to avoid duplication that takes up room in your shared living space.

  • Create a Shared Google Spreadsheet

  You and your roommates can update this living document throughout the summer as you plan for moving in, noting what you’re each bringing that will be shared.

  • Split Costs for Bigger Purchases

  For items you and your roommates would like to have but that no one already owns, agree to split the costs. Examples:

  • • Dorm Fridge
    • Microwave
    • TV
    • Coffeemaker
    • Throw Rug

  Note: Not all campuses allow students to have appliances in their dorm room, so before you purchase any kitchen appliances, find out what is permitted.

  • Consider Coordinating on Decor & Vibes

  While individual items like bedding might be personal, talk about the overall aesthetic you want for your shared space. You don’t have to perfectly match, but knowing their color preferences or style can help avoid clashing and ensure you both feel comfortable.

  Preparing for Moving Day

  Moving to college is more than just buying things; it’s about getting everything there!

  • Travel Light

  See above – refrain from packing up everything you own. Because as difficult as it might be to leave some of your favorite things at home, you’ll be glad you did when it’s time to pack, move, potentially ship, unpack when you get to school, and do it all again when it’s time to move home at the end of the year!

  • Consider Ground Shipping for Large Items

  For items that are heavy or bulky but can’t fit in your car, look into ground shipping services like UPS or FedEx. Sometimes, shipping a few boxes is cheaper than renting a larger moving vehicle or paying excess baggage fees on a plane.

  • If School is a Plane Ride Away, Buy Near Campus

  Moving far from home adds more cost to school. Rather than buying items in advance during the summer, one option is to bring just the barest of essentials with you, and then get everything else after you arrive in your new college town. This may be much more cost-effective than shipping items out to the campus.

  • Utilize Campus Resources

  Many colleges have “swap” programs for returning students selling items, or events where they give away donated dorm essentials. Check your college’s student life or housing website.

  Make the Most of Your Dorm Space & Budget

  By planning ahead, borrowing items from friends and family, coordinating with your roommate(s), and getting smart about where and how you shop, you’ll find that planning for your new living space can be both fun and lower-cost. And the time, money, and dorm space you save will enable you to truly enjoy this exciting time in your life!

  The post Your Ultimate Dorm Room Guide to Moving In Without Breaking the Bank appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

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