Is Scholarship Owl legit? This comprehensive guide answers this important question by examining Scholarship Owl’s legitimacy, services, costs, and alternatives to help you decide if this scholarship platform is a trustworthy investment of your time and money in your search for college funding.
What Is Scholarship Owl?
Scholarship Owl is an online service that matches students with scholarships and makes applying easier. Founded in 2015, it lets students create one profile and then connects them with scholarship opportunities that fit their background.
The main appeal is time-saving—instead of searching for and applying to scholarships one by one, you can use Scholarship Owl’s streamlined system to apply for multiple scholarships at once.
How Scholarship Owl Works
The platform operates through a simple process:
- You create an account and fill out a detailed profile with your academic background, activities, and career interests
- Their algorithm matches you with scholarships based on your profile and eligibility
- You apply to various scholarships through the platform, often using the same information for multiple applications
- The system tracks deadlines and sends reminders
- You can choose between free and premium membership options
Scholarship Owl claims to offer thousands of scholarships worth millions in potential aid, with new opportunities added regularly.
Is Scholarship Owl Legit?
Business Credentials
- Scholarship Owl is a registered business you can verify
- Operating since 2015 with an established online presence
- Provides contact information openly
- Partners with schools and scholarship providers
- Has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau
Service Reliability
- Offers access to genuine scholarship opportunities
- Allows application to multiple scholarships through one platform
- Uses matching algorithms that connect students with appropriate scholarships
- Provides a working application management system
User Feedback
- Many users report positive experiences finding and applying for scholarships
- Some have won scholarships discovered through the platform
- Reviews vary between satisfied customers and critics
Cost Transparency
- Clear about membership fees and pricing structure
- Offers a free basic membership with limited features
- Premium plans cost between approximately $10-$49 per month depending on plan length
- Clearly explains cancellation policies
Potential Concerns to Consider
While Scholarship Owl is legitimate, be aware of these limitations:
- Premium membership costs add up over time
- Many scholarships can be found through free resources
- Not all applications are fully automated
- Paying for the service doesn’t guarantee winning scholarships
- The database, while extensive, doesn’t include every available scholarship
Scholarship Owl Membership Options: Worth the Cost?
Membership Tiers
- Free Membership: Basic matching and limited applications
- Monthly Premium: About $20/month for unlimited applications
- Quarterly Premium: Around $15/month (billed quarterly)
- Annual Premium: Approximately $10/month (billed annually)
Premium Features
- Unlimited scholarship applications
- Auto-fill application features
- Enhanced matching
- Application tracking
- Deadline reminders
- Essay feedback tools
- Priority support
The value depends on your situation. If you plan to apply for many scholarships and value your time highly, the efficiency might be worth the cost. If you have more time than money, free resources might be better.
Scholarship Owl Testimonies
“Using ScholarshipOwl, I was able to find the HonorsGradU Design a Better Future Scholarship. Aligning with my interest I was able to win the scholarship. I think the “fit” factor is crucial when it comes to strategically applying for scholarships.” – Sarah L. (Won $10,000 in scholarships)
“I have found ScholarshipOwl to be extremely easy, convenient and helpful in locating the top scholarships. I was thrilled when I won the Ivey Engineering Scholarship, as not only does winning a scholarship help pay for college, but it also looks great on a resume.” – Gregory M. (Won $1,000 in scholarships)
FAQs: Is Scholarship Owl Legit?
Is Scholarship Owl a scam?
No, it’s a legitimate service that helps match students with scholarships and manage applications.
Does Scholarship Owl take a percentage of scholarship money?
No, they make money solely from membership fees.
Can I find the same scholarships for free elsewhere?
Yes, many scholarships on Scholarship Owl can be found through free resources. The main benefit is the time-saving features and centralized application process.
How do I cancel my membership?
Cancel through your account settings on the platform, but check the cancellation policy to avoid unexpected charges.
Has anyone won scholarships through Scholarship Owl?
Yes, there are verified reports of students winning scholarships they applied for through the platform. Success depends on qualifications and application quality.
Alternatives to Scholarship Owl
If you want to explore other options, consider:
- Fastweb: Free search engine with a large database
- Scholarships.com: Free matching without subscription fees
- Going Merry: Free matching with application tools
- College Board’s Scholarship Search: Connected to the SAT organization
- Cappex: Combines scholarship searches with college exploration tools
- Your college’s financial aid office: For school-specific scholarships
Tips for Using Scholarship Owl Effectively
To maximize your experience:
- Start with the free membership to test the matching quality
- Complete your profile thoroughly for accurate matches
- Set reminders to cancel if using temporarily
- Apply promptly to get value from your subscription
- Customize essays even if basic details auto-fill
- Use deadline reminders to stay organized
- Supplement with free search engines for complete coverage
Is Scholarship Owl Right for You?
Scholarship Owl is legitimate and beneficial for certain students. It’s ideal if you:
- Struggle to find and track scholarship opportunities
- Plan to apply for many scholarships at once
- Value efficiency and organization
- Find the scholarship process overwhelming
However, it might not suit you if you:
- Have a tight budget but enough time to search independently
- Focus on just a few targeted scholarships
- Prefer to heavily customize each application
Conclusion
Scholarship Owl is a legitimate business providing real services to help students find and apply for scholarships. Whether it’s worth the cost depends on your specific situation, goals, and resources.
Try the free tier first to see if it meets your needs before committing to a premium plan. Remember that while the service can make applying easier, it doesn’t guarantee winning scholarships.
For the most current information, visit the official Scholarship Owl website and read recent independent reviews.