Introduction

As the children of veterans, it's important to ensure you take advantage of all the benefits available. One way to do that is by applying for top scholarships designed for children of veterans and military personnel. These awards can provide a financial lifeline as you pursue your studies in college or university. This guide will look at top scholarships for children of veterans 2018 to get their higher education, including eligible programs and tips on applying.

Understanding Your Eligibility

Most top scholarships open up eligibility only to those who meet certain criteria related to their parent's military service record or other statuses. The best place to look for top scholarships is on the websites of organizations that specifically provide awards or grants to children of veterans. The Pat Tillman Foundation, for example, lists a range of top scholarship opportunities available to military families and children of veterans.

Eligibility requirements vary across programs but often include conditions such as having served in the armed forces during wartime or under specific conditions, being honorably discharged from service and being able to demonstrate financial need. Aside from the top scholarship options private organizations offer, government-funded programs are also available for qualifying candidates.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides education benefits through its Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA). This program is open to eligible dependents or survivors of veterans who have been rated permanently disabled due to service-related injuries, are deceased due to military services or are missing in action.

How to Apply for Top Scholarships

No matter what top scholarships you apply for, make sure you first read through all the eligibility requirements carefully before applying. It's important to understand the expectations of each top scholarship program so that you can craft an application that meets all the criteria. Additionally, research each top scholarship program to determine if there is a specific application deadline – some may have earlier cut-off dates than others. To increase your chances of success with top scholarship applications, take time to craft your responses to questions and provide evidence wherever possible.

You may need proof of your parent's military service or other related documents to apply for top scholarships. Once you have gathered all the required documents and information, create an organized packet with everything needed. Also, make sure to double-check each top scholarship program's instructions, as some may require applicants' signatures on certain forms or pages before they will accept the application.

Important Tips When Applying For Top Scholarships

- Start preparing your application materials as early as possible. Read through top scholarship descriptions and eligibility requirements carefully to ensure you meet them before submitting your application.

- Submit all top scholarship applications by their required deadlines – even if it's a top scholarship you don't consider your top choice.

- Contact top scholarship coordinators if you have any questions – they may be able to provide helpful advice on the application process and best practices.

- Make sure all top scholarship applications are filled out completely and accurately. This includes providing supporting documents, such as transcripts or letters of recommendation, when requested.

- When writing top scholarship essays, try to stand out from other applicants by showing why you're an ideal candidate for the award through personal anecdotes and stories.

Top Scholarships For Children of Veterans

Private organizations or government-funded programs often provide the top scholarships for children of veterans. The top scholarships allow students with a military background to get their higher education. Below is a list of top college scholarships for children of veterans that offer financial aid to those who meet the requirements:

1. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides top scholarships to military families and children of marines or former marines who demonstrate financial need. Their top scholarship awards can be used to pay for up to four years of undergraduate study at an accredited college or university in the United States.

2. The Army Emergency Relief Fund

The Army Emergency Relief Fund's top scholarship program provides top scholarship awards to children of soldiers who died while serving on active duty or as a result of service-related injuries sustained during deployment abroad. Awards typically go up $7,500 per academic year. Top scholarship recipients can use the funds to cover tuition and other educational expenses at an accredited college or university in the United States.

3. The Fisher House Foundation

The Fisher House, a top scholarship program, offers top scholarships for children of veterans who have been seriously injured, are deceased due to military services, or are missing in action. Awards range from $2,000 to $4,000 per academic year, and top scholarship recipients can use the funds to cover tuition, books, housing, and other educational costs.