St. Augustine said, "Pray like it all depends on God and work like it all depends on you." That is the exact formula for finding and receiving scholarship money. The state of the current economy makes this quote all the more applicable. Local and state government budgets, businesses and foundations all have smaller balance sheets than a year ago. Less available scholarship money and more college students equals less money all around. What can you do to improve your student's chances of winning some scholarship money?
1. Start early. Most university and colleges set a final scholarship deadline of Feb. 1st, however, many set a "priority deadline" that can be as early as November. Applying for admission and scholarships early places your student's application on the top of the pile instead of the bottom.
Although the best chances for garnering a large award is found from the university, money can be found from lots of other sources but again, the search must begin early. Start finding and applying when your student is a FRESHMAN. No-I'm not kidding! Some scholarships exist that must be applied for while they are freshman, sophomores or juniors.
2. Apply at any institution you may attend.
While teenagers are not usually known for their sound judgement and good decision-making abilities, the additional factors of senioritis and impending graduations make them even more flaky. Although students may know they want to attend a certain college, circumstances change. It is better to have applied, received and declined a scholarship than not.
3. Write a quality essay. Most foundation and business scholarships require some type of personal statement. Write a great one and then adapt it for each scholarship. What defining moments have occurred in 12 years of education or 18 years of life and how have they shaped your character? What are your dreams and goals for the future? How will this money assist you in the pursuit of those dreams? What sets you apart from the other 500 people who applied for this scholarship? After it is written, have 2 or 3 people proofread it and give feedback.
4. Check scholarship bulletins and school counseling offices every week during the senior year. Most high school counseling offices publish an online scholarship bulletin each month and more often if necessary. Make it a habit to check it once a week. Check the other local high schools bulletins as well--some are more user-friendly than others. This is really a parent's job. High school students may discount their qualifications or interests and they will need your guidance and direction to encourage them to submit and application for ALL that may apply.
5. Enlist the help of others. Check with extended family members and friends for available scholarships at their places of employment.
6. Apply for financial aid. Apply at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ for federal financial aid, such as grants, loans and workstudy programs. The information will be communicated to your choice of higher education option and to assist in the receipt of local and state funds as well. Remember, the earlier you apply, the better.
7. Start saving now! Regardless of how soon your student leaves for college, it is not too late to save. Encourage them to save a portion of their burger joint earnings for college. If they have to pay for some it, they will appreciate it more.
Voila! You have a lot of work to do-you had better get praying too.
Showing posts with label scholarships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scholarships. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Monday, September 8, 2008
Scholarship Applications
Warm days, cool nights, crunchy leaves. Autumn. The season of apples, pumpkins, football games and...scholarship hunting. Now is the time to look for and apply for scholarships whether a junior or senior in high school or a non-traditional student looking to enroll in college.
If you need information on different ways to pay for a college education, see "Scholarships and Financial Aid" in my 2007 blog file.
Once you've found the scholarships you are interested in and qualify for, apply! But there is more to your application than simply filling in the blanks. Here are some tips for an application that merits a review and may garner the award.
1. Fill out the application completely,leaving no blank spaces, and preferably typed not handwritten.
2. Use correct spelling and proper grammar.
At the acknowledgment of either a missing section or incorrect spelling, the reviewers generally put the application in the rejected pile.
3. Follow the directions. For example, if the application requests that you put N/A to questions that do not apply to you, write in N/A. Do not leave it blank!
4. Avoid writing long lists of accomplishments, service and awards. List only those from the last three years.
5. Quantify and qualify service or volunteer work. Students who are LDS perform a lot of service and much of it comes from opportunities during Mutual. Be specific and keep track of the number of hours you rake leaves, sing at nursing homes, babysit, etc. For example: 15 hours of yard work in community.
6. Find a way to let your personality and who you really are stand out. This is the most difficult part of the application. Most of the students applying for scholarships are very similar to you! They have GPAs, ACT, and SAT scores that are the same or better than yours. They have participated in extracurricular activities, worked at part-time jobs, and served in the community.
So-how do you set yourself apart from the others? In a recent scholarship competition I read one application where the student listed that he was president of the Beards and Jenga Club at his high school. This student was already on the list to be interviewed from our initial review of the applications but that response piqued an additional interest.
The board interviewed this student and awarded him one of the scholarships. He created the interest on his application and then continued to inspire us in the interview by sharing things about his education, his school participation in extracurricular activities, his service in the community and himself (his interests and his family) that were not listed on his application or on his resume. (Note: The Beards and Jenga Club was open to all students who couldn't grow a beard and enjoyed playing Jenga.)
My nephew tried this in a recent job application for a lab assistant. One of his accomplishments was that he had never burned off his eyebrows or eyelashes. Now I don't know if that statement is the one that got him the interview, but he did get an interview and eventually the job.
7. Be honest. This is the most important part of the application process. Lies and deceit will always be found out and will cost you more in "peace of mind and self-respect" (For the Strength of Youth, p.31) than the amount of the scholarship award you might receive.
Good luck during this fall's scholarship hunting season. Go ahead and wear your orange hunting vest if you'd like.
If you need information on different ways to pay for a college education, see "Scholarships and Financial Aid" in my 2007 blog file.
Once you've found the scholarships you are interested in and qualify for, apply! But there is more to your application than simply filling in the blanks. Here are some tips for an application that merits a review and may garner the award.
1. Fill out the application completely,leaving no blank spaces, and preferably typed not handwritten.
2. Use correct spelling and proper grammar.
At the acknowledgment of either a missing section or incorrect spelling, the reviewers generally put the application in the rejected pile.
3. Follow the directions. For example, if the application requests that you put N/A to questions that do not apply to you, write in N/A. Do not leave it blank!
4. Avoid writing long lists of accomplishments, service and awards. List only those from the last three years.
5. Quantify and qualify service or volunteer work. Students who are LDS perform a lot of service and much of it comes from opportunities during Mutual. Be specific and keep track of the number of hours you rake leaves, sing at nursing homes, babysit, etc. For example: 15 hours of yard work in community.
6. Find a way to let your personality and who you really are stand out. This is the most difficult part of the application. Most of the students applying for scholarships are very similar to you! They have GPAs, ACT, and SAT scores that are the same or better than yours. They have participated in extracurricular activities, worked at part-time jobs, and served in the community.
So-how do you set yourself apart from the others? In a recent scholarship competition I read one application where the student listed that he was president of the Beards and Jenga Club at his high school. This student was already on the list to be interviewed from our initial review of the applications but that response piqued an additional interest.
The board interviewed this student and awarded him one of the scholarships. He created the interest on his application and then continued to inspire us in the interview by sharing things about his education, his school participation in extracurricular activities, his service in the community and himself (his interests and his family) that were not listed on his application or on his resume. (Note: The Beards and Jenga Club was open to all students who couldn't grow a beard and enjoyed playing Jenga.)
My nephew tried this in a recent job application for a lab assistant. One of his accomplishments was that he had never burned off his eyebrows or eyelashes. Now I don't know if that statement is the one that got him the interview, but he did get an interview and eventually the job.
7. Be honest. This is the most important part of the application process. Lies and deceit will always be found out and will cost you more in "peace of mind and self-respect" (For the Strength of Youth, p.31) than the amount of the scholarship award you might receive.
Good luck during this fall's scholarship hunting season. Go ahead and wear your orange hunting vest if you'd like.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Do you have a preschooler that you want to send to college? Now is the time to save! Do you have a high school sophomore who wants to go to college? Now is the time to research and prepare to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Wait a minute-you have a senior? It’s time to get started, now!
Things to consider:
The Fund of Mom and Dad
A good friend once told me that her ability to help her children go to college was her insurance plan--her insurance that some day she would have a life! The reality is that the Fund of Mom and Dad will probably need to contribute for a student to continue and finish their post-secondary education. When and how much the Fund of Mom and Dad contributes is completely up to the trustees-mom and dad. You may want to consider that students who are required to make some personal financial contribution certainly appreciate their education more than those who do not. In addition, those who invest their own money and sweat equity get better grades.
Early College & University Credit:
Student may take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, concurrent enrollment classes or participate in an early college program that enables your student to earn college or university credit while still in high school. Advanced Placement courses offer a course-end exam which colleges will then award credit or advanced standing to students with passing scores. Visit http://www.collegeboard.com/apstudents for more information. Concurrent enrollment courses are local college courses offered at the local high school, usually taught by a high school teacher with college credentials. Check with your high school to learn more. Many colleges and universities also offer an “early college” program. Early college students attend college and pay tuition but earn both college credit and high school credit. Your high school counselor will have more information.
Reimbursement Plan: The student pays his/her own tuition and if he/she maintains a certain GPA, the Fund of Mom and Dad would offer a tuition reimbursement after grades are posted to the transcript.
Start saving! It is never too late and a few months worth of saving is better than zero months! Try a matching percentage with your student, similar to an employee-matching program for a 401k. If your student has some time before college, perhaps starting a 529 plan (an educational savings plan operated by individual states) or joining Upromise (a rewards program for educational savings with an option to create a 529 plan) would help.
Federal Financial Aid
Apply for federal financial aid through http://www.fafsa.org/. Applications are due June 28, 2008.You must fill out detailed forms using income tax returns, bank account and investment account information. The Federal Government expects that each family will contribute financially to a higher education therefore they calculate an EFC (Expected Family Contribution). It takes time and effort to fill out, but the worst thing they can tell you is “no”.
Scholarships
Colleges & Universities-
Scholarship application deadlines at colleges and universities are usually between January 1 and February 1. Begin now to apply. Most institutions have applications online. Start now to complete applications, request letters of recommendation and transcripts, and write personal essays. Research and apply for both general school scholarships and departmental scholarships. Many university alumni associations also offer a scholarship.
Employers-
A large number of employers offer a scholarship competition. Check with both your student’s employer and your employer to see if a scholarship is offered. If so, apply!
Local Service Organizations and Cities-
Check with your local Kiwanis, Lions, and Elk’s Clubs. They, and some municipalities, generally offer scholarships as well. Your high school counseling office will have local information.
High School Counseling Office-
Most counseling offices produce a scholarship bulletin. Weary your counseling department with your face and pleasant requests for new bulletins or if any new scholarships have become available.
Public Libraries-
Public libraries will post advertisements from local entities who offer scholarships.
Online-
Several websites offer scholarship searches. Most offer free registration. My top three picks are:
http://www.fastweb.com/
http://www.finaid.org/
http://www.scholarships.com/
Word of Mouth-
Let family members, neighbors and friends know that you are on a scholarship and financial aid search. They may have resources and information that will help you.
Loans
Stafford-a federally subsidized loan program
PLUS-federal loan that a parent may obtain for a dependent undergraduate student.
Private-loans from any private lending institution
“Be willing to work diligently and make sacrifices to obtain learning. Education is an investment that brings great rewards. You live in a competitive world where a good education opens the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be closed to you.” (For the Strength of Youth, pg. 9)
One of the greatest blessings in my life is my education. Through it, I have been able to experience “being an instrument in His hands.” The work and sacrifice for my education has brought me amazing career, family and personal rewards. Make a plan with your student to work and sacrifice to obtain these blessings. The Church has a terrific website with more information on financial aid, Church-sponsored schools and more. Check it out at www.besmart.com.
Things to consider:
The Fund of Mom and Dad
A good friend once told me that her ability to help her children go to college was her insurance plan--her insurance that some day she would have a life! The reality is that the Fund of Mom and Dad will probably need to contribute for a student to continue and finish their post-secondary education. When and how much the Fund of Mom and Dad contributes is completely up to the trustees-mom and dad. You may want to consider that students who are required to make some personal financial contribution certainly appreciate their education more than those who do not. In addition, those who invest their own money and sweat equity get better grades.
Early College & University Credit:
Student may take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, concurrent enrollment classes or participate in an early college program that enables your student to earn college or university credit while still in high school. Advanced Placement courses offer a course-end exam which colleges will then award credit or advanced standing to students with passing scores. Visit http://www.collegeboard.com/apstudents for more information. Concurrent enrollment courses are local college courses offered at the local high school, usually taught by a high school teacher with college credentials. Check with your high school to learn more. Many colleges and universities also offer an “early college” program. Early college students attend college and pay tuition but earn both college credit and high school credit. Your high school counselor will have more information.
Reimbursement Plan: The student pays his/her own tuition and if he/she maintains a certain GPA, the Fund of Mom and Dad would offer a tuition reimbursement after grades are posted to the transcript.
Start saving! It is never too late and a few months worth of saving is better than zero months! Try a matching percentage with your student, similar to an employee-matching program for a 401k. If your student has some time before college, perhaps starting a 529 plan (an educational savings plan operated by individual states) or joining Upromise (a rewards program for educational savings with an option to create a 529 plan) would help.
Federal Financial Aid
Apply for federal financial aid through http://www.fafsa.org/. Applications are due June 28, 2008.You must fill out detailed forms using income tax returns, bank account and investment account information. The Federal Government expects that each family will contribute financially to a higher education therefore they calculate an EFC (Expected Family Contribution). It takes time and effort to fill out, but the worst thing they can tell you is “no”.
Scholarships
Colleges & Universities-
Scholarship application deadlines at colleges and universities are usually between January 1 and February 1. Begin now to apply. Most institutions have applications online. Start now to complete applications, request letters of recommendation and transcripts, and write personal essays. Research and apply for both general school scholarships and departmental scholarships. Many university alumni associations also offer a scholarship.
Employers-
A large number of employers offer a scholarship competition. Check with both your student’s employer and your employer to see if a scholarship is offered. If so, apply!
Local Service Organizations and Cities-
Check with your local Kiwanis, Lions, and Elk’s Clubs. They, and some municipalities, generally offer scholarships as well. Your high school counseling office will have local information.
High School Counseling Office-
Most counseling offices produce a scholarship bulletin. Weary your counseling department with your face and pleasant requests for new bulletins or if any new scholarships have become available.
Public Libraries-
Public libraries will post advertisements from local entities who offer scholarships.
Online-
Several websites offer scholarship searches. Most offer free registration. My top three picks are:
http://www.fastweb.com/
http://www.finaid.org/
http://www.scholarships.com/
Word of Mouth-
Let family members, neighbors and friends know that you are on a scholarship and financial aid search. They may have resources and information that will help you.
Loans
Stafford-a federally subsidized loan program
PLUS-federal loan that a parent may obtain for a dependent undergraduate student.
Private-loans from any private lending institution
“Be willing to work diligently and make sacrifices to obtain learning. Education is an investment that brings great rewards. You live in a competitive world where a good education opens the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be closed to you.” (For the Strength of Youth, pg. 9)
One of the greatest blessings in my life is my education. Through it, I have been able to experience “being an instrument in His hands.” The work and sacrifice for my education has brought me amazing career, family and personal rewards. Make a plan with your student to work and sacrifice to obtain these blessings. The Church has a terrific website with more information on financial aid, Church-sponsored schools and more. Check it out at www.besmart.com.
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