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A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

How To Find, Apply For And Receive College Scholarships

A college degree is not a sign that one is a finished product but an indication a person is prepared for life. Reverend Edward A. Malloy, Monk's Reflections

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword and Introduction

3-5

Why this guide came to be

Layout and purpose, Target audience of the guide

The S.C.O.O.P.I.N.G. Method

1. The basics of College Scholarships

7-15

Scholarships – what is it (philosophy, definition, types) Knowing what is at stake. What is a ‘Scholarship’? How does it work and what different types of scholarships are available? Where to find sources for scholarships? What you are looking for and how much? What, Where and how long will you be studying? What is available? Where to look to find it? How to apply? 2. College and Scholarships – what is it used for (which and where, value and cost of a college education, how scholarships help and work) Funding options and strategies. 16 3. Optimize educational funding and aid options, capitalize and leverage your position and talents.

4. Occupational and Overall assistance to give you a boost, helpful hand. How to make the most of College scholarships applications, awards and rewards.

5. Personal – THIS IS ALL ABOUT YOU!

6. Investment in your future – where the real payback and value-proposition is.

7. Negotiating – It is a process and skill-set that requires attention and mastery

8. GREAT results – getting them, focusing on what to do and what NOT to do!

9. Closing Thoughts and Remarks

10.Bibliography and Online References

48-54

last words, 1902.

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

Foreword Dreams, aspirations and future. These lofty pursuits cost money. A College education can be quite expensive and planning to get all the assistance you possibly can on the financial front is essential. This guide came into being based on a very real need to understand the intricacies and complexities involved in finding, applying and receiving a college scholarship. There are many types of students, different types of scholarships and sponsorships, even loans and financial aid available to undertake building and shaping your future and training for your career, profession and passionate pursuit.

There are also many different reasons people apply or not for scholarships. Ambition, need, disbelief that they qualify, or that their G.P.A. is not high enough, could be possible reasons. Others might include that their parents can afford it, could be merit based scholarships that have nothing to do with the financial positioning and means of anyone. Most do not know where to look or where to start applying, or what to do once they have been awarded a scholarship. Time to spend on this process is worthwhile effort no matter how you look at it, yet some of us choose to wait until the last minute, procrastinate or just hope that magically it will work out in the end. We do not pay close attention to any real practical planning or direction in our application process, setting ourselves us for failure, delay and even rejection.

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

Some students fail to believe that they can write a great essay about themselves and we are not good at selling our talents, distinctive qualities, achievements and assets, due to it sounding like ‘bragging’. Remember, this is your chance to introduce yourself to the selection committee – you just get one chance, so we will show you how to optimize your presentation and chances, with confidence and precise execution that will make all the difference in the words. Self-esteem and maturity can also affect this process. If you do not believe yourself worthy to receive a scholarship, you probably will not. You are worth it! Always remember that. Scholarships are for everyone and anyone. All can and should apply, regardless! Someone once said: Scholarships are not ‘handouts’ or freebies, they are planned investments in our own human potential and futures! So get cracking, start your application process today, if you have not done so yet. Do not hesitate to ask people around you for pointers and even recommendations. Give voice and flight to your dreams, aspirations, ambition and your FUTURE.

This guide will provide you will all the tools, processes and background that you will need to master the college scholarship application process. It is meant for students, parents, guardians and counselors. It is hopefully written in such a way that everyone with an interest in this topic, will find something of practical use and/or some useful links, tips and tricks, even

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

insider secrets that can help them in any college scholarship application process. We wish you well on your endeavor. Happy ‘hunting’ for the perfect scholarship that is just right for you, your planned course of study, regardless of your age, gender, location, school and course of choice.

We wish you all the best and trust that the insights and inspiration shared in these couple of pages, will make a difference and help you apply and receive the College Scholarships that you want, need and deserve, beyond your wildest expectations. Enabling your FUTURE is what this guide is all about. Good luck and congratulations on taking the first step of the rest of your life! Here is to YOU! Introduction and Layout of the Guide The following summary diagram is a discussion tool that both introduces our topic and shows what this book is about at its core. Throughout the pages of this guide, you will learn more about applying and receiving college scholarships. There will be tips and tricks on how to best prepare, get organized, streamline, transact and execute, even persist with determination. We will focus in on getting you the BEST scholarship and financing options for your College Education. There is no time like the present to get started on securing your scholarships. Without delay, your application process can start right here and now. Are you ready?

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

The “S.C.O.O.P.I.N.G.” Method 1. Scholarships – what is it (philosophy, definition, types). Knowing what is at stake. 2. College – what is it used for (which and where, value and cost of a college education, how scholarships help and work). Funding options and strategies. 3. Optimize educational funding and aid options, capitalize and leverage your position and talents. 4. Occupational and Overall assistance to give you a boost, helpful hand. How to make the most of College scholarships applications, awards and rewards. 5. Personal – THIS IS ALL ABOUT YOU! 6. Investment in your future – where the real payback and value-proposition is. 7. Negotiating – It is a process and skill-set that requires attention and mastery 8. GREAT results – getting them, focusing on what to do and what NOT to do!

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

The Basics of College Scholarships

Scholarships – What Is It (Philosophy, Definition, Types). Knowing What Is At Stake.

Exploring financial aid is always part of getting ready for College. Beyond preparing for your entry testing and finding the right school, this is probably one of the most important steps for getting your College Education and your future on track and up to speed. Whether you are the student applying, locally or maybe as an international student, even as a guardian or parent of a prospective College student, there are lots of online and in-print materials available that can be overwhelming in this fact-find and process that you are undertaking. Going to College is an important, life-altering decision. It will shape and influence you and your future career. The choices you make in the here and now, will help form your tomorrow. They are important and not be overlooked, underestimated, or done in a haphazard fashion. Careful, meticulous planning, not impulsive choice, is highly recommended for every step of the way. College is about you, your interests, passions, talents, goals and pursuits, dreams AND FUTURE! How are you going to make the most of it? Beyond getting started, planning for when you will begin your studies, where and for how long, as well, as how you are going to pay for it, is critical for every prospective student. Who will help and support you in this endeavor? Are you paying for College out of your pocket, or is someone else funding it? Do you need to consider applying for or seeking financial aid in order to get your education? Regardless of your background, rationale, means or talents, this how to guide will have step-by-step instructions, tips and considerations to prepare you for and help you through this process of applying for College scholarships.

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

Have you ever heard of an admissions essay? Paying and planning for College is very important. Do you have any idea how much it costs or how you are going to pay for College?

Learn in this guide how affordable college

education can be through exploring, applying for and receiving College Scholarships that will make the difference and help you with the financial side of your studies.

There are many different scholarships and loans,

financial options available for College education. Advice, tips and guidance on what scholarships are, how they work, where to find them, how to apply and stack the odds in your favor, to actually receive a scholarship, will all be covered in this text. It is our hope that this guide will assist you in making sense of the vast array of information out there, (some even conflicting or very vague, depending on where, when and how you apply). We trust you will find the practical advice, systematic process and information to know what to do next, right here! When applying for a scholarship you could either be a prospective, continuing or returning student. There are various different packages and scholarship options available depending on which category you fall into. For others, it does not matter in the least. What does matter is that you apply and that you do so in a timely and urgent fashion. This is serious business. The logic here is that there is a limited amount of the ‘pot’ to go around. The longer you wait, the less you can capitalize on the first come, first serve principle. Act now, without delay to avoid disappointment. Get your ‘bid’ in early so to speak. Here are some fast facts regarding scholarships: Application and paperwork deadlines always come quicker that expected.

Avoid the stress and rush by filing early.

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships There is no cost or obligation for or when applying (unless you get expert

professional services to assist you with the process of course and NOT counting all the copies, pictures, postage, courier fees etc.!) Even if you think you do not qualify, still apply New college scholarships, awards and grants are created every year. If in the US, always consult the www.fafsa.ed.gov scholarship super-site.

Application forms and detailed instructions on filling it out, can be found online. There are also lots of the questions and issues, concerns or pressing topics in the FAQ sections, that are no different from the ones that you currently have. You are not in this process or boat alone! There are also checklists on documentation, as well as the option of filing

electronically to save time and money! Avoid being at the end of the line and waiting for you to file your tax

return. If could be too late. The sooner you apply, the better you are making your odds. Avoid being last in line. Most states and colleges began allowing submission of financial-aid forms

beginning Jan. 1. Those applications received earliest are given first and top priority. Many of the college scholarships and aid awards are quite competitive and you

have to make yourself stand out from the thousands of applicants. You would want to leave a lasting impression as well as make a good first impression, be unforgettable and recognizable. Rise above the masses and mediocrity. This should be a priority for you in all your documentation, as well as your process. Do not rush to complete your forms and make unnecessary mistakes that could

backfire or have your application rejected or thrown out. Having to make corrections can be costly and put you back at the end of the line.

According to a recent study of college financial-aid administrators, the most common mistakes in completing the FAFSA form are: Leaving a field blank. If the answer to an asset or income question is

zero, then put in a "0." Matches. Matching names to Social Security numbers -- especially

important if you use different or maiden names.

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships Signatures. Both the parent and student must sign the FAFSA form. If completing the form online and you have received a PIN at

www.pin.ed.gov before you complete the FAFSA online, then you do not have to worry about the signature requirement since your PIN serves as your electronic signature. See the PIN Web site. Income. Do not use your W-2 to report income. Use the Adjusted Gross

Income directly from your Form 1040 income tax return. Taxes paid. Report the actual income taxes paid from your Form 1040

income tax return rather than those shown withheld on your W-2. Definitions. Pay close attention to the definitions of dependents, marital

status and age requests. Selection. If using the online version of FAFSA, do not check the "Early

Analysis" flag. This will not send a report to any college, but rather is reserved for high-school students who are not yet going to college, but are interested in a free evaluation of their status, in order to better prepare for the real thing -- not a bad idea for those who want to position themselves better for the future. Inclusions. Prepaid tuition plans, pensions and cash-value life insurance

policies should not be reported as assets on the FAFSA. Attachments. Do not include anything with the form when you mail it. If

you have extenuating circumstances you feel should be considered you should ask for a professional judgment review from the school's financial aid administrator. SAR and EFC are two terms that you will hear in this process. This both

results from this abovementioned application form. It refers to a Student Aid Report and Expected Family Contribution. These are both used to determine the eligibility and financial situation of each student. This outcome will determine the amount of aid you will receive. Schools typically look at the cost and duration of your chosen study path, the program you are enrolled in and these eligibility criteria. If you do not qualify for federal aid , state or school aid packages and

awards might still be available to you as well. Exploring all your options is a good rule of thumb to have. Regardless of whether you think you

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

qualify or not, you should apply for federal aid. There is nothing to lose here. The system is set up to provide NOT A FREEBIE FOR EVERYONE, it is

meant and streamlined to assist those who would not be able otherwise to afford a good education. Understanding the system and how it works, can help you leverage and optimize your changes. When asked to reflect on why you need a College Scholarship, there will be a variety of answers provided to this question. Here are just some reasons students apply for certain types of scholarships: It provides opportunity. You can get the chance to pursue a great education The duration and length, location and ‘perks’ or the study program (for

example some scholarships offer a 4 year leadership program with lots of additional opportunities and exposure to the best the industry and academic world has to offer). It is not always all about the money! But, for when it is, there are lots of funds and large amounts, awards

available, depending on what you need. (Some could be as high as an $8,000 total scholarship to be used towards tuition, books, boarding and other related expenses). Some scholarships include numerous opportunities to gain work

experience, or interact with corporate and community leaders. They could also include academic credit towards a leadership minor and

some service and experiential learning activities. So, while for some it is really only about the money, for others there might be more at stake and every scholarship that you apply for, of your choosing and preference, will have and be its own reward, beyond the dollar sign! When the question about why to apply for college scholarships came up recently on an online forum, the top five best responses were listed as:

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships Unable to afford College on your own. Scholarly achievements. Commitment to complete your education. Internship and employment opportunities. Networking opportunities with partner representatives

Besides the point that college scholarships could actually save you money or regardless of our own motivations and aspirations, it is essential that you apply and capitalize on what is available out there for college scholarships. You can play a hands-on role in your own destiny and future, by investing time and effort, attention to detail and energy on the college scholarship application and award process. You will not regret it. Others apply for money, prestige, just because everyone else is applying, peer pressure, or because their parents are forcing them to. Some simply apply because funds are available, so why not apply, it seems perfectly logical. Others make it a priority to be free of tuition debt upon completion of their studies and get a jumpstart on their career, quality of life and future with a fighting chance and not left having to deal with heavy interests on loans and working to earn a living and pay back study loans. Getting to go to schools of choice and having better opportunities are also good motivators. What are your reasons for applying for college scholarships? Being clear on what you want and why you want it will also assist you in streamlining your application process and documentation, college admission essay, positioning, application portfolio and more. When it comes to defining what a ‘scholarship’ is, how the concept got started, the philosophy and rationale behind the concept and the different types of scholarships, it helps to put these into clear expression. The better you again understand the concepts and nature of scholarships, the easier it becomes to make sense of how to best apply and optimize your chances of being awarded the scholarship of your choice, beyond your wildest dreams.

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

What is a ‘Scholarship’? A scholarship is an award of sorts that grants you paid access to pursue academic study. It could be a financial grant, with tuition, classes, books (and even boarding and other expenses depending on the grant), paid for by someone else,

other than yourself or your parents. It is an award to the

student or scholar for the sole purpose of furthering their education. There are lots of selection and award criteria, eligibility stipulations, which typically underscore the views or purposes of the original philanthropist, donor or founder of the award(s) to be given. College scholarships enable the mastery and pursuit that is your future education. What types of scholarships are available? Full or partial scholarships– depending on the nature and extent of the

award, scholarships might just cover classes and/or books, boarding and more. Merit-based – where financial need is not used as the main or any criteria

for the award of the grant or scholarship. The recipient may be determined by students’ athletic, academic, artistic or other abilities, achievements or accomplishments. This is mostly given for recognition and motivation, with the monetary award being either small or substantial, depending on the nature and purpose of the scholarship. Need-based - financial aid for which the student and family’s financial

situation is a primary factor in determining the recipient. Usually such scholarship will cover all or part of the tuition and may even cover livingcosts. Some scholarships have a "bond" requirement, recipients may be

required for a specified time to work for particular employer, to work in

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

rural or remote areas, and otherwise they may be liable to repay the cash value of the support they received during the scholarship Scholarships are also referred to as ‘financial aid’ packages that are

intended to assist scholars or students with tuition and related costs. But they can also be loans, so clarify all the details and read the fine- print on all award documentation prior to signing or committing to anything. Where to find sources for college scholarships? Obtaining Scholarships can be a challenge and a highly competitive one at that! First and foremost, exploring your direct location and surrounding areas would be a good place to start. Finding funding and aid in and around your local home region is more likely than applying further away or even abroad. Local contacts, businesses, individuals and institutions will typically be your first point of call. It is easier to gain access to and the competition pool is that much smaller. So, in a sense, you are stacking the odds in your favor, making the most of what your local hometown and area has to offer. It is always a good idea to start close to home. Most non-profit organizations and foundations have scholarships for prospective students. Some examples of scholarship sourcing might come from: Labor Unions Church Chamber of Commerce Other volunteer organizations Local chapters of professional societies Charity organizations School-based endowments to be used for scholarship funds Universities may have grants for extremely talented students of little

means. Private scholarship programs Other sources of information on scholarships are libraries, newspapers

and even the yellow pages.

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships Government (federal, state and local)

The options and opportunities abound. It is up to you to make the most of all of them, unearth the ones you think you most likely qualify for or have interest in and then APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ALL OF THEM! (Source: Wikipedia.com) The United States government also provides various ‘need-based’ financial aid packages and options. These funding options and awards occur mostly in the form of Federal Pell grants Federal SEOG Grants SSIG Grants Federal Work-Study initiatives Federal Stafford loans (in a subsidized and unsubsidized form) Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal Parent (PLUS) loans.

The US Department of Education, as well as the formal body known as the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) funds most of these programs and initiatives. To quality for any of these options, a student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid known as FAFSA for short. Other options for College Education Financing and funding include: State-funded grants Loans Work-study programs Tuition waivers and scholarships. Individual colleges and universities may provide grants and need- and

merit-based scholarships.

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships A private (alternative) educational loan, available from most large lending

institutions. NOTE: Typically, educational loans obtained through the federal government have much lower interest rates than private educational loans. Institutions and Organizations, foundations and professional associations Endowed scholarships Student financial assistance subsidies

College – What Is It Used For (Which And Where, Value And

Cost Of A College Education, How Scholarships Help And Work). Funding Options And Strategies. How to pay for school, or a quality College Education is center stage throughout this book. It is certainly front of mind for lots of students, government, schools, business, sponsors, organizations and philanthropists, (even parents). Securing the funds and financial aid that you require to gain access and pay for your College education, does not have to be a complex process, a chore or insurmountable challenge. It could be one of the most exciting opportunities you get to express and voice your dreams for the future and get the financial assistance to make it all possible. The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most important document in applying for and receiving federal, state, and schooladministered financial aid for college and graduate school. Free Application For Student Aid. The FAFSA is the standard application for all federally funded student financial aid. It is as good a place as any to start your process. It is also used as an application by many private funders of college aid. There are also lots of different types of scholarships and grants, like the Pell Grants, Stafford Loans and PLUS loans in the US. If you require assistance applying and receiving college scholarships, then this is the guide for you! It

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

will help you find and land, the scholarship or financial aid that is just right for you. There are lots of online sources like http://www.collegescholarships.com/100college.htm, that lists the top 101 websites for searching for college scholarships for example that you can consult for useful hints and links that may also help you out. The more research you do, the better prepared you will be to submit your application. Just guard spending all your time online and actually filing those much needed application forms! They are what really count and make the difference here. You have to get your face, your name and your case (through your application, referral, recommendation letters, word of mouth and networking) in front of those who make decisions and awards. This is where most of your energies need to be spent to optimize your chances of finding and securing the scholarships that you require and want, need and deserve. The process is very much in your hands in the early phases of its unfolding. Make your college scholarship search simple, concise, streamlined and easy. Do not waste any time or effort. Get things done and get results with the right strategy that is targeted and focused on your needs and requirements, as well as on what is available. Here are some examples of possible sources for scholarships: colleges and universities nationwide that want to recruit students with

specific qualifications; organizations that help find the school that best meets your career

aspirations or fund your education; student achievement organizations, including National Honor Roll, possible induction and scholarships; businesses offering products and services of particular interest to

students and their families. Government

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

If you need help completing applications forms and optimize or leverage the financing package and options available to you, this guide will help with that too. Put yourself on the insider track. College is expensive and interest on loans can lay you lame for years to come. There are lots of caveats to look out for when applying for a college scholarship and/or loan to fund your college education. Planning and research upfront prior to filing your applications are critical elements of this process and you will easily find yourself spending a lot of time on this process. Some of the top ten reasons some individuals are not successful in applying for aid: 1. Administrative errors on the paperwork front - Incomplete application forms or incorrectly filled out forms. Errors or inconsistencies cause big problems and even rejection to occur, so extra care has to be taken to avoid these situations. 2. Getting financial aid is not a sure fact and definitely NOT an easy process, especially NOT if you are interested in optimizing the funds and aid available to you. Expect to spend 20-40 hours of your time gathering information and facts, even prior to filling out or submitting any application forms. 3. Picking the wrong school for the wrong reasons, due to misinformation or mistaken perceptions that some of the prestige schools are either out of their league or financial reach, that then keeps them from applying, missing out on opportunity. Unearth the insider secrets that could make it possible to pursue the college and career of your dreams. It is possible.

A ‘How To’ Guide To Finding (And Receiving!) College Scholarships

4. Not spending enough time figuring out which college has the best comprehensive financial aid and scholarship packages to address your needs and requirements. 5. Mistakes on the financial front, which assets are included, which excluded and what is the difference when it comes to financing? Declaring assets that should not form part of the application form due to lack of knowledge, might reduce the amount of aid that you actually receive. Not including all relevant assets can also put you at serious risk, including a $20,000 US fine or even prison (maybe both). 6. Not understanding how the financial system works and failing to take advantage of it, getting some value back for all those tax-dollars you have paid into it. 7. Getting a financial expert like a CPA or tax consultant to fill out your college scholarship or funding application form could be a mistake. Get a professional familiar with the process and system to help you out. 8. Not researching or delaying application, almost waiting until it is too late to apply and then hoping for the best, is not a pro-active or rewarding strategy. The earlier you begin your application process the better. First come, first serve is often the rule of thumb with these funds, awards and allocations. 9. Thinking that you do not qualify for financial aid leading to not applying at all and missing out on opportunity. There are various forms of financial aid, be sure to capitalize and explore all your options. 10.Tackling the complex application process on your own to save money on costly fees. Do not gamble with your future, get an expert to help you figure out both the big picture, but also the little details that can make the difference.