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Scholarships

Greetings! Today’s chapter is on Scholarships and how and where to get them. You'll have the opportunity to read my suggestions as well as those of a student. The student is Tiffany Reedy. Click here to read Tifanny's thoughts. Since I’m the author on this part, no introduction is necessary. So let's begin.

SCHOLARSHIPS

While applying for scholarships is only one part of the college application process, it is by far the part that will require the most work. Both you and your parents will spend a great deal of time investigating sources of funding, requesting applications, and then filling them out (make sure you are the one filling them out).

Before you start collecting specific information about scholarships, you should start a personal information file (you will need this information when you start filling out applications). Make a list of all of the activities, clubs, and organizations you have been involved in since your Freshman year. Be sure to include any volunteer, church, or civic activities you have participated in. If you don’t know what your cumulative grade point average and class rank are, find out (if you can get a copy of your transcript from your high school, do so). Also include copies of any standardized test results in your file. In addition, if you have ever written an essay about yourself or your goals, include a copy of that too.

You should begin the process of finding available scholarships during your Junior year. Since most scholarships are awarded annually, being aware of what was awarded to the class ahead of you (especially by your schools of choice), can pay big dividends.  If you know someone in the class ahead of you with similar scholarship potential to yours (similar grades or test scores, similar resume, similar field of study, etc.), ask them or their parents if they’ll share their scholarship information with you when they’re done. Although the contact person may change, the other information (deadline, criteria, address, etc.) will likely remain the same.  You can request information from that address at the beginning of your Senior year and they’ll send you the appropriate information and applications.

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