“A.C.T.I.O.N.” Plan for College Scholarships - Step 1
The Nature And Dynamics Of College Scholarships And How They Can Help You Get The College Degree, Education, Life And Future You Want. Types Of Scholarships And What Is At Stake. WHAT ARE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS ALL ABOUT? Decoding College Scholarships – Making Sense Of The Fundamentals When you start getting ready to pursue your College education, it does not take very long for the subject of money to make its way onto the scene. It is very much a reality. It is not free and it does not come cheap! Education is costly and can make or break your future. Scholarships help with the financial burden and EVERY bit of help is welcome and needed. Part of the process of qualifying, gaining entry, is also being able to pay for it! Whether you want to know or face it, money matters are front and center in these pursuits and you need to k now where to find the assistance that you require and qualify for, to help you get the education you need to enable your future. When you start looking for information and applications, you will soon be overwhelmed by the myriad of sources and listing available on this topic. This guide will attempt to help you make sense of it all. There are lots of in-print and online information to sift through and probe to get to the best opportunities and apply without delay to get you the funding and financial assistance that you might require to actually make going to College happen and possible FOR YOU! IT CAN AND WILL HAPPEN. Part (if not most) or the success in these type of processes (applying and securing money) has a lot to do with aptitude and the right information, completed application and stellar essay, yes, BUT ALSO attitude. If you take a positive approach to the whole process and believe in yourself (no one else is going to do this for you!), you are well set on your way to success and results. Confidence shows and grows, even making impressions on paper become easy and second nature. Practice makes perfect! You will also learn as you go along, from others, so ask around, be willing to try anything you can to secure the funds that you want, desire, need and deserve for your College Education. Opting to go and study and prepare yourself for a future career is a big step in itself. What you opt to do and pursue today will shape your tomorrow, who you will be, what you will do and influence, shape and facilitate your life. IT HAS TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY! This is definitely NOT the time for haphazard, low-commitment, get-to-it-when-I-can or feel like it attitude. It will require detailed preparation and some meticulous planning, HARD WORK! It is true that the funding probably is FREE and does not have to be paid back (in most cases) BUT REMEMBER NOTHING IN LIFE IS REALLY FREE – THERE IS A CATCH! Here it is HART WORK, COMMITMENT AND PERSONAL DEDICATION TO YOUR CAUSE! Will you step up? TIP # 2: Ask and answer yourself some tough questions: How are you BEST presenting your interests, passions, talents, goals and pursuits, dreams AND FUTURE? HOW ARE YOU SELLING YOUR POTENTIAL AND PROMISE? How are you going to make the most of it? How are your introducing and positioning yourself? Think of it as marketing campaign of YOU. WHAT IS YOUR ACTION PLAN? THEN GET TO IT! Always think about being BOTH advocate (for yourself, your cause, your talents), BUT also, inquirer asking questions constantly. It will help you keep your goal and prospects in sight and front-of-mind and not lose direction or purpose throughout these processes. § Have I started applying yet? If so, where? If not, why not? § When do I plan to begin my studies, where and for how long? § How will it be paid for? § Who will help and support me in this ? § Am I paying for College out of pocket, or is someone else funding it? § Do I need to consider applying for or seeking financial aid in order to get my education? … and so on. These questions help you get and keep focus on the tasks at hand. It helps you decide where to start looking for what types of funding and applying right away. It inspires and engages you in an with the process and before you know it you are downloading forms, sending away for application packages, tracking deadlines and amidst/within the process WITHOUT EVEN REALIZING IT OR TRYING VERY HARD. College can be affordable and possible for all. There are means and channels available, including scholarships, grants, bursaries, financing options, government funding and support and other sources of financial aid available to all. Equal opportunity await for anyone and everyone. YOU HAVE TO APPLY! YOU CANNOT NOT APPLY! FOR ANY REASON OR MUSING! JUST DO IT! Remember § 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, are available form a variety of sources § It is up to you to unearth the truths and treasures of these processes and make them work in your favor! Different types of students apply for College Scholarships: § Prospective – new § Continuing § Returning students § Local or International There are also different categories of applicants: § High school juniors and seniors § Current college students § Minority students § Graduate students § Returning adult learner § International students, Study abroad students / exchange students § Non-traditional students § Middle school or early high school students (gifted students) … and many more TIP # 3: It is a fact that the longer you do wait to apply, the less likely you are to get the funding that you need, want, desire or deserve. STRIKE EARLY WHILE THE IRON IS HOT the saying goes. GET STARTED (if you have not done so yet!) Recommendations For Assessing And Acting Accordingly When Applying For College Scholarships § Always be prepared and ready to send out an application package regardless. § BE PREPARED! Know that you will be filling out lots of paperwork. § Getting some of the basics ready in pre-made up packages can only help you ease the pains of these repetitive steps and requirements. § Apply early ALWAYS and as soon as you become aware of or receive your application package. § Deadlines come and go, so keep track of what you send out when. Start a log/written record. § Applying in most cases are FREE, some do require some administration fee, self-addressed, , stamped envelope etc. READ THE FINE PRINT BEFORE APPLYING. § Also, budget for the cost of hard-copy copies, pictures, postage, courier fees and other related charges/expenses. § Even if you think you do not qualify, still apply § There are new opportunities each year that get added and trying to find them can be as easy as calling up the College you are considering and asking ! most have published guides, listing, websites and more to get you started. § A good starting point would be the www.fafsa.ed.gov scholarship site. § Sometimes you can apply online. Application forms and detailed instructions on filling it out, are provided for ease and convenience. § You can also access these sites to learn more about others’ questions, issues, concerns or pressing topics in the FAQ sections that are no different from the ones that you might be asking yourself. § Another helpful hint is getting/creating your own checklists on required documentation. § Consider filing applications online as they will save you time and money – but do follow up and confirm receipt of these as soon as you can. § Do not delay FOR ANY/NO REASON AT ALL (not even financial, taxes or other) and apply EARLY. APPLY TODAY. APPLY NOW. § You can start applying as early as January 1st. (we would argue that you can never start TOO early!) § Getting in early will make the most of your chances and you get priority, noticed early and go through screening quickly, beating the rush, getting your bid, vote and voice in early might just give you an edge § Complete your forms as accurately and completely as you possibly can, avoid errors and omissions. There are typical mistakes that are made (listed on the FAFSA website), that may give you an idea of what to avoid when filling our an in print or online COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP application form: § Omissions or leaving a field blank. put in a "0” or n/a (not applicable) as opposed to leaving empty spaces that might have them sending it back as incomplete, causing delay and wasted time § Accuracy, consistency and matching: comparing names to Social Security numbers (changed, different or maiden names used) § Undersigned: ensure that all signatures (both the parent and student) are accounted for and original § For electronic PINS, USERID and PASSWORDS see the FAFSA website – this is how you will gain access and a quick registration process/form is required to get them. Step-by-step instructions are provided online. § Financials and Reporting Income: You are advised not to list 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. § Accuracy and Applicability: pay closer attention to the definitions of dependents, marital status and age requests. § Consider a practice run if you are a high-school student. Take advantage of PREPARATION and early pre-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 when the time comes § Reporting Assets and Other Financial Considerations or Inclusions. Prepaid tuition plans, pensions and cash-value life insurance policies should not be reported as assets on the FAFSA. § Unnecessary Documentation and Attachments. Do not include anything with the form when you mail it. If you feel that your case needs special attention and/or you think you have extenuating circumstances you deem necessary for consideration, you should ask for a professional judgment review from the school's financial aid administrator. § SAR and EFC (Student Aid Report and Expected Family Contribution) eligibility documentation summarizing the financial circumstances of each student. Their input and content 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, when awarding some scholarships and/or financial aid. § Exploring all and any options available to you, including school aid packages and awards. § EVERYONE should apply for federal aid, whether you think you qualify or not. You have nothing to lose per se. TIP # 4: Understanding the system and how it works, can help you leverage and optimize your chances of successfully applying, qualifying for and securing College Scholarships and/or funding. Can you answer the question why you think you need a College Scholarship? Not only will you get the opportunity to fill out your application form, write and essay (not always required), but also perhaps go before a selection/screening panel for an interview. You need to be prepared to answer this question with confidence and conviction. Sort it out early for yourself, write out your response if it will help you, BUT KNOW WHY YOU ARE APPLYING AND FEEL THAT YOU ARE WORTHY OF RECEIVING THE ASSISTANCE OR SCHOLARSHIP: (the question will come up, sometimes even just with family or friends (which makes for great rehearsals as well). Here are some examples of possible answers and motivations for wanting to apply for a College Scholarship: § Academic credit towards a leadership minor and even hands-on experiential learning activities, trips or studies/projects abroad § Comprehensive funding that can pay for everything OR specific funding for books, classes, leaving you with board, travel and living expenses ONLY (either/or will be welcome!) § Connection and Networking: gaining work experience, or interacting with corporate and community leaders § It opens doors, otherwise shut. Unlocking opportunity you would otherwise not necessarily have § It provides the chance to get a great education at a school of your choice § The course of study interests you and the duration and length, location and ‘perks’ of the study program (like job-placement, research opportunities, internships etc.) § Individual reasons for wanting to apply for College Scholarships may differ and vary greatly. Some are in no financial position of their own to pay, nor do they have the support from family or parents to make it happen. They are for all intents and purposes unable to afford College on their own. It is just not within their financial reach. For others their achievements and accomplishments qualify them for some merit awards and bursaries as tokens of recognition for these outstanding successes. For others the additional perks and networking, ,employment opportunities outweigh any monetary value and for most the personal dedication and commitment to complete a valued education to enable a better, easier life is paramount. Regardless of the personal orientation and commitment, the goals and pursuit remains the same : GET ME THE MONEY I NEED TO MAKE THINGS POSSIBLE AND HAPPEN, MAKING THE MOST OF MY COLLEGE EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT! TIP # 5: Educate yourself and research as much as you can ahead of time, on what is available out there with regards to college scholarships. Here are some obvious reasons that should NOT be your main reasons for applying for a College scholarship: § No real reason - I just apply because I can and funds are available § I should apply just because everyone else is applying § I should give in to peer pressure and just follow the crowd/my friends – everyone is doing it, so I should probably do it too! § I want to be free of tuition debt upon completion of my studies and get a jumpstart on my career I do not want to deal with heavy interests on loans and working to earn a living and pay back study loans. § I want to go to a certain college of my choosing and better opportunities, so I have to apply § My parents are forcing me to apply. § Others apply for money, prestige, so I guess I should too Ask and answer….What are your reasons for applying for college scholarships? Definition of a Scholarship § An award of sorts § Based on selection and award criteria, eligibility stipulations § 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 grants you paid access to pursue academic study at a College of your choosing, for a course of study you have selected § It is an award to the student or scholar for the sole purpose of furthering education. Scholarship Types Tip # 6: There are numerous options and iterations of scholarships and you will be well served to know the difference, always reading the fine print and asking if you are uncertain, clarifying details never hurt anyone! Here is a summary of some of the scholarship types and funding options available to you: § Comprehensive, all-encompassing, full or partial scholarship awards taking care of class and tuition fees, books, boarding, travel, living expenses, meals and more. (laptop/scientific calculator/special equipment etc.) Some just cover the tuition costs and the rest has to be covered by the student or additional funding. § Small or substantial merit-based type awards, where financial need does not figure into the equation. Special talents and/or achievements for athletic, academic, artistic or other abilities, or accomplishments are recognized and rewarded accordingly. Performance-grants. This is mostly given for recognition and motivation. § Financial, Monetary or Purely Need-based Awards, which actually translates into financial aid where parents are in no position to help pay for the studies/tuition. Partial awards typically, some might cover some living expenses. Every little bit helps! § Could also be as simple as ‘financial aid’ packages that are intended to assist with tuition and related costs. § Can also be financial debt instruments or loans, to be paid back with interest upon completion, over time. § Some scholarships have a "bond" requirement, that will specify in a contract that you will work for a company or employer for x amount of time (even in rural areas) until the cash value is repaid. “BUT I ASK YOU…Where do I start looking for College Scholarships?” This might sound like a cry of desperation or frustration, lack of direction or overwhelmed, stressed out call for help and in most cases, all applicants feel that way. We want to know what to look for, where to start and where we are most likely to find what we are looking for. As a first step… Starting close to home, locally in your own backyard with the schools and institutions closest to home, makes a lot of sense. They are more likely to award it to a local student would be the premise and argument to be made for that. Most young students however think of ‘going away to College” as the ideal and might miss out on great opportunities by not considering their own neck of the woods first. You do not have to compromise or sacrifice quality by sticking close to home, just consider all your options and not put your eggs all in the same basket! Look for corporations, sponsors, bursaries and local awards that might be able to help you out. Contact the local Colleges and ask about scholarships and grants and start applying right away to increase your odds and chances of being selected. Non-profits and some foundations, charities also have their own grants and awards for deserving or needy students. Most non-profit organizations and foundations have scholarships for prospective students. Also, consider: § Local Chamber(s) of Commerce in your jurisdiction and surrounding areas § Most Charity organizations § Church Denominations you belong to or Religious, even Interest Groups § Government (federal, state and local) § Labor Unions § Local chapters of professional societies § General Sources like libraries, newspapers and even the yellow pages. § Other volunteer organizations § Private scholarship programs § School-based endowments to be used for scholarship funds § Universities (Source: www.wikipedia.com) TIP # 7: TURN TO THE US GOVERNMENT: Government funding has been around for a while and recently benefited from some new reform, legislation and policies infused with focus on education and giving students a boost, coping with rising tuition costs, increased funding and grants etc. There are also some specific ‘need-based’ financial aid packages and options available Some examples of these types of scholarships/government funding might include: § Federal Parent (PLUS) loans. § Federal Pell grants § Federal Perkins Loans, and § Federal SEOG Grants § Federal Stafford loans (in a subsidized and unsubsidized form) § Federal Work-Study initiatives § SSIG Grants ** See the FAFSA website for more details (compare reference listing at the back of the text for more information and source links) More sources for College Scholarships might be found through: § 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. § Endowed scholarships § Individual colleges and universities may provide grants and need- and merit-based scholarships. § Institutions and Organizations, foundations and professional associations § Loans § State-funded grants § Student financial assistance subsidies § Tuition waivers and scholarships. § Work-study programs § 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 |
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College Scholarships - Standing out – RISE AND BE COUNTED - What types of scholarships are available? - “A.C.T.I.O.N.” Plan for College Scholarships - Step 2 - “A.C.T.I.O.N.” Plan for College Scholarships - 6 - Foreword - Personal – THIS IS ALL ABOUT YOU! - What is a ‘Scholarship’? - Negotiating - Foreword and Introduction - College – What Is It Used For - “A.C.T.I.O.N.” Plan for College Scholarships - 4 - Some Do And Do Not Guidelines - Preparation and Planning - Organization And Well-Executed Application Process - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Currently Online :5 member(s), 30 guest(s): BetterYou, Gunship, HartToHart, OutOfSpace, RunningFree, Crawler.de, Google, MSN.com, Slurp Search : |
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