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College Scholarships

Locating and applying for scholarships can be the single most time-consuming activity in many students' college application and selection process.  It's probably the part students will need (or could use) the most help with.  And while I'm adamant that parents not help students write their responses, I'm equally adamant that parents and family members are needed in this part of the process - to help gather information about appropriate scholarships.

Check out these great articles about scholarships on our sister site www.collegeanswerguy.com:
Applying for Scholarships
Securing Scholarships

Here are some money-saving ideas and suggestions on scholarships;
  • Don’t be blinded by a big scholarship at a more expensive school. There can be a tendency to be so enamored by a large dollar amount award, that the actual, bottom line cost gets lost in the shuffle. You might feel more appreciated or valued by a school that gives you more money, so it’s natural to want to go to that school. Just make sure it’s not more expensive to go to that school, or at least that you’re okay with the added cost.
  • Check with your parents’ employers, as some offer tuition assistance, even for employees’ children. See if they have scholarships or tuition reimbursement programs for children of employees (or for that matter, your employer). Check at the personnel or human resources office (Allebrand, 2007).
  • For scholarships, check at both the web site and actual office of your school’s financial aid and scholarships offices. Also visit your academic advisor’s office (and their web site), about college and departmental awards. Know that both the deadline and process may be different for “continuing” students than it was for freshmen. Check with all student organizations, as well as honorary groups, and particularly professional organizations you are a member of (or may become a member of).
  • If you’d like to study abroad and need financial assistance to do it, look into the Gilman scholarship. It’s a scholarship program administered through the U.S. Department of State that provides monies to those who qualify for Pell Grants to study abroad. See link below.
  • When you search the Internet for scholarships, you’ll find a ton! Some from companies and organizations you’ve heard of, some you haven’t. When you read the information from the Gates Millennium Scholars (Scholars, 2009), for example, about their scholarships, you know what they’re about and why they award scholarship monies. Some of the scholarships you find online will not be as clear or obvious. Some, in fact, are simply giving scholarships because the information generated on scholarship applications can be sold to third parties in the form of mailing lists. And they can make a lot of money doing it!  I don’t know of a way for you to know for sure if you’re applying for one of these or not, but I suppose reading their terms of use or the fine print about how your personal information can or cannot be used is as good as any. I’m not suggesting you not apply – that is a decision you have to make. I’m sure the money they say they give out IS actually given out to someone who will use it for college – and it could be you (since it has to be somebody, it could be you). I just want you to know, in case you DO apply for these awards.

Scholarship Information Sources

  • High school counselor, and their office and bulletin board
  • Public and high school library
  • Your parents' employer, and your own (Allebrand, 2007)
  • Organizations you belong to (i.e. Boys and Girls Clubs, scouts, YMCA, etc.)
  • Unions and civic groups (Kiwanis, Elks, women’s groups, local professional organizations in your major, etc.) (Dew, 2009)
  • Religious affiliations/denominations and your place of worship
  • The Scholarships/Financial Aid office at your school(s). Also, call someone with that office to ensure you have located all the appropriate resources available on campus.

Scholarship Web Sites and Search Sites

College Corner

Although it isn't inexpensive, a study abroad experience can be something that sets one student apart from others in the job search process.  Read this article about how students should go about selecting accommodations in London, England for college or study abroad experiences.

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