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Be Smart in Finding Scholarships this Summer
Scholarships aren't just for "A" students--know where to look for your scholarships.
By Kathryn Knight
So you thought that applying for colleges was the only time-consuming obligation necessary to finding the perfect school. Then you start talking finances with your parents and learn that you need more money to get to that dream school. Well, scholarship season is enough to smack you to your senses and yearn for the “early days” of the collegiate Common Application. And it’s not just the time that you lose…it’s your mind.
Little did you know that there were so many different scholarships. And little do you know about what the differences between those scholarships are…
Merit Based. Made popular by colleges. They are the scholarships you receive for achieving a certain GPA/test score combination. The higher your GPA and test scores, the more merit money. And the lower…well, you get the picture. Best part is your college application serves as your scholarship application in this case as well.
Need Based. Once your FAFSA is filed, you’ll receive a final financial aid package from the colleges you’ve narrowed it down to. You may notice, depending on how “needy” you are, that there are other scholarships listed in addition to your merit. These are need based scholarships, and are typically referred to as grants.
Other School scholarships. Yes, there is an “other” category. Oftentimes, colleges will have additional scholarships that require a bit more work—essays, interviews, etc. You can find these scholarships on school websites.
Promotional. You’ll find a lot of these scholarships on FastWeb. Companies use scholarships for marketing purposes. By generating scholarship enquiries, they are at the same time increasing awareness of their brand.
Contests. Can be promotional as well, but they typically require more than just an application or essay. Scholarship contests embody a more creative outlet in finding and securing scholarships. Contests oftentimes ask applicants for their secret talent, a homemade movie, or original song lyrics to depict their qualifications for the award. Once again, look for these types of scholarships on FastWeb.
deffer2012
about 1 month ago
Hi, my name is Darryl Floyd and i'm looking to go back to school so i can compete with today job market , to receive the training i need to better myself and my financial situation to work toward a better future for myself and my family. I'm not looking for a hand out, i'm looking for help. I was one of those people that did'nt like to ask for help, but i realize i can't do this by myself.
ThomasC103
about 1 month ago
This one is written by Thomas's mom: In today's economy, everyone is looking for free ride. How about just a little help so the loan's are easier to pay back (builds character and pride). Some people really need the help but too many just know how the system works. They get a free education but then they don't work and pay taxes and give it back. Since my son will be the minority (white boy whose parents work so HE will have to pay it all back), we are hoping that his academic profile will amount to something. The poor kid has slaved over books because we never promised him a "paid" education. Sooner or later, he's going to want to "live" his life. I'm hoping he gets a little help so he's not buried in loans. It's not fair that kids are penalized because their parents work. My dad died when I was young and mom never worked. I put myself through college (2x) with no help. I want more for my kids but it has taken me a lifetime to get comfortable. Now I feel like I have to go broke all over again. I hope that's not the case, God willing.
tinker480
2 months ago
Hello everyone my name is Cynthia I am really looking forward to going to school in Sept.. I had filled out my FAFSA already and have been approved I am trying to find where I would go to get a Scholarship anything will help as I have a family to raise and a grandmother who I care for as well and money is tight I am going for medical assistant and then furthering my career from there please if there are any other there can someone please help me locate them as I am in desperate need of them thanks.
Douglas41
3 months ago
Hi, My name is Douglas ans I am a student at Ashford University. My major is Health Care Administration. I am new to this. I thought I would take a chance and post here. Who knows, maybe I will win a scholorship. I enrolled at Ashford University because I had an accident, found out I have DDS, as well as other serious health problems that will no longer allow me to do my normal field of work, I live on my own and my money is so limited. Any scholorships would greatly help the chances of my making a secuss of my educational and career goals. I am also willing to give back to the comunities as well. Thabks for reading
dah0620
3 months ago
I am an RN with an active license in the State of Michigan. I have an ADN thru Lansing Community College & graduated with honors. I had to leave my job in '07 d/t a lower back injury & currently get SSD & a small retirement. I am enrolled at Chamberlain School of Nursing for the RN-BSN program, so that I may be eligible for an administrative position. My funds are limited & I need all the help I can get. I do have a student loan but if I could get some assistance it would lessen my loan. I live on my own & money is tight. I would like to be considered for a schlorship.
vinsontony
3 months ago
I am unemployed oil field worker looking to change careers due to the economy. I have beautiful babies to support and I am really really in need of money. I must admit going back to school has really opened my eyes to more and more opportunities, and if you are able to help me that will be a blessing.
SierraD37
4 months ago
I am a low-income Native American student from a small town. I am going to school to become a Registered Nurse and FAFSA and the grants are totally saving me! I am so thankful for them. So I work as often as I can to help with school/living expenses and I suggest to all the youngsters out there to start making money ASAP-save it for school and it will help you out in the long run. =)
ShivamP4
4 months ago
where is the link?
KevinaS2
4 months ago
Not a good link at all, this doesn't tell any graduate student anything they don't already know, we need to know how to receive such awards.... :-)
Charissa88
4 months ago
wow for a website about scholarships you would think there would be more of us finding what we need
44back2school
4 months ago
I decided to go back to school after being out for 26yrs. My major is Business and Administration with a concentration in Accounting. I am a single female and grandmother. Need help locating scholarships.
Thanks
HamdiA8
4 months ago
Hamdi A.
I am almost a senior in Highschool and know i have to improve with my GPA in order for me to get scholarship.
KarreC
4 months ago
I thought this site would be helpful to my grand-daughter, so I'm shareing it with her. I am taking classes to get an assoc. degree, after putting all my children through school and three through college. My grand-daughter is in college in Ga., and we are both looking for scharlships to hep us pay for our books.
JeffrayAnnR
4 months ago
I am near senior age and have returned to college to finally succeed in the BA program. Because I struggle with math, I must enroll in an extra math class this summer to get me back on track and I am seeking funding to help me pay for the extra class.
AnthonyB1095
4 months ago
To Amanda-yes it's easy for you, you are need based. When you don't get any need based money, and still owe 12,500 that has to come out of your parents pocket, then we can take it down a notch. You freebie students don't understand what middle class kids go through.