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Be Smart in Finding Scholarships this Summer

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.


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    KatrinaK52

    13 days ago

    My email address is as follows womack1966@yahoo.com

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    KatrinaK52

    13 days ago

    I am a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 1 grandson. All my kids lives i have stress to them in order to get ahead in life there will be struggles but it's up to you not to want to struggle. I always tell them stay in school continue your education now I have 2 in college and I too am trying to continue my education I have found it very hard but everyday I continue to struggle and still try to keep income to keep my kids and myself in college. Many times i have to hold back on paying rent and again we suffer if there are any scholarships out there that would be of great help to me and my family it would be a big help as well as blessing to me.

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    AllieLGray

    13 days ago

    I wanted to share a scholarship that I came across called 110 Year Scholarship from Rasmussen College. They offer both distance learning and classroom learning (in Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Florida), and the eligibility is pretty expansive for this particular scholarship. Here is more information: http://www.rasmussen.edu/110years/. Good luck to all.

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    nnt3929

    25 days ago

    I need scholarship to get this apartment for my next fall quarter and could you help me find one..thanks..nnt3929@rit.edu

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    122414

    29 days ago

    I need scholarship

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    shall10

    29 days ago

    I need help paying for college

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    kgray4114

    29 days ago

    Hello my name is kimberly gray.I truly want to attend college..I need help finding some scholarships or grants that can help me.plz help thank you. kimberlygray4114@att.net

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    AlbaniChilds

    29 days ago

    My name is Albani Childs and I truuuly want to go to college. My main obstacle is cash, something that is very tight these days. My parents encourage me to go but will not contribute any money. NECESITO SCHOLARSHIPS! plz help me, thank u.
    albanichilds@aol.com

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    MiriamZ16

    about 1 month ago

    Hello,my name is Miriam and currently a freshman at Cal Poly Pomona.I've always wanted to become a successful college graduate improving children's lives with my psychological doctoral degree .But in order to fulfill my dream I'm in need to pay my college expenses. However,I'm drowning myself with private loans since my parents don't want to pay for my school tuition and I don't qualify for any sort of grants which has brought me to apply to this scholarship.It's true what people say, college is fun,but also a lot of work in order to keep my 3.0 or obtain higher.
    Sincerly,
    Miriam Zavala

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    dbprincess

    about 1 month ago

    I got laid off from my job after 11.5 years, so I decided to go to school. This was the best thing I ever did for myself. I am the first of five siblings to go to school. I am so excited I am making a 4.00 right now! So I need scholarship help so I can contuine going to school.

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    ShineahG

    about 1 month ago

    I am the fifth of nine children, and my two of my older siblings are still attending school. One just graduated from BYU and his spouse is still in school, while the other is caring for two children and supporting her husband as he works and attends school. My parents contributed financially to each of us in the first year of schooling, but since then we have essentially been dependent. This semester due to health and financial circumstances, I was only able to enroll in one class. Next fall I intend to do independents study (online course through BYU) so that I can live with extended family, work full-time, and save money to pay for my courses. If there were any scholarships that would contribute to my ability to remain a full-time student, I would be grateful to be recommended them.
    I can be contacted at shortstack90@gmail.com
    Appreciatively,
    Shineah Gibson

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    NullN517514

    about 1 month ago

    Hello, I'm Justin Roney, and I'm looking forward to starting college at University of Mississippi. I've been accepted and I'm eligible for a pell grant, however, that will not cover my dorm fee's nor meal tickets. I am intersted in some sort of scholarship to help me with boarding. My parents are both disabled and are not able to cover those costs. This is my dream school, my grandfather, and his brother also graduated from there, along with 2 of my second cousins, one whose husband is some type of athelic director. I'm very willing to work, my gpa right now in high school is only2.8. I'm buckling down now and trying to bring it up, but I'm just ready to go to UM and persue a degree in criminal justice. Any help would be well appreciated.
    contact email: doug_roney@comcast.net
    Sincerly,
    Justin Roney

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    africanempress

    about 1 month ago

    My Name is Natacha Matos ,I am twenty -nine years old and I have three children.I am looking forward to continueing my education in Design.I am persuing my bachelors degree in Interior Design,although I've decided to persue my diploma ,so after a year of attending school,I can get right into work.I attended Bauder College in Atlanta in the year 2007, also majoring in the Design field.I was a full time student attending classes on compus.I was a student there for six months,shortly after I decided to put my education on hold so I can better raise my children.I never considered taking classes on line,especailly a program as hands on like the Interior Design program,then I realize that taking classes on line wouldn't be an option if there were no success from them.I've decided to accomplish my goal by persuing my education on line.I am very proud of my self for the progress I've made so far,and I'm very excited to start school to obtain skills that will allow me to be successful in passion and in my career.Please consider my application for this schoolorship and or grant.Thank you very much in advance.

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    NanduduM2

    about 1 month ago

    I am a Ugandan, female student at Islamic University in Uganda pursuing a bachelors degree in Law. Am a Second year student and am facing financial constraints. I therefore need your help to enable me complete my studies.

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    Sarahschrader2010

    about 1 month ago

    I need help finding scholarships and grants so that I can go to Muskingum University and my parents wont help so if anyone can help me it would be awesome. My email is sarahschrader11@gmail.com.

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