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Be Smart in Finding Scholarships this Summer

Be Smart in Finding Scholarships this Summer

By Kathryn Knight

March 05, 2009

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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    Khira05

    7 months ago

    Hi my name is Cykhira and I will bs attending Indiana University of Pa in the fall. Tutition is 22,600 and I have 14,600 in loans, aid and grants. It is hard for me to receive any more money because my mom is a nurse and the people who give out the money only look at the big picture and not the other details. She is a single mother of 4 and has to handle all the bills and my brothers and I by herself. I really need more money to attend school. That is the only way I will become a lawyer and help my mother. Please give me any advice that you can about scholarships or loans . Thanks.

    C-walton@hotmail.com

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    gindragn1

    7 months ago

    @SmartGuysHere
    check out the military, for only a 3-4 year committment you can obtain all the financial aid you will need for your degree. if that is too much check into the reserves, after basic and advanced training you are committed to 1 weekend a mth and 2 wks in the summer.. paid as well. and qualification for school benefits.

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    SmartGuysHere

    7 months ago

    Hello, My name is Matt and I will be a college freshmen. I am an Eagle Scout and I currently am scared about my future. I need to cover the difference of over 12,000 dollars per school year. My mother can't afford the money since she only makes $11.30 an hour and she is raising 3 kids in which all of us are going to college. My father hasnt really been in my life so...... I know its a longshot into asking on this site but its worth a shot. If anyone wants to give me advice or anything I would greatly appreciate it. I know that there is good people in this and I would appreciate any help.

    My email is digdugz@yahoo.com if you want to ask me anything

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    CHUG19

    7 months ago

    Hello my name is Xavadi Johnson and I need a scholarship if u can help me with that then please email me at xavadij@yahoo.com

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    FatumattaZweh

    about 1 year ago

    Hello, Fatumatta Zweh is my name and I'm a honor student at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale Maryland. I'm dedicated to do what ever it takes to get scholarships to help me attend my dream school, MSU Morgan State University for electrical engineering. I am looking forward to going off to college in the fall of 2012 after I graduate high school. I am a junior and a member of the National Honor Society, Community Day Club, MSAA Club, as well as the Softball team. I've never got below a 3.0 in my life, and it takes very hard work to keep that up. But i'm willing to work twice as hard in college. If you can hep me in any way possible, email me (kqutti@yahoo.com). Thanks for your time and support.

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    crystinapimentel13

    over 1 year ago

    I need help to get money for college!!!! 'HELP'

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    teflita

    almost 2 years ago

    has anyone found an scholarship here... i've been looking for long and i cant find anything =(

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    mariebabbie

    almost 2 years ago

    I am as confused now then I was a year ago. I am a non-traditional student and cant find what I am looking for. Can some one help. I am also over 40 and a single mom.

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    STEJOGEN44

    almost 2 years ago

    I'm Ojo Stephen; an International enrolled to begin class by May 2010. I badly need scholarship for this! Someone help!

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    JypcieeneT

    almost 2 years ago

    My name is Jypcienne Tessier i'm a student of PBSC in Florida, i would like to have a scholarship to pay for my tutuition fees. Thank you for your understanding.

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    KatrinaK52

    almost 2 years ago

    My email address is as follows womack1966@yahoo.com

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    KatrinaK52

    almost 2 years 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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    122414

    almost 2 years ago

    I need scholarship

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    shall10

    almost 2 years ago

    I need help paying for college

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    kgray4114

    almost 2 years 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