by Angela Marie Pringle
(Manning, South Carolina, USA)
There are several scholarships and grants available to college students . The trick is, just being able to locate this money. While some are obvious and easy to find, others are not.
by Courtney S.
(Sacramento, CA, United States)
Since when has free money ever been easy to come by let alone earn. Being a single mother of two, struggling to keep things in order, I thought time was my biggest issue. I figured out the key is to have patience, just like with children. The task seems daunting with peoples busy schedules, pop-ups, so many scholarships and requirements you don't qualify for.
Having help from someone around you can make a world of difference in the process.I have been out of school a while and I'm a stay at home mother of two, so I don't have a lot of people to help me. Once I started my college and scholarship search I became overwhelmed quickly, I almost gave up. It wasn't until I called a school and got put through to an enrollment adviser who has encouraged me day one. Encouraged,not pushed and bullied like some other places. With just the support of one person I have chosen a school and applied for my fair share of scholarships. Find your own support system,whether it's friends, family, or someone you have met through networking.
Networking with people can improve your experience as well as speed up the process of applying for college money. Most people think of networking as something you do on the internet. Don't forget to network with people around you such as parents, teachers, counselors, or even peers. Someone you know may know something you don't.It's crazy to think, I know. Letting other people do the footwork won't get you far though. Do things yourself and put yourself out there. Try posting a blog or putting your needs on the internet. There's always a chance help will find you. The internet is a very useful tool.
Although the internet is a great resource it has it's annoying attributes.Some sites have pop-ups or makes you enter your personal information. After the long process of entering you information you get a lot of call and e-mails for things you don't want. Looking through all the scholarship and grant sites can be tedious but it is well worth it. Though some search engines do look cheesy you should still look, it might have a few opportunities for money that you haven't seen. You should also keep searching through out your entire and even after your college career. The annoying factors may be great but the reward are grand in comparison.
Give your search 120 percent without wearing yourself out. If you get bored of searching it will not seem appealing and you will get nowhere. Take breaks while you search or search for a different type of scholarship or grant that might apply to you. Always keep in the front of your mind the deadlines. If you have a couple to fill out at a time plan ahead. Get the one that is easiest and has the closest deadline done first.
Keep all of the positives in mind while going through the process of finding money for school. Through all the deadlines, pop-ups, calls, and long hours, stay strong. Treat this project as you own baby, nurture it,and be patient, so it can take care of you in the future. Good luck with all of your endeavors.
Read more Scholarship Hunting Advice from other students and parents who have been through process.
by Kayla Much
(Manawa, WI, United States)
When I was a high school senior, I started to really worry about how I would be paying for college. I didn't want to have a lot of loans and student debt. Debt really makes me stress out.
My guidance office was so helpful with the whole process though. They were a great resource for finding scholarships, "free-money" for college. They also helped me with all the steps I needed to do for applying for Financial Aid.
Since I am the first on in my family to go to college, this was all new to me. I felt like I was lost until I got help from them. Now, I know where to look for scholarships.
You have to know how to use your resources and that there are people there to help you out with everything, you don't have to stress out too much!
Scholarships for 2023 - It is never too early or too late to work on your scholarship searches. If you are part of the high school class of 2023, you should work on your scholarship and college search now. See our list of Scholarships for High School Seniors
FAFSA - The official 2023 - 2024 FAFSA is now available. See information about FAFSA.
Scholarship Lists An overview of the different types of Scholarship Money for College.
Grants Learn more about grants, the other free money for college.
Need Tuition Help? Reduce the cost of tuition with these college Tuition Assistance Programs.
Tax Credit Claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
College Savings Plans Save money for college with these College Savings Plans.
Need a Student Loan? Yes, you qualify for these college Student Loans.
Scholarships for High School Students