What is the best way to pay for college? Well, for most people, the answer is free money. It can come in the form of grants or scholarships. However, a scholarship isn’t going to just fall into your lap. You are going to have to fill out an application and write an essay.
There are many places to look for a scholarship. They include:
1) Your grocery store
Many companies are now offering scholarships to promote their brand. Duct Tape has created a high school contest n which, a couple enters with the agreement to create a prom tux and dress including all accessories out of duct tape. You may be thinking that boring old silver duct tape wouldn’t make for a gorgeous dress. However, creative individuals have used every color of duct tape to create themed dresses, corsages, hats, shoes, and ties. The couple must fill out the application form and submit a high resolution photo of their duct tape prom outfits by a certain date. If the couple is chosen as a first, second, or third place winner they will receive scholarship money and their high school will also get a certain amount. So be creative, have fun with it, and make your prom a memorable one that may even get you some college money.
2) Churches
Congregations often offer scholarships to members of their churches. You may get a scholarship just for being a member of the Brethren or Methodist church. Check out church bulletins or websites for information on their upcoming scholarships.
3) Local organizations
Local organizations in your community are often looking for ways to promote their organization and help the community. Organizations such as the Elks or Lions in your community are often looking for students that are active in the community and offer hours of volunteer time. You may need to be nominated or elected for these scholarships. Talk to your guidance counselor or teachers.
4) Local Businesses
If you are planning on majoring in something medical related, chances are your local hospital, American Red Cross, or nursing homes are offering scholarships to medical students. If you are planning on majoring in Journalism, check out what scholarships your local newspaper is offering. Media broadcast student can look to their local news and weather channels for opportunities. If you know your major, looking to related businesses often helps.
5) Your parent’s work/career
Often times a company may offer scholarships to its employee’s children. There may also be special scholarships available to you if you have a parent in the Army or other branch of the military.
6) Your bank
Credit unions and banks often give out several scholarships to members or their children. Usually you must become a member in order to apply. Even if you don’t get the scholarship, you can take advantage of the bank account and learning how to become responsible with money.
7) Chain stores
Wal-Mart offers $3,000 scholarships to students throughout the community who have at least a 2.5 GPA and show a demonstrated financial need. These scholarships are often renewable throughout your 4 years.
The key to getting a scholarship is looking and finding a scholarship. There are scholarships out there for you if you have a single mother, if you are a minority, if you are left handed, and so on. Go online and research. Apply for as many scholarships as possible. It may take time to fill out the applications, but it is free money. My entire tuition for my first two years of college was paid for by scholarships from places like the American Red Cross, Wal-Mart, and my local credit union.
At the end of your 4 years, when student loan payments begin, you will feel better if you saved several thousand dollars. Scholarships often come from unexpected places. Start looking early in your senior year or earlier. Be sure to note their requirements and deadlines.
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