College Scholarship Money - Obtaining Your Gift!
Over the last few years the cost of obtaining a college education has left many college bound students wondering how to pay for it. For many working a part-time job while attending school is no longer enough to support them. But with the recent government mandate to help folks get an education, including single moms, this has become an easier goal to reach. Let's see how to find these scholarships and how to avoid the scams out there.
Start Your Search Early
The most important aspect to find college scholarships is to begin your search early. As more funds have become available, and the national media has broadcast this fact, more folks are either deciding for the first time to pursue an education or as in the case of single moms realize they can. While the financial aid has increased into the millions it is still handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis. So your first step in securing these funds is to apply early.
A high school student in their sophomore year should start collecting applications, test scores, transcripts, personal recommendations, and any other information they feel will help them in applying. This information may be required when applying for college scholarship money. While having a personal savings account is always a good thing, saving in high school becomes even more important the closer one gets to graduating. Whether the amount saved is large or small it can always help.
Your junior year can be a wonderful time to attend any financial aid informational classes or seminars your school is having. Many more options can be learned about through these sessions and even little know scholarships that may be available.
If you have started this whole process early on then your senior year need not be stressful when preparing for college. November is not to early to apply for Free Application for your Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) pin number. Most schools require you to fill out this form to get a better picture of how much financial aid you will need.
January can be a very exciting time for you as you fill out the FAFSA. Always check to see if additional information is require for the college scholarship funds.
As March rolls around it is a good idea to go over your Student Aid Report (SAR) and make sure all the information is correct. This also becomes a good time to update any thing to keep this current.
April should be the month you receive the award letters and make your final decision on what suits you best. Being you applied for scholarships this money is free money that does not need to be paid back. Be sure in May to decide which scholarships meet your needs and accept them.
Be Careful Of Scams
Here is a short list of things to watch out for to avoid being scammed.
1. Processing Fees--No legitimate scholarship application requires a processing fee. Avoid sites like this.
2. Guaranteed Scholarships--Anyone who claims you are guaranteed to receive a scholarship should be avoided.
3. No Application-- Some scams state you can receive money without an application, not true.
4. Free Seminars--Be especially careful on this one. Many so called free seminars are not so free when you attend the seminar.
Always keep in mind college scholarships, whether from the government or an institution, are consider gifts you do not have to pay for. And if you have any questions concerning information you receive about college scholarships contact the Better Business Bureau.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3727650
No comments:
Post a Comment