Students have an easier time finding scholarships these days than they have in the past. College and university studies can get pricey, but scholarships and grants located via financial aid and guidance counselors, library resources and Internet searches can help provide tuition assistance that doesn't have to be repaid.
According to College Options Foundation President Terry Wilfong, the number of scholarships that are available these days outnumber the students who are enrolling in colleges and universities. That doesn't mean, however, that everyone who applies for scholarships is likely to win them. Individuals and institutions such as a university in Tennessee have suggested that 1 in every 15, maybe every 10, applications for college and university scholarships might expect to actually be awarded them.
The College Options Foundation, which is based in Georgia, handles responsibilities such as helping students to prepare for college and university studies. Scholarships and grants have long been an important means for families to pay for college and university studies, but a stagnant economy and rising tuition costs can make them all the more important.
Still, information from "Secrets to Winning a Scholarship," a new book from fastweb scholarship search site publisher Mark Kantrowitz that was cited in the Washington Post, suggested that very few students are able to pay for all of their college and university costs with help from scholarships and grants.
Students can find scholarships available from community and civic groups, non-profit foundations, large corporations and government agencies. Scholarships are often awarded based on academic achievements, financial needs or a combination of factors. There are also scholarships designed to increase the representation of certain demographic groups in specific fields.
Students who want their scholarship seeking time to be worthwhile might consider some advice from Wilfong, Kantrowitz and others that's designed to enhance a student's chances of winning scholarships. Their recommendations include:
Students might consider applying for as many scholarships as which they find that they're eligible - including small scholarships that, as they're accumulated, can add up. There are some who say that smaller scholarships, such as those for around $100 or so, might even be less competitive than high dollar awards.
Likewise, scholarships that are awarded based even in part on essays can be less competitive. It's important when applying for scholarships too to fill out applications in their entirety.
Students might consider ensuring that any essays they write include the information that's requested. Essays that are interesting and that include strong examples for conveying a message tend to stand out from others, which might improve a student's chances of winning scholarships. It's possible, too, that students are able to pen only two or three essays, making changes to them as needed for different scholarship applications.
Because scholarship applications often have to be submitted by deadlines, students might want to apply as early as possible. Applying far enough in advance could help students avoid a missed deadline and, as a result, a missed scholarship opportunity.
Proofreading essays to make sure spelling and grammar are correct and that all sections are filled out and that applications are dated and signed is also important. Students should also keep copies of their application packages, according to Kantrowitz whose book, "Secrets to Winning a Scholarship," is available in print as well as in digital format for Kindle through Amazon.com. Dedicating time to applying for education scholarships might, in the long run, prove to be time well invested in instances where students actually are rewarded for their efforts and attend college for free! You can even earn a scholarship if you are taking online college courses.
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