Tips On Getting A Scholarship

Not all of us is aware of the process you have to follow in order to get a scholarship and in their confusion many parents or significant others simply fail to save on thousands of dollars spent on the education of their children. Financial aid like scholarships and grants are basically money gifted to students or pupils to help them get through college or university and can be in various forms. They are different from student loans in the sense that they don't have to be paid back.

This kind of education financing can be paid either directly to the student or paid to the university or college to make up for the fees. Several agencies award scholarships including government, clubs, charities, businesses, schools and even cooperative organization. Parents and students should be aware it is not only the top performing students who are eligible for a scholarship. As a matter of fact, almost every student can get scholarships depending on his or her abilities.

Another misconception about this way to finance your education is it is available only to high school students who are seeking admission in college. Fact is such financial grants are available to all levels of college or university studies, right from freshman years to graduates and even PhD students.

Scholarships can be applied for on a variety of reasons right from your abilities to your following a certain religion. The range of this study financing option available include athletic scholarships, scholarships for students in a particular field of study or even scholarships for students living or studying in a particular city or state. The sources for scholarships are also literally unlimited - even a simple internet search would reveal numerous sources.

To get the scholarship you want you need to do some grunt work first. The first step is to take the initiative and apply for it. Look for scholarship grants where their criteria match your position and after you find them, contact the provider and ask for an application form. Many scholarship providers allow you to download their application forms from their website while others require you to send a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Be careful to follow all the deadlines set by the scholarship providers - for filling in and submitting the forms, providing all your necessary documentation and appearing for an interview if they call you for one. Be organized in your scholarship applications - keep all necessary documents including reference and recommendation letters as well as course transcripts ready at hand so that you don't need to run around for them at the last minute.

Always make copies of all your completed applications before submitting them and file them properly with all necessary details for easy reference. If your mail copy is lost by accident, you can always send in a follow up copy from the one you made. Last but not least, stay positive about yourself and your chances of getting a scholarship. The hard work you put in and the time you spent towards searching for scholarships will definitely bring you decent results.

About the Author

Nic Haffner is a publisher of articles containing Scholarship tips. You can go to http://www.the-scholarship-portal.com for more.

All Scholarship Applications Are Alike, Right?

valuating thousands of scholarship applications has definitely left an impression on me. I still remember some of them, because the students who submitted them managed to get into my head in a personal way. Many books and articles will tell you that "personalization" is good, but they don't tell you how to accomplish that. I saw a photo attached to an app showing the senior student shaking hands with the President of the United States. Another enclosed an audio tape that revealed his talent to play the fiddle in a country band. A girl had her photograph taken with a well-known professional golfer after she had won a state tournament. A boy included a picture of his debating trophies. Another had won a two day fishing tournament and held the trophy in a picture to prove it. Another had built his own computer. Still, another had patented her own invention, a device for counting inventory units. In each case the items were part of the requirements of the scholarship award, not just thrown in for effect. These are super examples of "personalizing" a scholarship application, but it doesn't have to be that noticeable.

There were also attempts at personalization not well received, a picture of a girl in a very tiny bikini. The word thong comes to mind. Another included prize ribbons with a request to return them when the judging was over. We had to send them back at our own expense! Another application had an algebra homework assignment inside, oops. We sent that back, too. Her siblings were probably blamed for its disappearance. One application had a Santa Claus hat inside. It came from Alaska. I'm still trying to figure that one out.

Why is personalization so important? Imagine that you are on the committee, sitting around a table with 247 scholarship forms. It is the committee’s job to pick a winner. All of the apps appear to look alike. All things being equal, which one is going to be chosen? It’s impossible to say. But, let’s suppose that one personalized his/her request and made it stand out positively from the rest. Now, someone has taken the time to be bold, inventive and creative. They have made it possible for the scholarship committee to know more about who they are. They are more than a just a piece of paper with a name on it. They have revealed intimate sides to their personalities. Who will win now? The choice is obvious.

Personalize don't dramatize. Use good judgment and common sense when personalizing. Try to imagine who the people are making up the committee. Then, send in your request knowing that, out of all who sent their forms, you are the one who will win. You are the person who deserves the money.

Planning produces positive outcomes when the scholarship effort is truly a family affair.

About the Author

To learn more about planning to win scholarships visit http://ScholarshipDoctor.com My newsletter is full of tips and ideas. No cost. MailTo:signup@ScholarshipDoctor.com ©2006 The Scholarship Doctor, Dale Clifton – All Rights Reserved - Dale is an educational consultant and expert at helping families win college scholarships.

You Are Welcome

One of the major problems being faced by students from the developing countires; Africans inclusive- is the huge financial demand of education. Many whose brilliancy were reflected in their high school's result have resulted to doing odd jobs in other to gather enough fund for further studies. Research has however revealed that all their efforts have always become fruitless because of some reasons among which are:
1. They were paid peanuts by those that engaged them in this odd jobs;
2. They have to feed themselves from the peanuts received and at times may have to take care of the family;
3. It takes long time before they can gather enough fund, thus, their savings are constantly depleted.

Further research shows that these students are ignorant of scholarship programmes that are made available by both Local and International financial Institutions and Individuals. Those that are aware of these programmes are also duped by the so called AGENCIES that parade themselves as link-person with these organizations, whereas this scholarships and assistance are free.

It is in an attempt to assist the poor/ignorant Africans that this blog is set up to cater for their needs.

KEEP A DATE WITH US and we will help you fulfill your desire.

About the Author

Achim is an internet tutor, affiliate marketer and researcher, see more of his works at www.spywareeliminatorz.blogspot.com, www.ipodrendezvous.blogspot.com