Here are a few pointers to make your and your students time most efficiently used in this process.
- Focus locally. There were tons of websites out there like fastweb or scholly that have thousands of scholarships listed on them. Know that if you're looking at them, hundreds of thousands of other people are as well so they're going to be very competitive. Try to stay local. Chances are good your high school counselor’s office is going to be the best resource for you to track down scholarships in your community and region.
- Play to your strengths. What is it that you do best, your hobbies, your civic connections, your passions. Once that helps you narrow down your list, work on those first.
- Understand the guidelines. It's really important that you pay attention to details here. Each scholarship application may have its own format, its own completion requirements.
- Create an essay that sells you! Remember that longer isn't always better. Put yourself in the position of the person who has to read dozens or hundreds of these applications. What makes yours special?
- Let others you trust read it and offer you helpful advice. And Mom and Dad, this is not your essay to write, just to review.
- Start early. Don't wait till your senior year in high school to begin this process. You're going to be busy enough with other things regarding college at that time.
Your school counselor can be an excellent help to you here. Not only can they provide you with access to things like common applications for local scholarships, but they can also help you with advice and direction about where to concentrate.
For more advice on the college funding process reach out to us at our website www.barnumforcollege.com.
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