Nobody wants debts after graduating from college! You should only get loans if you truly need it. Debt can and must be avoided, so scholarships, grants, and fellowships should be preferred.
Some tips on paying for college:
1. Start early! Late Junior Year to early Senior Year!
2. Good grades help to get more scholarship opportunities, BUT you do not need good grades to get scholarships. There are plenty of scholarships out there that do not involve your grades as part of the criteria.
3. Do no overlook small scholarship amounts. A couple of things about small scholarships is that most people will not apply for them because the amount is small and most of the time, they are renewable, which means you can renew the scholarships or apply for it again year after year. Big scholarship amounts attract many people so it lessens your chances of getting them. Besides, you'll need all the money you can get! Once you win a scholarship, it'll boost your confidence to try more scholarships!
4. Use your racial/ethnic background, your organizational affiliations, and your parents'/guardians' organizational affiliation to search for scholarships. Search in publish guides, the internet, call organizations to inquire, and look in newspapers.
When actually applying:
Letters of Recommendation
Choose wisely! Choose a teacher who knows you well and you have a good relationship with. Ask politely and blend your request with a genuine praise. Check in frequently to get an update. Send a "Thank You" note to the teacher after they help you out, handwritten on a card preferably. Send these letters or recommendations in with other application papers, if possible.
Activity/Award/Leadership List
Compile a list of all activities, organizations you were in, awards, leadership roles, etc... and list them on the application. Date and order from most recent down to first or vice-versa, and ALWAYS attach a separate sheet if you need to!
Essay
This is the most crucial! You must make multiple drafts and have it revised numerous times. You must answer the question, "Why you?" Why should you get the award?
Some advice:
1. Don't regurgitate the activity list!
2. Work with other people. Let them revise your drafts!
3. Don't bore the reader!
4. Learn and embrace the purpose of the organization giving the scholarship.
5. See what previous winners have written!
6. Convey a life story with emotion and vigor! Great topical areas: ethnic pride, volunteerism, academic project, etc...
7. Be specific with events and stories and make sure your essay answers the question, "How does this story explain who you are and why you should win?"
Final notes- The shorter the essay requirements, the harder it will be so be extra careful with that!
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