Scholarships not Working for You Neither, Huh?

We're going to college, and we need cash. We have tuition and food, housing, books... like I said, we need cash. We hear about these billions of dollars of unclaimed scholarship money just floating around, yet you can't seem to get your hands on any of it, nor on any other form of financial aid. We're out here working like dogs, trying to make time to study an keep from losing our insanity, until we finally just give up. This sounds like a pretty big problem. What to do?

First of all, you should know that there aren't billions of dollars out there just waiting to fall in your lap. In fact most counselors and financial aid assitants wonder why this rather enormous figure is stated so often, but its not the case. So don't feel bad or think you "suck" because you haven't won some of this dough. However, there IS some money to be made out there that many people either overlook or figure it isnt worth pursuing. Trust me, its worth taking a look at and worth pursuing.

Usual Suspects

Your first destination should be the government. The FAFSA needs to be the first thing you do. You may be eligible for grants or other special awards. Then go to your school to see if they have any special scholarships that are only available to students of that college or university. After that, sign up to fastweb.com and scholarship.com and become familiar with those two sites, they are two of the most used on the web.

There's something for everyone!

People commonly think that only minorities and people with really low incomes and awesome grades can get scholarships. This is just not so. There are plenty of scholarships out there that are aimed at people in certain national or local clubs, that serve different interests such as drawing, writing, or a sport, and even some that are strictly for those with work experience. Tons of scholarships for college students are aimed at specific majors and corresponding social networks, for example the Audio Engineering society and American Medical Association. Be creative when searching. There are plenty of companies giving money away in hopes of attaining a student base of prospective future employees. If you're working on computers, for example, see what top technological companies such as Qualcomm and IBM have to offer, if you're working in finance and economics, checkout some big time (and small time) Wall St. corporations, for instance.

Also, don't forget to checkout your own community. YMCA, churches, local youth groups and sports teams, they all give out money to deserving individuals, so do some homework on your hometown before moving on to bigger venues.

The essay contest

These are wonderful. Checkout what you like, what you know a lot about and are passionate about, and write an essay to submit to a contest or scholarship offer. Get friends in on it...help each other out and promise to share earnings.

Why isn't this EASY?

Now, I don't want to brag, but I won quite a few scholarships in my day. However, I remember always getting questions about "how do you do it," "you're so lucky," and so on. Well, it really isn't that complicated-- its going to take some work and dedication. Start early, make a list of scholarships, plan for scholarship-work time, and get busy. Don't feel bad when you don't win, most students are happy to win a few because that's usually what it takes. Just keep focused on what you're trying to do, hope for the best, and do NOT stress out about it.

Alternatives

There are a few alternatives. Never resort to credit cards. Ever. What you want to look for are student loans because they have lower interest rates and usually have friendlier grace periods and payback periods. Don't worry about being in student loan debt upon graduation...$10000-$15,000 is not bad at all (if being repaid in ten years). Stafford loans are the most common. They offer around $2600 for first-year, $3500 for second year and $5500 for third year students. Perkins loans usually don't have to be repaid until nine months after graduation and you have 10 years to pay. Checkout private loans, maybe from loan-specialists companies and your own school. Checkout the American Education Society which also provides private loans for people.

Don't Stress It

There is money to be made, just be focused, dont't get discouraged, and work hard at it. Well, what are you waiting for?

Vincent St. James is a writer and researcher for thecollegeguys.com, where you can find more of his work related to finance, health,and movies.

---

Consolidate Student Loans and Shop Online

If you run a home business, you know that budgets... Read More

Too Much to Read and Too Little Time

I spent the better part of 17 years in and... Read More

9 Lessons for Success in College - That Actually Make Sense

Most students know what it takes to be successful in... Read More

SAT Test Preperation; Prep Options

It's time to take the SAT's. How should you prepare?... Read More

Online Education and Digital Divide

Digital Education is really coming along thanks to the US... Read More

Five Questions To Ask A Computer Training School Before Signing Up

As with any field, there are good technical training schools,... Read More

Choose the Delivery Mode for your e-Learning Course

There are so many ways to deliver instruction online that... Read More

Who Can Apply For Online Nursing Degrees?

Online nursing degrees are college degrees in the field of... Read More

Outstanding Business Professors at WVU, Part 3

Students appreciate teachers that can show them how the material... Read More

Why You Should Choose an Accredited Online Degree

An accredited online degree is a college degree that is... Read More

Whats behind the Explosive Growth in Distance Learning?

There is a ground swell of support globally to support... Read More

Online Degree Tips - Your Guide To Online Degree Programs

Is an Online Business Degree Right for You?Deciding if an... Read More

Online Degree Program and Online Degree Programs

Online degree program is a good choice for busy individual's... Read More

Creating the Acceptable College Applicant

America's colleges and universities no longer have enough room to... Read More

Need Money for College?

Finding money for college can be a challenge for many... Read More

Tips On College Selection

It is highly recommended that early in the college selection... Read More

The Pros and Cons of an Online College Degree

Getting a college degree online seemingly appears to be a... Read More

Student Moans and the Quarterlife Crisis

It's that time of year again when global issues take... Read More

College Freshman: How to Get Over Homesickness

Whether you're a freshman or a senior, studying abroad or... Read More

Distance Learning: Balancing Your Education and Busy Lifestyle

Distance Learning is a priority for most who have already... Read More

I Hate My Roommate!

So its the beginning of the school year, your first... Read More

Online Education Has The Power To Transform Lives And Fulfill Dreams

Online education is a dramatic development in the advancement of... Read More

College Is Way More Than Higher Education

The first day of college begins with hopes and dreams... Read More

Five Steps To Choosing A College

My name is Debbie Ross. The information I have about... Read More

How to Save Money While at College

Still struggling to pay off the college loan? Have you... Read More