|
|
 |
|
 |
Scholarships are a great way to help pay for school, because unlike loans, they do not have to be paid
back. Keep in mind that it takes time, effort, and often creativity to find and apply for scholarships. They usually do NOT just fall in your lap.
Don't pay anyone to find a scholarship for you. There are enough opportunities out there that are FREE! With initiative you can find out about scholarship
programs yourself. Private scholarships are often based on different criteria such as grades, age, gender, race, major, interests and membership in clubs.
There are even unusual scholarships for almost everything you can imagine.
Colleges often have grants and scholarships which are unique to their institution.
Below is a regional map to colleges located in North Dakota and surrounding
states. Click on a state and you will be given a list of schools for which you can view their available scholarships. For general
scholarships not state-specific, visit here.
Where to Search for Scholarships:
- High School Guidance Counselor
- Local Businesses and Organizations, i.e. Dollars for Scholars
- Library
- Colleges/Universities
- Religious Organizations
- Fraternal Organizations
- Employers - yours and your parents
- Tribal Agencies
- State Agencies
- Large Corporations
- Internet
Tips for Applying for Scholarships:
- Begin searching early - one year in advance.
- Apply for as many scholarships as possible.
- Strictly observe deadlines.
- Only apply if you meet required qualifications. It is best to spend quality
time on scholarships for which you are qualified.
- Talk to students who have already received the scholarships you're interested in and find out what worked for them.
- Be completely honest about your grades, experiences, memberships, qualifications, family finances and other information.
- Read applications carefully and follow instructions. If the applications asks for a 500-word essay, make sure your don't exceed this limit.
- Prepare a portfolio that you can use for multiple applications.
- Make essays personal, concise and clear. Find creative ways to present information about yourself.
- Limit a resume to one page.
- Supplement your application with personal letters of recommendation.
- Proofread everything before you send. Look out for typos. When possible, also have some else proofread your work.
- Follow up with a telephone call to make sure the organization received your application.
- Remember to send thank you notes for scholarships you are awarded. This small courtesy often has a big effect.
- Know the retention requirements for keeping a scholarship you have been awarded. Examples may include: maintaining a certain GPA, continuing a
particular field of study, attending a designated school.
Beware of Scams
In their frantic search for help to cover tuition costs, students and parents can be easy targets for scams. A general
rule of thumb is if it sounds too good to be true - it probably is! Use common sense. Some things to be leery of are:
- Exclusive - Be suspicious of services claiming to have "exclusive" information. The vast majority of financial aid comes from the federal government
and from universities themselves. Private foundations and organizations that offer scholarships are eager to spread the word and have no interest in keeping secrets.
- No work - It is a red flag if any offer claims it will do "all the work" for you. Any legitimate scholarship foundation wants to hear from the student
and expects them to do a little work for their money by filling out paperwork, writing an essay or letter, etc.
- Guarantees - If a service claims it can guarantee students a scholarship it is simply not true. Even if they offer a money back guarantee, the stipulations
to qualify are virtually impossible to meet.
- Application Fees - As a general rule, you shouldn't have to pay. Do NOT send money to PO Boxes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
