To finish out this series on scholarships, I'd like to write about "others"--those types of money that are given for college, but don't fit the standard definition of a scholarship. Don't overlook these ways to pay for a college education, because they can be a great way of footing the bill (and not going into debt).
1. Tuition Reimbursement.
Many companies have a "tuition reimbursement" plan, varying in the amount given, how many years given, if the degree needs to connect to your job, and other factors. Some tuition reimbursement plans are very lenient: benefits start on the 1st day of your job and can be applied to any major! Other programs are more specific: you must have worked there for a year, can only be used at one college, or require you to major in a field related to your work. Maybe not every plan is right for you, but there is probably one that will be right for your plans. Even though you need to do some homework to find a good match, don't bypass it because you think that "it's too good to be true". Tuition Reimbursement programs come in all shapes and sizes...they are good AND true!
Sidenote: many of these companies apply tuition reimbursement to their "part-time workers" (average of 20 hours / week). Even though it's tricky to balance work with school, research continues to show that having a part-time job actually helps you manage your time better than if you didn't work at all. What does that mean? It means that you are forced to work for 20 hours, followed by focused studying in the 2-3 hour windows you have throughout the day. Did you catch that? Focused studying instead of what you would do without a job, which usually involves procrastinating for those same 20 hours and studying at the last-minute anyway. There is a point where working combined with school can be too much, but most students that work 10-20 hours a week find that the work schedule actually helps them balance their studies, rather than hurting their grades.
Check out these links to find a company that would fit with your education plans, and verify that the program is still being used. Also note that these links are only a beginning--there are many companies that have tuition-reimbursement plans that don't advertise their perks. Be willing to ask friends and family to find local companies that would do the same. Here is a start to finding a job that will not only a paycheck, but help with college costs:
15 Companies That Will Pay for Your Tuition
4 Fast Food Jobs that Pay For Tuition
Free College Education
You probably noticed that Starbucks and UPS came up on multiple lists, and for good reason. It's because their programs have been up-and-running for multiple years. They are stable and a good bet for many students looking for a tuition reimbursement program that is here to stay.
2. Activity Waiver
Activity Waivers are given to students in return for their work in a specific department in college. These often aren't given to incoming freshman, but if a student proves they are committed in that first year of college, a student should ask about activity waivers and being recommended for one. (Note: activity waivers are used quite a bit within Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and other departments where work outside of class is a norm).
3. Resident Assistant
Commonly known as "R.A.", this is a job on-campus where a student lives in a dorm, and help monitor student life. In exchange for their time, they are given free board and room, and sometimes a stipend or help with tuition. This is an opportunity for college students once they are sophomores or older.
4. Student Ambassador
This is open to all college students, beginning as Freshman. What's great is that a student can be an Ambassador for ALL 4 years. In exchange for working several hours a week, the student is giving anywhere from half to full-tuition (check out Utah State and Weber State--they are very generous with full tuition programs for their ambassadors!).
5. Time-Loan Programs
Sometimes a student can receive a "loan" for college, and instead of paying back money, they pay back in time. One such example is the T.H. Bell Program, where a student can receive $$$ to attend college to earn a teaching degree, and then "pay back" the loan by teaching in-state for the same amount of time they were in college. (If the college degree takes 4 years, they will teach in Utah for 4 years).
Friday, February 23, 2018
Friday, February 16, 2018
Scholarship Tip #9: Essays to Write, Reuse, Recycle
Essays. These lovely little pieces of writing are a staple in a scholarship application. They allow a scholarship board to see the student beyond the grades and test scores, and get a picture of who the person is. Even though students write about themselves, it is trickier to explain their story than they usually believe. The good news is that once a student has written a few essays for scholarships, they can usually be reused and recycled with minimal tweaking. (And once a student writes a few scholarship essays, they become more comfortable telling their stories, and the writing becomes easier).
Here are 5 prompts that we see time and again. Usually these essays need to be around 500 words.
1. Choose an activity you have been involved in, describe it briefly and explain why it was meaningful to you. What did you learn and what did you accomplish?
Here are 5 prompts that we see time and again. Usually these essays need to be around 500 words.
1. Choose an activity you have been involved in, describe it briefly and explain why it was meaningful to you. What did you learn and what did you accomplish?
2. Explain a time where you used your leadership skills to help a group? Include the process and what you learned through this experience.
3. How have you served your community and made an impact?
4. Describe two or three unique things about yourself. If possible, include challenges you have overcome and describe any distinctive experiences that have affected you.
5. What do you hope to gain, experience, or accomplish by attending college?
Here are my suggestions:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma--anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Here are my suggestions:
- If you are a Junior, write (and re-write and re-write) these essays during the summer between 11th and 12th grades. Having these essays completed before Senior Year begins will be a HUGE load off your shoulders and mind!
- If you are in 9th - 11th grades, read through these essays and think of what to say. If you don't have an activity that you can write about, chances are you are not vested in anything of personal importance. Work to change that--put your time into efforts so that you have something to write about when your senior year comes!
Also, if you are planning to complete the Common App, they use close to the same prompts each year. Here are the prompts from the 2017 - 2018 school year:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma--anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Scholarship Tip #8: Repeaters
Repeaters = Scholarships that are the same every year. They ask the same questions, have the same requirements, and have close to the same deadline (usually within 10 days each year). It's great to know about these, because you can look through the requirements and begin preparing far in advance.
As you go through this list, add them to your own personal scholarship spreadsheet and be sure to follow the deadline advice.
1. Coca Cola Scholarship Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), October 31, 2017. Amount: $20,000 to 150 students. Minimum GPA: 3.0 cum. They are looking for students who excel academically, give service, and have overcome a trial. Application currently OPEN.
2. Voice of Democracy: Essay Scholarship Open to 9-12 can enter by writing and recording a speech on a specific prompt. Check it out--there are state winners and a national winner, ranging from $1,000 - $30,000. Deadline: October 31st, by Noon to your local post.
***Also--for students in grades 6-8, check out the Patriot's Pen program. It has multiple awards between $500 - $5,000.
3. Horatio Alger Scholarships Open to H.S. Seniors. Multiple Scholarships available--for those interested in a 4-year college OR a Tech College. Money ranging from $1,000 - $25,000 (multiple awards given of each amount). Click on all the different tabs--you can apply for MULTIPLE awards from the Foundation. Earliest Deadline: October 25, 2017 (Noon, Eastern Standard Time). Application currently OPEN.
4. Daniel's Fund Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline: November 30, 2017, 4:00 p.m. MST. Requirements: ACT score of 17 or higher, U.S. citizen, demonstrate financial need, high school senior. Amount: Remaining amount of money needed to pay for college (whatever college the student is accepted to).
5. Doodle 4 Google Open to K-12. Window: OPENS September 14 (no deadline listed yet). This is a fun scholarship! Simply 'doodle' the 'google' logo, according to the year's prompt. (Each year a different prompt / theme). It's such a fun scholarship--AND it's open to all students K-12! In fact, most years, younger students win, because I think they have fun with it and enter, while the older students overthink it and convince themselves they don't have a chance. Don't make that mistake! Pick up some drawing pencils, some brushes--whatever medium you want--and get to it!
6. Elks Most Valuable Student Open to H.S. Seniors. Window: OPENS September 1 - November 27. Requirements: U.S. citizen, high school senior. Judged on scholarship, leadership, financial need. 500 awards are given per year, ranging from $4,000 - $50,000.
7. Quest Bridge Open to H.S. Seniors. Another BIG scholarship. It matches students up with colleges, and grant full-tuition, room and board scholarships. Basically--if you get this--college is paid for. They are looking for students who have "achieved academic excellence in the face of economic challenges". The application window is open NOW and closes September 27.
8. Prudential Spirit of Community Open to Grades 7-12. Deadline: November 27, 2017 (Noon, MST). This is a Service Award. They are looking for individuals who have made a difference in the community, and the application covers these areas. Awards range up to a $5,000 award.
9. Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline: November 14, 2017 at Noon EST. This isn't just a scholarship--although it starts with that (giving up to $40,00 PER YEAR for 4 years)--it's also a mentoring program to help students succeed in college, helping them with internships, advising, and college success. Minimum requirements: 3.5 cum GPA, 26 on the ACT, financial need (they define financial need as having a family gross income below $95,000...well above the standard for most scholarships). Check out their other programs, including the young scholars program or how to receive a scholarship when you transfer from a community college to a 4-year college.
10. Sterling Scholar Open to H.S. Juniors (application in April) This is a program that begins at the high school level, and ends at the Wasatch Front Region (for our school, at least). It awards students who excel in one particular academic area, as well as involvement in leadership and service. Juniors will receive information on this during Junior Advisory with Mrs. Krim (Mondays from March - May)
11. Regents' Scholarship Open to H.S. Seniors--BEGIN from 9th grade. This is a scholarship that gives money to graduating seniors that have completed certain classes in high school. Check the program guide and be sure you are on track with the classes you are taking, GPA earned (minim cum GPA of 3.3), and ACT (minimum score of 23). The application opens in November of each year, and has a priority deadline in December.
12. New Century Scholarship Open to H.S. Seniors: BEGIN in 9th grade. This scholarship is for students that will complete their Associate Degree while in High School. This scholarship requires early planning, but it is possible, and a great way to earn a scholarship (and get ahead on college credits)
13. Raise.Me Paid out in 12th grade; BEGIN in 9th grade. Raise.Me is a program that students sign up for that links them to colleges of interest, and shows them what $$$ they are earning. It's a great program to earn money for community service, leadership, activities, and good grades. Students can (and should!) use this beginning in 9th grade, and should check in after each school term ends, as well as at the end of the summer to update their activities and accomplishments.
As you go through this list, add them to your own personal scholarship spreadsheet and be sure to follow the deadline advice.
1. Coca Cola Scholarship Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), October 31, 2017. Amount: $20,000 to 150 students. Minimum GPA: 3.0 cum. They are looking for students who excel academically, give service, and have overcome a trial. Application currently OPEN.
2. Voice of Democracy: Essay Scholarship Open to 9-12 can enter by writing and recording a speech on a specific prompt. Check it out--there are state winners and a national winner, ranging from $1,000 - $30,000. Deadline: October 31st, by Noon to your local post.
***Also--for students in grades 6-8, check out the Patriot's Pen program. It has multiple awards between $500 - $5,000.
3. Horatio Alger Scholarships Open to H.S. Seniors. Multiple Scholarships available--for those interested in a 4-year college OR a Tech College. Money ranging from $1,000 - $25,000 (multiple awards given of each amount). Click on all the different tabs--you can apply for MULTIPLE awards from the Foundation. Earliest Deadline: October 25, 2017 (Noon, Eastern Standard Time). Application currently OPEN.
4. Daniel's Fund Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline: November 30, 2017, 4:00 p.m. MST. Requirements: ACT score of 17 or higher, U.S. citizen, demonstrate financial need, high school senior. Amount: Remaining amount of money needed to pay for college (whatever college the student is accepted to).
5. Doodle 4 Google Open to K-12. Window: OPENS September 14 (no deadline listed yet). This is a fun scholarship! Simply 'doodle' the 'google' logo, according to the year's prompt. (Each year a different prompt / theme). It's such a fun scholarship--AND it's open to all students K-12! In fact, most years, younger students win, because I think they have fun with it and enter, while the older students overthink it and convince themselves they don't have a chance. Don't make that mistake! Pick up some drawing pencils, some brushes--whatever medium you want--and get to it!
6. Elks Most Valuable Student Open to H.S. Seniors. Window: OPENS September 1 - November 27. Requirements: U.S. citizen, high school senior. Judged on scholarship, leadership, financial need. 500 awards are given per year, ranging from $4,000 - $50,000.
7. Quest Bridge Open to H.S. Seniors. Another BIG scholarship. It matches students up with colleges, and grant full-tuition, room and board scholarships. Basically--if you get this--college is paid for. They are looking for students who have "achieved academic excellence in the face of economic challenges". The application window is open NOW and closes September 27.
8. Prudential Spirit of Community Open to Grades 7-12. Deadline: November 27, 2017 (Noon, MST). This is a Service Award. They are looking for individuals who have made a difference in the community, and the application covers these areas. Awards range up to a $5,000 award.
9. Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline: November 14, 2017 at Noon EST. This isn't just a scholarship--although it starts with that (giving up to $40,00 PER YEAR for 4 years)--it's also a mentoring program to help students succeed in college, helping them with internships, advising, and college success. Minimum requirements: 3.5 cum GPA, 26 on the ACT, financial need (they define financial need as having a family gross income below $95,000...well above the standard for most scholarships). Check out their other programs, including the young scholars program or how to receive a scholarship when you transfer from a community college to a 4-year college.
10. Sterling Scholar Open to H.S. Juniors (application in April) This is a program that begins at the high school level, and ends at the Wasatch Front Region (for our school, at least). It awards students who excel in one particular academic area, as well as involvement in leadership and service. Juniors will receive information on this during Junior Advisory with Mrs. Krim (Mondays from March - May)
11. Regents' Scholarship Open to H.S. Seniors--BEGIN from 9th grade. This is a scholarship that gives money to graduating seniors that have completed certain classes in high school. Check the program guide and be sure you are on track with the classes you are taking, GPA earned (minim cum GPA of 3.3), and ACT (minimum score of 23). The application opens in November of each year, and has a priority deadline in December.
12. New Century Scholarship Open to H.S. Seniors: BEGIN in 9th grade. This scholarship is for students that will complete their Associate Degree while in High School. This scholarship requires early planning, but it is possible, and a great way to earn a scholarship (and get ahead on college credits)
13. Raise.Me Paid out in 12th grade; BEGIN in 9th grade. Raise.Me is a program that students sign up for that links them to colleges of interest, and shows them what $$$ they are earning. It's a great program to earn money for community service, leadership, activities, and good grades. Students can (and should!) use this beginning in 9th grade, and should check in after each school term ends, as well as at the end of the summer to update their activities and accomplishments.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Scholarship Tip #7: Big Three
Sterling Scholar is probably one of the most recognized scholarship names in the state, but very few people have actually seen a Sterling Scholar Application. This post is going to change that--and with good reason. I feel like every high school student would be aided to see a Sterling Scholar Application because this particular application has all the questions that every other scholarship application has. It is THE template to track your own progress on the "Big Three" that compile 99.9% of all scholarship application questions. The "Big Three" in this context does not refer to the 3 characters on the popular T.V. show...no, I'm talking about the "Big Three" pursuits that applications ask for. They are:
1. Activities
2. Leadership
3. Community Service / Citizenship
Those are the "Big Three"--and students would do well to regularly check in how well they could fill out an application where they must list and explain their involvement in all three categories. Since Sterling Scholar has the "Big Three", it is the best one to use for tracking a student's progress on scholarship readiness. Take a moment, and check out this passage from the Sterling Scholar Application:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
*since you compete in a specific area in Sterling Scholar, they are particularly interested
that you have activities IN that specific area. If you aim to compete in Science--you
should have Science Activities. The same goes for any activity.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The pattern is a classic example of how to be competitive for scholarships, because it shows that students need both BREADTH and DEPTH! They need breadth: the number of activities in each section (activities, leadership, service) is six! That means that students are committing themselves to several different activities, building breadth. The other part, depth, comes through on the long answer. It shows that a student was involved in something where they actually learned, helped others, and accomplished something. That is the depth part, and it is every bit as important as the breadth--if not more important.
Well, that's it! Those are the "Big Three": activities, leadership, service. If you keep focused on the "Big Three" during high school, you'll not only be competitive for scholarships, you'll discover that high school is a great place to discover yourself!
1. Activities
2. Leadership
3. Community Service / Citizenship
Those are the "Big Three"--and students would do well to regularly check in how well they could fill out an application where they must list and explain their involvement in all three categories. Since Sterling Scholar has the "Big Three", it is the best one to use for tracking a student's progress on scholarship readiness. Take a moment, and check out this passage from the Sterling Scholar Application:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Section: Activities
I. Category Scholarship Activities
a. In 20 words or less, list up to six activities, honors and awards, relating to your subject*1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
*since you compete in a specific area in Sterling Scholar, they are particularly interested
that you have activities IN that specific area. If you aim to compete in Science--you
should have Science Activities. The same goes for any activity.
II. Category Scholarship Activities Description
a. Choose one of the activities, honors or awards, from the list above. Describe it briefly, and explain why it was meaningful to you. What did you learn, and what did you accomplish? (Max: 500 words)III. Supporting Documents
a. upload a file or document that supplements the answers given in I and II.Next Section: Leadership
I. Leadership
a. In 20 words or less, list up to six activities, honors and awards, that relate to leadership qualifications1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
II. Leadership Description
a. Choose one of the activities, honors or awards, from the list above. Describe it briefly, and explain why it was meaningful to you. What did you learn, and what did you accomplish? (Max: 500 words)III. Supporting Documents
a. upload a file or document that supplements the answers given in I and II.
Next Section: Community Service / Citizenship
I. Community Service / Citizenship List
a. List up to six activities / honors / awards of Community Service / Citizenship you are involved in1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
II. Leadership Description
a. Choose one of the activities, honors or awards, from the list above. Describe it briefly, and explain why it was meaningful to you. What did you learn, and what did you accomplish? (Max: 500 words)III. Supporting Documents
a. upload a file or document that supplements the answers given in I and II.My Conclusion
Did you catch the pattern? You need several activities in each area, and one needs to be meaningful enough that you can write about it for 500 words, including things you have learned and accomplished. This is a good place to point out that serving for 2 hours at a Homeless Shelter is not enough! You definitely can't fill up a good essay with that experience, and honestly, you'd be better to just leave it off the list. And if all you have done in high school is serve for 2 hours at the Homeless Shelter, then GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND DO SOMETHING! Serve! Join a Club! Get a Job! Do something you can put on an application!The pattern is a classic example of how to be competitive for scholarships, because it shows that students need both BREADTH and DEPTH! They need breadth: the number of activities in each section (activities, leadership, service) is six! That means that students are committing themselves to several different activities, building breadth. The other part, depth, comes through on the long answer. It shows that a student was involved in something where they actually learned, helped others, and accomplished something. That is the depth part, and it is every bit as important as the breadth--if not more important.
Well, that's it! Those are the "Big Three": activities, leadership, service. If you keep focused on the "Big Three" during high school, you'll not only be competitive for scholarships, you'll discover that high school is a great place to discover yourself!
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