Sunday, April 10, 2011

How to Apply for a Scholarship

How to Apply for a Scholarship: College Freshman’s Recipe


When we speak of college scholarship application, the burden is always on the parents. Since they have the responsibility over the education of their children and they know what will be good for them, parents apply personally for the college scholarship of their children.

What if we turn the tide? From primary to secondary education, your parents accepted the responsibility. But you are old enough to take care of a simple college scholarship application. It takes some courage, self-confidence, and some excellent academic records to apply for a college scholarship. Keep in mind that is you who will utilize the financial aid that comes with the scholarship and not your parents. Thus, applying for a college scholarship is now your business, and you can do it with less supervision from your parents.

The procedure for college scholarship application is similar when you apply for college. You need to learn every scholarship opportunity available and make a list of potential prospects that you think will fit your personal needs. Once through with the list, you need to create an application letter and state your achievements (good high school scholastic records and recommendation letters from your high school director and teachers) and you are now on your way on getting into college for less, if not for free.

The above-mentioned procedure is the most common way of getting a college scholarship. However, the chances of success lies in you, and you need to exert more effort to assure yourself of a financial aid when you go to college. To increase your chances, here are some pointers that you can consider:

•    You should start as early as your high school years. There are many college scholarships that open during your senior high school year. In addition, these financial aid programs are only open in a specific period of time. Once the application closes, you have to wait for another year before you can file for your application. Starting early will give you better chances of getting the best financial aid available.

•    Give importance to the scholarship requirements. Keep in mind that among all available scholarships, there are only few that will fit your qualifications. Read the eligibility standards of the college scholarship that you want to apply. If you found out that the financial aid does not fit with the qualifications that you have, search for another. Do not insist yourself on scholarships where your chances of success is minute.

•    Do not forget to complete the requirements asked by the college scholarship. Prepare the documents that are commonly asked by the scholarship grantee to its applicants.

•    Your application letter will be your “speaking alter-ego” to the sponsor of the college scholarship you have applied for. Thus, you need to create an application letter that will convince the sponsor that you honestly need the financial aid and you deserve to get one, state honest information in your application. Never include false information especially if your purpose is just to “flatter” the sponsor with your achievements.

After you followed the aforementioned recipe, you are now ready to submit your application to the scholarship screening committee. Be prepared for other requirements (such as interviews and examinations) that will determine if you are eligible to receive a college scholarship.

Follow the aforementioned college freshman’s recipe when you apply for a college scholarship.  And best of all, do not forget to pray that the sponsor would consider you eligible for the college scholarship. Good luck!

Athletic Scholarship

Track the Field to Athletic Scholarship


Many of the youth today are gifted with aptitudes in sports. Some excel in gymnastics, swimming, archery, while the others excel in football, golf, martial arts, track and field events, and the list goes on.

Nowadays, the youths agility to fulfill their passions comes with a bonus—athletic scholarship.

Athletic scholarships are specially designed for the students who excel in sports provided they will be able to acquire a good grade which is appropriate to the required scores of the organization who funded the scholarship. And of course, the talent that goes with the discipline a devoted sports person desires.

If you are one of these sports person who want to acquire the said scholarship, your initial step is to look for the college institutions or universities which present the academic program that suits to your interests.

However, you still have to note that educating yourself even thoughplaying sports. As you join a division, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons of attending either in smaller colleges or large institutions.

You may find yourself standing out though in a smaller college. You may also join in large institutions, but chances are you might find yourself just as an alternative to a lot of other athletes.

You must be aware that the sports played during college are not like playing in your school or in your local community.  Before engaging here, you can consult first your trainer/coach if you're “good enough” to qualify for college sports already.

The level of play is very much different and so much competition has sent what was dubbed as great players in their community to mediocrity in this level.

There are two ways in presenting the athletic scholarship. First is through official applications. And the following is the scout’s recommendations who represents the colleges and who travels to assess players in various sports, looking for the players that possess star qualities.

If you aim to succeed, aim to excel in your sophomore year. Maintain high grades to meet the academic requirements. It is also advisable that you compile your accomplishments for being an athlete. Consult to your coach whether which sports you will be best fitted according to your abilities. 

Also, be keen in selecting the school which offers an immense balance between sports and academics. Talk to a career guidance counselor; this may help you in choosing the subjects you can study so you can qualify not just in sports alone. Establish contacts among the coaches of the college where you are applying, in addition, and let them know that yoo are dedicated and eager to know more about their curriculum.

Most of all, show your best advantages like showcasing both academic and athletic accomplisments. Then cite that you are looking for a scholarship. It will also be an advantage if you would initiate in submitting the applications to the college where the coach you wanted to contact works, this will emphasize your enthusiasm on the program.

With all the colleges and universities that offer athletic scholarships for great athletes, your college education will never be too straining to your parent’s purse anymore. Instead, they will feel glorified of having a kid who can excel not just in sports alone, but also in academics.

Now, as you go on to your application, remember that handling the application sensibly matched with discipline are the best recipes to ensure full scholarship in college.