Is Applying to Scholarships Right for Your Family

Many high school students may not be aware that they could get help paying for college by simply applying for scholarships and grants. This type of financial aid does not need to be paid back unlike student loans, which adds extra stress and debt on students and their families if they cannot find employment immediately after graduation.

According to Finaid.org, there are many different scholarships available based on certain criteria such as academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, life experiences and disabilities. You do not have to be a straight A student to be able to qualify and snag valuable scholarships. To begin applying for the various types of scholarship and grant aid, prospective students should start by visiting Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website. This is a free, simple to use service that can provide students with up-to-date information. Don’t rely solely on this source, use it as an additional tool in your toolbox.

After filling out the FAFSA which we recommend every student do regardless of income, it becomes easier for students to apply for external scholarship and grant aid because many are focused on factors such as financial status among other criteria. Note where that there are some sources that have income restrictions, it is extremely important to note that the misconception that YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE FROM AN IMPOVERISHED FAMILY TO BE ABLE TO EARN SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS, is just that - a misconception. Some scholarships are available specifically to disabled or low income students for example, but then there are so many others with eligibility criteria based on factors having nothing to do with attributes like grades, athleticism or talent. Other organizations, like Fastweb, have listings of available scholarships based on specific criteria set by the organization offering them.

In order to save money on tuition, room and board, living expenses, text books, lab fees, and incidentals, we recommend that students to apply to as many scholarships and grants that they possibly can during high school even though it can take up a lot of time. After completing the FAFSA, there are many websites that offer lists of available grants or scholarships. Proper planning and research can help make college more affordable for everyone. We recommend families start looking in the 10th grade so students can be best positioned and ready to meet the eligibility requirements of a particular scholarship to a tee. An early start is the key to success!

The U.S Department of Education reports that in order to be eligible for grants, students must maintain a minimum GPA in high school in order to continue receiving these types of aid once they start attending a four-year university. In many cases that is factual, however that isn’t always the case. Scholarship and grant sponsors each have their own set criteria, some strict, some flexible. Read what they require, and apply.

Things to consider when wondering if scholarships are for you: Free money, loans & student debt are all factors that should be considered by the student as well as the parents. For those of you who have participated in one of our consultation sessions, not only have you received great information, but you know that we stress how scholarshipping has to be a joint effort with both the student and parental figure, and they both have to be dedicated to the one common goal of avoiding massive college debt.

We now know that loan avoidance is a direct benefit to students who apply for and earn scholarships. If you want to leave school with as little debt as possible, we at Get Your Degree For Free are here to help you work towards that goal. We offer one-on-one coaching, interview preparation, essay editing, and much more. Our mission is to empower families arming them with information aimed towards helping to lessen the financial burden of higher education.

Before taking no action because you think you may not qualify, don't take too long and let the window of opportunity close while you're busy wondering if you should consider applying. It won't be long before you find yourself on campus wishing that you had. I encourage everyone to apply. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.