College by any standard, is expensive. Between the cost of tuition, books, and housing students can easily find themselves carting around a very large bag of debt–sometimes reaching well beyond $100,000. For most students, tuition debt is actually preventable, but many are unsure of where to begin. Scholarships are the logical first step; most have no strings attached other than meeting the eligibility requirements and submitting an application. The problem is that many students are simply unaware of just how easy it is to find and apply for scholarships. It takes a little time and a great deal of committment, but the financial aid is out there for students who are willing to rise to the challenge and put in the effort.

Think you’re ready to begin your search? Here are some great places to begin:

Local/school clubs. Most clubs offer a scholarship program in one form or another. Whether you are involved in sports or a community/school sponsored club, it is always a good idea to check out the opportunities that they have available, in large part because you are more closely connected to the award if you are directly affiliated or involved in the sponsors organization and this significantly improves your chance of earning a scholarship. Award sized will vary, but you should still take the time to apply for smaller awards. Most likely other students much like yourself, brushed the award off as insignificant or a waste of time, so you may actually have a greater chance of winnning.

Community Centers. Community centers almost always sponsor scholarships for the residents within their community. Typically, the best candidates for such awards are students with an outstanding record of volunteer activity with the community and an academic record that attests to the student’s potential to succeed in college.

Churches. Another great place to look for money–the church or denomination that you are affiliated with. For example, a student who is a member of a Baptist church should inquire about any scholarship opportunities offered directly through that church. If none are available, the student should research “Baptist” organizations on google. Such organizations often have scholarships available to students in the U.S. who are in someway affiliated with a particular denomination–especially if the student is pursuing a degree that they can later use to further their career in the ministry.

These are just good starting points. There are many other places that you can begin your search for scholarships. Be creative and strategic and you will find the financial aid that you need to make it through school without acquiring too much debt. Also, remember to ask your guidance counselor if he or she has any helpful suggestions. Your guidance counselor is familiar with your academic record and your community involvement and will be able to point you in the right direction.

Posted Mon, 30 Apr 2007 08:21:22 and filed under Scholarship Tips. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.