How can my hard working daughter win scholarships?

[Mr.Kenny]

Okay, my daughter is going to be a senior in high school this year and is beginning to apply for scholarships for college.
She gets online and is just boggled by the quantity and the various requirements required to win these scholarships; most want an essay which she is willing to do if she has a chance of winning. But she feels like she is on a fool's errand with all the work required to qualify, but no idea if there will be any reward for the effort.
She is a straight 'A' student in high level classes for a grade point average of 4.85 and just got a 32 on her ACT test.
Any real tips or suggestions on how to win/obtain scholarships and how to narrow down & streamline the application process to be more effectual?
Basicly what kind of money is avalible for a hard working, studious, very frugal, beautiful, W116 300sd driver? (her car)
She hates debt and wants no loans for school.

[TX76513]

There are ton's of small scholarships that she could clean up on from organizations you might have connections with, trade groups, fraternal organizations, churches, etc. We even picked up $500 from our bank. Usually the essay requirements are pretty much the same - How will this scholarship help me to be a (fill in blank) and once an essays is written it can be duplicated or slightly changed to fit the exact topic. Your competition is in the big $$ scholarships, but fairly easy to load up on the smaller ones. One note - this is really something she should have started in her Junior year.
The best ones are unrestricted meaning the money can be spent on anything connected with college.

[Txjake]

There are always ROTC scholarships. Very inclusive and usually include a monthly stipend over and above the tution and books.

[dynalow]

Originally Posted by TX76513

There are ton's of small scholarships that she could clean up on from organizations you might have connections with, trade groups, fraternal organizations, churches, etc. We even picked up $500 from our bank. Usually the essay requirements are pretty much the same - How will this scholarship help me to be a (fill in blank) and once an essays is written it can be duplicated or slightly changed to fit the exact topic. Your competition is in the big $$ scholarships, but fairly easy to load up on the smaller ones. One note - this is really something she should have started in her Junior year.
The best ones are unrestricted meaning the money can be spent on anything connected with college.

Her HS guidance office or counselor should have a list of local organizations and businesses that offer scholarships. Remember, these local small scholarships are usually paid after the fact and require gpa verification,etc.

Some years ago, I was treasurer of a local service organization, and I reviewed a number of applications for ours, which was 500.00 per year for 2 years. Basically, I made the call, and I looked at family income, student acheivement and cost of college, weighted in favor of need.
Our process was to collect the applications by say February 28th of the senior year and let the school know the winner(s) by June 1, and they informed the student and announced it at graduation.
One of my daughters picked up 1,000 from this organization. My other daughter picked up 1,000 from the local Realtor association.

The largest grants generally come from federal and state programs (e.g. Pell grants) and from grants & scholarships from the school itself.

It sounds like your daughter would be highly sought after. One indication of that would be how many mailings she received from top schools in her junior year.
Sticker prices generally don't mean a whole lot. If she has a handle on where she wants to go, consider early acceptance. Some schools will adjust cost downward if you commit to early acceptance.


Public is cheaper than private.
In state is cheaper than out of state.
Don't overlook combining the two! (see below)

Some years ago I met a fellow who was then with XXXX, a national accounting firm at a Harley Owners Group event. He was a CPA and an attorney. He had gone two years to a state university, then transferred to Boston College for his last two years, so he picked up a "pedigree" degree on the cheap. Got hired by XXXX and they sent him to law school at NYU. No cost to him. No long term employment committment either, according to him.


Good luck to you and your daughter.

[TheDon]

do the essays.. its worth it.. I must have done like 50 of the stupid things.

[Hatterasguy]

My sister did a ton and got a lot of them.

I wasn't interested so I just went to a cheaper school.

[G-Benz]

Ever see the movie "Soul Man?

[TheDon]

I am currently doing the public(communty college) deal then transfering to a state one.. alot of my friends have done it and said it was a great thing to do if you dont want to be that far in debt.

I am currently having issues with the bright futures scholarship and when it will like pay for my stuff since payment is due on the 8th, and my 1500$ scholarship for books and when it will clear because apparently I need some books eh?

Just getting ready for college is a pita... and I thought the essays and applications were fun... this ... isnt

frign 32 on her ACT.. nice job.. I managed a 23.. but I have test anxiety.. but only on standardized ones... the bubbles!

if she was in FL her college would be covered 100% through bright futures.. mine.. is only 75% but 100% CC

[dannym]

Have you joined the College Board website??

www.collegeboard.com

Try contacting the agency where your applying for. Ask them for a sample essay. Try to get as much info from them as you can. it will increase your chances of winning.

Danny