As I was applying to colleges, my parents set me up with a pretty sweet deal: if I could earn a certain amount of money in scholarships, they would pay the rest of the way for my college education. Naturally, this was a huge incentive for me to apply for as many scholarships as I could. Here’s what I learned in my quest to coax financial aid out of schools, institutions and other entities.
Make yourself desirable. Even just applying for college admission is a cutthroat world these days. Set yourself up for success early by making yourself a desirable candidate for financial aid. Focus on academic success, and commit yourself to extracurricular activities that you can really excel at. These things will make you stand out, and will ultimately make schools want you as much as you want them — something that can be used as leverage when you’re asking for money.
Ask your school, then ask again. When I applied to my first choice school, I also applied for financial aid in my application. Then, when I visited the school for an interview, I asked for more. Many schools won’t present their biggest possible offer upfront. Keep asking for money until they say they can’t give you any more. It’s not badgering — most schools understand that these days, it’s just part of the process.
Apply for every little thing. Seriously. Little awards add up, and the opportunities are everywhere. Look for these scholarships locally and online, and apply for all of them. Even if you don’t feel like you’re a great candidate, why not apply if you’re eligible? You never know what the committee might see in your application, or how many others might apply. Some of the little awards I applied for and won were ones that I really thought I’d lose.
Searching for financial aid can be one of the most intimidating and least fun components of applying for college, but it’s extremely important. You’ll help yourself save money, ultimately setting a strong financial foundation for your future. What has been your experience in applying for scholarships or other forms of financial aid?
Written by Nicole Milano. Nicole is a writer and yoga instructor from Rochester, N.Y., as well as a freelance writer for NextStepU. Read more from her at The Everyday Yogi and tweet her @nicolemariemil.
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