//Guidance: Finding Scholarships

The most frequently asked question in the guidance department is how can I get a scholarship.   This is a great question! I wanted to share with you suggestions I found on the internet that I   thought  were basic and very useful.

The following suggestions were published by Janine Fugate in an article called “Find Scholarships in your own backyard.”
1. Complete all optional questions on your scholarship search profile (you can view twice as many scholarship matches)
2. Check the local newspaper, guidance counselors bulletin board (this blog), or financial aid offices of your chosen college. Local scholarships give you a better chance to win!
3. Never pay to get free money. Do not pay for scholarship search engines or FAFSA.
4. Apply to many! You may not be offered the first one you apply to so apply to as many as possible!

5. Talk to your target college about the opportunities they have. Contact the Financial Aid Office.

6.  Check with Civic/Church/Community-based organizations and network. Agencies like Rotary, Lions, Eagles, Elks have community scholarships that you can apply for. Check with your parents or own employer.

7. Exhaust all options. Ask everyone you know about scholarships and apply to all of them. Get to know your Guidance Counselor and the Financial Aid officers at the college you are interested in. 

8. Lastly, DON’T pay for advice. If you have to give your credit card it isn’t free. The most you need to pay is a postage stamp (45 cents currently)

To view full article:
http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/the-scholarship-coach/2011/01/27/find-scholarships-in-your-own-backyard