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Finding Money for College
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6 tips for winning scholarships
C
FAMILY FEATURES
ollege is a significant investment and millions of families
each year face the question of how to pay for it. One way
students can position themselves for success is by seeking
out various forms of financial assistance.
Earning scholarships can be one way to offset the financial
burden, but winning a scholarship can sometimes be as
competitive as gaining admission to the college of your choice.
While most scholarships don’t entirely cover college tuition, they
can be useful tools to help cover educational expenses such as
room and board, tuition and books.
Some scholarships can be earned by meeting or exceeding
certain standards, such as academic performance, while other
scholarships are based on financial need or personal interests
of the applicant. There’s also a wealth of opportunities
that support students in specific areas, whether it be from
companies, professional organizations or foundations. For
example, the America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders program
offers industry-specific scholarships each year for those looking
to study agriculture-related fields.
While your academic performance, character and extracurricular
resume all play a part, knowing where to look for scholarships
can make all the difference when it comes time to pay for
your education. These tips can help you identify and apply for
scholarships that match your interests and credentials.
Complete the FAFSA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
may be required to apply for a number of scholarships, particularly
scholarships offered by most colleges and universities based on
need. It is also required for other forms of financial aid, such as
subsidized or unsubsidized loans. While you can begin filling
out the FAFSA on Oct. 1 of the year prior to needing aid, many
need-based scholarships give priority to students who complete the
FAFSA by their state’s application deadline. It is important to note
that some colleges and universities have earlier deadlines.