Left-Handed Scholarships

Approximately 10% of the population is left-handed. There are many rumors and whisperings of scholarships for left handed people. This is one of many wacky scholarship opportunities for physical attributes that can be found.

In this case though, the only verified left-handed scholarship is to Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA. This scholarship offers $1000 to left handed students.

Guidelines for Writing a Good Essay

Many programs require scholarship essays as part of the application process. When tackling an essay, there are several steps that will help ensure a winning essay:

1. Brainstorm ideas—look at the topic and write down some ideas relating to it.
2. Outline—this helps put ideas into a coherent order.
3. Write a good introduction—you want to capture the reader's attention from the start.
4. Write coherent, strong content throughout your essay.
5. Make sure the conclusion brings it all together.
6. Write what you know. Your voice will come through if the essay is about something you know, love or care about.

Military Scholarship Finder

The military offers its own free scholarship finder. Similar to other scholarship searches that can be found on line, this program is designed to help members of the military community find additional student aid.

The search is good for members of the military (active or veteran), as well as spouses and depends. Search features include level of degree desired, location of study, and type of aid required. This is a great resource for anyone with military connections.

Preparing for College

Preparing for college is not a weekend event; it's a process that takes about two years. Like preparing for battle, getting into college takes time, organization, and dedication. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Set a time line and stick to it.
• Always check and double check what's been done to be sure everything actually was done.
• Don't wait till the last minute, hoping for a winning lottery ticket.
• Be organized
• Be motivated.
• Be dedicated.

Surfing the Internet for Scholarships

Surfing the Internet is a fantastic way to conduct a college scholarship search. If you look on your own with out using a company, be sure to check each scholarship site you find carefully.

* Can you find information about the people offering the award?
* Is the date that the site was last updated easy to find?
* Does the amount of money seem extremely high?
* What are the parameters of the scholarship?

If a scholarship looks too good to be true, it usually is. Look for consumer review sites about the companies that offer scholarships and the websites you are looking at.

This is why going with a reputable company that can consolidate the legitimate scholarship option available to you can be worth the money. Why spend the time and effort on potentially dud scholarships when you can get a comprehensive list from a trusted source?

Scholarships V. Grants

Shakespeare once said "A Rose by any other name would smell as sweet." So too would free money for school be just as free whether by scholarship or grant. Both are types of financial assistance offered to students that do not need to be paid back.

When searching for help with paying your tuition, be sure to look for scholarships and grants, as opposed to only looking for the right scholarships--this can make your tuition bill drop.

In many cases there are grants available from your school and sometimes grants available in relation to your area of study or your socio economic situation. There is a lot of money to be had out there - make sure you find it!

Junior Year Tasks

Junior year is so close to graduation that you can start to smell it. Now is the time to start thinking about what that means in terms of your future and your education. The time has come to start thinking about what colleges and what majors are of interest to you. You should also start researching scholarships and grant opportunities and send away to for information for the programs that seem appropriate or of interest to you. This is a gathering stage and you should be collecting information about different options so you can ultimately apply for scholarships to fund your education.

Entrance exams such as SAT and ACT tests should be taken at this point. Remember to keep grades up and try to become involved in extra curricular activities (it looks good on an college or scholarship application).

Check it Out at Your Local Library

Did you know that your local library can be an excellent source of scholarship information? Not only are there books on scholarships, databases to search for scholarships, and FAFSA forms to fill out, there could also be an actual scholarship.

Many libraries offer scholarships for community members that are sponsored by the Library Board of Trustees or Friends of the Library Group. Next time you stop at your library to get help in finding scholarships, ask if there is one available, you never know.

The Graduate... School Dilemma

I just finished school...what do you mean I need more?? It may come as a nasty shock, but sometimes advanced degrees are required to continue up the career ladder. Before jumping into a graduate program sit down and think it through.

• Will your employer be subsidizing your education?
• If not, are you in a financial place to pay or it yourself or take out the loans needed?
• Will the job you get with the advanced degree put you in a significantly better place?

Weigh the pro and cons before you decide to commit to another course of study.

International Loans

International study has gained in popularity. Recognizing the need for financial resources, the International Student Loans Program was developed.

The International Student Loans Program offers loans with flexible options and allows up to 20 years to pay them back. The loans are available for students from any country but must have either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer.