I am aware that I should have started this earlier, but I sitll need to pay for at least $5,000 (I have more than that to pay for, but this is just to get me by) toward this year's tuition. I got so caught up in applications and schoolwork my senior year that I only had the time to apply for a few. Now I'm behind and applying seems so hopeless because the competition is so high. I have over a 4.0, 29 ACT, and I did sports, clubs and community service but it seems like there are just more remarkable students out there.
People want to give scholarships to those who have done outstanding things. And they do! It's good to see the truly deserving person get the scholarship. It's just hard to live up to that. I mean I did everything I could in high school to be successful in applying for college and getting scholarships. And I feel so pressured right now because of my parents' situation...I truly don't want them to bear the burden of paying for my education. They want to do what they can but right now it's just impossible.
Anyway I have been turned down a lot and now I am wondering if my efforts are just going to waste. If I really don't stand a chance against the bright, persistent, and truly exceptional college-bound population who are driven to win these scholarships. I am going to keep trying on Fastweb and everything. And maybe I need to look more for those obscured ones that nobody tends to go for. If there is a scholarship for the biggest loser at getting scholarships, somebody let me know!
Is one option. Fast web is sent to alot of people so alot of people apply. I would try talking to your school's financial aid person. They have local scolarships and applicable grants and so on. Plus they, or a career councelor, can help you sell yorself better. Make it sound like you ARE they superperson you are.
Good Luck
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
Thanks. I did apply for the FAFSA, and without it college wouldn't be a possibility for me. I think you're right: I need to learn to market myself. It's good to hear that there are ways of becoming the winner...because sometimes I feel a little less important than I feel like I should feel, if you know what I mean.
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I don't like FAFSA. I'm glad it's helped people other than me, because I got nothing from it. My dad makes too much money. But here's the thing: he's retiring at the end of this year. AND we're supporting both of my grandmothers right now. And running a farm...my dad's salary is pretty much eaten up by all of that. -_-; Next year I should be able to get some aid, though...
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
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The Story of Myself
This is very true. The FAFSA neglects a lot of aspects. Like my mom and dad have been laid off for over 7 months, so there is no way they can buck up money for me to go to college, but the FAFSA only looks at previous year's earnings....which were blown on debt as soon as they were received. Luckily since my parents divorced I was able to file under the parent with the lower income.
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Try schoolsoup.com
There are some neat and obscure scholarships there. Not to mention you'll find a million other scholarship sites through it.
But here's a tip...don't waste your time with anything from CollegeWeekLive....ever...I'm pretty sure they've got that one rigged...*mumbles about stupid competitions*
Also, just keep applying. You're lucky you only need $5000 more to get yourself by...my dad's threatening to drop the entire 30,000 dollars a year on my head, and I don't have a job or anything. Not to mention I'm in the same spot you are with the scholarships. I'm 7th in my class, for goodness sakes!!! And I'm watching all my friends get full-tuition, or really large scholarships, and what do I manage? 3000 dollars a year...the ONLY scholarship from my college I'm eligible for.
And if you find a scholarship for the biggest loser at getting scholarships...let me know!!! I'm desperate!!! Gah...I'm wishing colleges were free like they are in other countries...
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
Thanks. I needed to hear that, and any advice is helpful. My mom and I argued today about this. She said that anybody in the top 2% of their class should get full ride to the college of their choice. And wouldn't that be nice? Shouldn't we as hard-working, high-achieving students at least be given the opportunity to continue our education? Most would agree. But when push comes to shove, the truth is that money is just way too hard to get your hands on.
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Maybe smart kids get pushed aside sometimes because 'they' know that smart kids will figure a way to pay. Its the semidumb people, poor, non white, or liars that get the free money.
Conspiracy???
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
Heck yes it's a conspiracy! Yet I am semi-dumb and decently poor...why don't they realize that? Oh because my GPA says otherwise...but honestly my GPA hasn't helped me much either. I feel a little screwed over here! Well I dunno. I guess I shouldn't feel completely unlucky. I'll get by.
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Oh FAFSA can be abused once a college has this one code they can change it at will if you even change colleges if they are trying to get you back.
It is unreal. Not a pleasant experience.
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Teacher Education Student.
I wouldn't doubt it. That's why I as much as the financial aid office is there to help you afford college, I don't think they are always on your side.
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Doooooo it...
Sorry but there are some idiot FA offices that I will give this example will reuse and change the same fafsa they used the year before. They changed a FAFSA a college did on me without my permission or knowlege.
Published Author and Poet
Teacher Education Student.