Why Apply?

The Best Ways to get College Money

Why Apply?

Megan Dorny, Staff Writer


“Have you checked your Naviance account?”

The discussion always begins that way. Stop by a councilor’s office, ask about scholarships and each will give the same speech they have given to hundreds prior.

Although Naviance’s resources are fantastic, there are several other ways to earn scholarships.

The School Itself

As it turns out, college costs money. But, as it turns out, colleges have money. Most schools have specific applications to be considered for that award or the application already filled out doubles as scholarship application. Unfortunately, there’s no set format, so each school has different rules. Though one consistency remains: the school website and representatives hold the answers to inquiries.

Dozens of Websites

Other than Naviance, there are hundreds of websites available to help pick majors and find scholarships. Sites such as scholarships.com, mymarjor.com and cappex.com are easily manageable and vastly accessible. Signing up is simple; name, e-mail, tid-bits of information to guide the process. Simple, yet time consuming. Each process is a little different and every website requires vast amount of information to narrow down results. It tends to be annoying, but not quite as terrible as Goggling “scholarships for me”

The result is similar to Naviance’s: the best possible way to get as much money to pay for college as possible. Sifting through the inapplicable to fit the qualifications. They can easily find applications for everything from sports to science fairs.

More Places Than You Think

Not just Ralston Valley holds awards. Jefferson County and the community award money for several achievements. Many corporations offer scholarships to the children of employees. Get involved because chances are the rewards outweigh the cost to creating art for reflections or joining NHS. Large scale, education based programs want college graduates. Even PTSA holds future education awards.

Don’t Discount the Little Guy

Unfortunately, there are limited amounts of full-ride scholarships available. But there are thousands of partial costs out there. $500 may not seem like much, but 13 awards of $500 piles up quickly. Apply for everything, from $50 to $50,000. Money is money, and will pay the same way. Often times, the small paying scholarships are ignored and  have fewer applicants, thus a greater chance of receiving it. Smaller scholarships can also have less hoops to jump through. Rather than go through an application, consideration and interview process for the prestigious Boettcher Foundation, simpler application can add up to a full ride.

Work Hard, Pay Hard

Scholarships are earned. They are not gifts, they are awards. In order to achieve any honors, effort must be put forth. Applications are tedious, but necessary. Getting involved with the community and a variety of activities presents more opportunity. The process is not for the faint of heart but available to all those who seek it.