America's Best Colleges for B Students. Tamra B. Orr

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      CHAPTER SIX

      B STUDENTS CAN WIN SCHOLARSHIPS TOO

      “My GPA is not that hot…and my SAT scores were lousy because I had a temperature/didn't get enough sleep/forgot to prepare/had an argument with my boyfriend, so I wonder if I can even get into college. But heck, college costs thousands and thousands of dollars and my family cannot afford that. Why even apply? My parents don't have the money and scholarships only go to the straight A students anyway…”

      Have you had that conversation with yourself? If so, you aren't the first and certainly won't be the last to do so. But be advised: Such thinking is a big mistake.

      Without question, college costs a lot, and most families struggle to find enough money to pay for it. But those scholarships you keep hearing about are not just for the eggheads or overachievers who excelled in everything from U.S. history to trigonometry.

      So who exactly gets scholarships besides those with high numbers? Let's take a look.

Students who show genuine financial need

      And you thought growing up without a Porsche in the driveway was a bad thing? Scholarships were originally set up for these very students. They were put into place to support students’ families financially so that college could be possible for many more than just those who can afford it. If your family has a genuine need to help you attend college, many scholarships may be available for you. The key to snatching one of them is simple: be honest about ALL your numbers, including finances; don't try to fudge those income levels. That isn't honest, and you will get caught. Also be prepared to show any extenuating circumstances behind those numbers. Was your mother laid off? Was there a medical emergency? Does your family have three kids in college already? These are important factors to include.

Students with a disability or illness

      Not that you would wish for one, but if you happen to have a documented disability or illness, there is assistance for you because of it. A number of organizations support students with some kind of physical challenge. Scholarships are available from such sources as the Alexander Graham Bell Association, American Foundation for the Blind, Hemophilia Resources of America and the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

Students with specific majors

      Already know what you want to do with the rest of your life? Countless organizations support young people who are pursuing certain careers. You must show that you are genuinely passionate about whatever field it might be, from digital photography to interior design. You will need to let the scholarship people know how you found out about the field, who mentored or inspired you, how your dedication grew and what skills you learned or developed. Have truthful, profound stories ready to share. Have you started your own business in this career already? Have you supported your fascination through volunteer work? Do you have recommendations from people in a related field? These are the factors that will help a committee select you above all others for that cash. Consider these examples: The American Nursery and Landscape Association has money for those who love flowers, trees and the outdoors. The Arabian Horse Foundation helps those who adore horses. Other organizations have money for those whose focus is cooking, construction, forestry, hospitality, the performing arts and more.

Students who show leadership

      Are you known for taking charge and putting things together? Do you already have a few groupies that really like you? Scholarship committees are impressed with young people who have shown some form of leadership. If you have helped others by using your abilities in organization and guidance, or if you have inspired others, then this is the place to let it be known.

       MYTH:YOU NEED STRAIGHT A'S TO WIN MONEY FOR COLLEGE

      The Truth: While straight A's certainly don't hurt your chances of winning [scholarships and awards for college], you may be tempted to place too much importance on your grades. Many scholarships are based on criteria other than grades and are awarded for specific skills or talents such as linguistic, athletic or artistic ability. Even for scholarships in which grades are considered, GPA is often not the most important factor. What's more important is that you best match the qualities the scholarship committee seeks. Most students who win scholarships do not have the highest GPA. Don't let the lack of a perfect transcript prevent you from applying for scholarships.

      —GEN AND KELLY TANABE, Get Free Cash for College

      What have you done? Show it, don't just tell it. Give concrete examples such as letters of recommendation, photographs and projects. Point out the responsibilities you have taken on and what they have taught you. Places like the Financial Service Centers of America, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and Discover Card promote their own businesses by sharing their profits with students like you.

Students with particular religious backgrounds

      If you have been wondering if God has been listening to those prayers, this might be your answer. To promote the growth and development of their religion or denomination, many church organizations offer students college scholarships. Okay, time for real honesty here. Do not try to get one of these scholarships or awards if the only times you go to church are to attend weddings, funerals and pray right before a major test. You have to be a true believer and show it through your active involvement with the church. Perhaps you lead a youth group, work in the church nursery, take classes from the pastor or participate in other areas of ministry. It is common to see scholarships from the Methodist, Catholic, Baptist and Presbyterian churches.

Students with superior athletic ability

      Love to chase some kind of ball around? If you are the star football, basketball, baseball, tennis, СКАЧАТЬ