Begin your SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH Now - college costs - Brief Article

Winning a scholarship could make a sizable dent in your college tuition bill. But a number of common misconceptions about scholarships hold back many students from applying. Don't fall into the trap of believing that only high achievers and students with great financial need are eligible to win scholarships.

In reality, scholarships are awarded on the basis of a variety of criteria: intended college major, community service, and extracurricular activities, to name a few. Others to go children of parents who work for a certain company or belong to an organization or union. Not all scholarships are need-based. If you have a reasonably good grade-point average (B or better) and also participate in extracurricular activities, there are scholarships out there that you have a shot at winning.

When should I Start?

Most scholarship advisors recommend that students begin their scholarship search during their junior year. But it's never too early to start checking out the kinds of scholarships you might be eligible for. Follow this timetable to make sure you meet all scholarship deadlines.

Scholarship Search Timetable

* Begin your scholarship search 1 1/2 to 2 years before the start of your first college term.

* Request scholarship applications 1 to 1 1/2 years before the start of your college term.

* Mail all applications with necessary documentation 9 months to 1 year before start for term.

* Follow up with any organization you have applied to and not heard from 6 to 9 months before start of term.

* Write thank-you notes to organizations that have awarded you scholarships.

Where Do I Search?

Start your search using the following resources:

1. Scholarship listings in your school's college counseling office

2. Scholarship books from your local library or bookstore

3. Your parent's employer or union

4. Your place of worship

5. Local service organizations (Kiwanis, Elks, Lions, etc.)

6. Scholarship databases like FastWEB (www.fastweb.com), MACH 25 (www.collegenet.com), and FinAid! (www.finaid.com).

Scholarship Watch

Here are examples of scholarships geared to different interests, backgrounds, and affiliations:

Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation

Number of Awards: 300

Award Amount: $1,000-$1,500

Deadline: March 1

For high school seniors planning on enrolling full-time in a two-year or four-year college program in graphic communications. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and have an interest and/or participation in graphic arts. Financial need is not a criterion.

To request an application, call or write:

Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation

200 Deer Run Road

Sewickley, PA 15143

(412) 741-6860, Ext. 309

Application forms are also available on-line at www.gatf.org.

Ashby B. Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund

Founder's Awards: 3

Scholastic Achievement Awards: 3

Award Amount: $1,900-$5,000

Deadline: April 1

For seniors in high school who are dependents of members of the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees. Criteria for Founder's Awards: community involvement and leadership ability, scholastic average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and character. Applicants for the Scholastic Achievement Award are judged on superior scholastic achievement, field of interest, and participation in school activities.

For an application form, call or write:

National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees

c/o Ashby B. Carter Memorial Scholarship Fund

1628 11th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

(202) 939-6325, Ext. 247

McDonald's Corporation

Hispanic American Commitment to Education Resources (HACER)

Number of awards: 900-1,000

Award Amount: $1,000

Deadline: February 15

For high school seniors with at least one parent of Hispanic heritage. Applicants must live in a participating market area (for a list of eligible cities and states, phone 1-800-736-5219 toll-free). Applicants must have a record of academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement.

Application forms are available starting in October. Call 1-800-736-5219 or contact your high school counselor or local participating McDonald's restaurant.

For more information, contact:

Roberto Cornelio

Public & Community Affairs

McDonald's Corporation

Kroc Drive

Oak Brook, IL 60523

COPYRIGHT 2000 Weekly Reader Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group