College Preparation, Scholarships and Career Planning
What kinds of scholarships are available?
Some scholarships for college are merit-based . You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need.
Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people. For instance, there are scholarships for women or graduate students; some are available because of where you or your parent work; or because you come from a certain background (for instance, military families , income level, etc.).
A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, it’s worth applying for, because it’ll help reduce the cost of your education.
Where can you find scholarships?
● High school meetings ● Financial aid office at a college or career school ● High school or TRIO counselor ● U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool ● Federal agencies ● Your state grant agency ● Your library’s reference section ● Foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups ● Organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest ● Ethnicity-based organizations ● Your employer or your parents’ employers
A link to a variety of financial assistance information including a free scholarship search, fee calculators, military aid, ROTC, loans, general information on financial aid forms, and college savings plans.
When you fill out the FAFSA form, you are providing the federal government with the information it needs to calculate your expected family contribution (EFC). It then uses your EFC to calculate how much aid you will be offered.
A leading online resource in finding scholarships that are specific to your needs. Once you complete your profile, you’ll have access to a database of over 1.5 million scholarships.
Whether you’re considering post-secondary education, already enrolled, a parent wanting to help your child pay for college, or repaying student debt, this federally-sponsored student aid website may have the tools and resources that can help.
In addition to being a college admissions exam, the ACT includes a profile and education/career planning section to help you plan for life after high school. You will receive personalized career information and develop a comprehensive profile that tells colleges about your work in high school and future plans. You can also see your strengths and weaknesses in the subject areas tested to help direct your future education.
College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success. Take a SAT practice test, register for the SAT, and find other great information and resources.
One of the best testing prep sites, but also includes college and scholarship searches, links to help you explore majors and careers and the option to buy test prep materials.
