Finding scholarships in tough times
It is no secret that the economy is affecting students and colleges alike. Just when students need more scholarship assistance, colleges and universities have less of it to give. We are all feeling the squeeze of a tight economy--students and parents are worried about how to pay for college, and colleges and universities are worried about how students and parents are going to pay for college, too.
What to do? Well, my advice is first and foremost to apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA, regardless of your financial circumstances. Even if you don't think you'll qualify for free or "gift aid", you might be surprised, and if your circumstances change throughout the year, you have started the process to seek aid later.
Also, you have to do your homework to find outside scholarships. Sometimes if may feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but there are still organizations out there that are able to award scholarships. So apply! These organizations may award smaller awards than last year, but every little bit helps, doesn't it? Don't make the mistake of counting yourself out by not applying. There are good websites, like FastWeb.com and CollegeBoard.com that help you find financial resources. States have non-profit student finacial aid organizations that can help. Do a web search on google or yahoo. Browse through your local newspaper. Check with civic organization. But be persistent.
For example, are you a South Carolina resident? Will you be attending college in the fall pursuing a bachelor's degree? Do you have at least a 2.5 GPA? Are you responsible and civic-minded, and need help paying for college? You might qualify for a scholarship from the Strom Thurmond Foundation. Here is the website where you can find an application to complete:
http://sites.google.com/site/stromthurmondfoundation/
There are many, many organizations out there, you just have to look for them.