Useful Financial Aid Sites and Tools


Guide to Free Scholarship Resources

Dear Student:

A word of advice: Do not use "scholarship search services" which require a fee.  Applicants who have tried these services, better known as "scholarship scams," overwhelmingly report dissatisfaction, unrealistic requirements for applicants, and lack of results, according to the Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm or www.bbb.org/

Follow the suggested activities of other highly successful scholarship recipients to create a personal search. Seek out high school and college counselors and service organizations trained and expert in helping students locate scholarships. Exhaust all the possibilities.

The serious applicant will plan and work to receive a private scholarship. The best strategies include resourcefulness, tenacity and creativity. Good Luck!

Start search early--allow at least one year to:

  • FIND scholarships using the reference section in this brochure; this is an ongoing activity.

  • APPLY for scholarships, which may include writing for and obtaining application materials.

  • PAY STRICT ATTENTION TO DEADLINES.

  • ALLOW TIME to complete the following tasks:

- resume preparation,
- college admission applications (may require admission to a major/program)
- college admission tests (plan to take early or retake)
- requests for official high school or college transcripts
- completion of Free Application for Federal Student Aid for need-based scholarships
- other related individual campus forms
- essay composition
- letters of reference
- portfolio or audition material composition
- interviews, travel, other required activities, etc.

  • IDENTIFY your college expenses including tuition, fees, books, room and board, transportation and misc. costs.

  • MAXIMIZE your other resources, in addition to scholarships, such as savings and work opportunities.

Highly Successful Scholarship Recipients Share Tips:

Note the following comments from past awardees:

  • Even in the FREE scholarship databases, a few sponsors require students to pay a fee. Be aware!

  • When students build a profile on the scholarship databases, they may decline to include their names on mailing lists. Declining to have their names on mailing lists does not adversely affect the scholarship matches.

  • In order to apply for a private scholarship once a match is found through the free databases, you must write to the company for an application. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope even if you are not instructed to do this. Companies mail the application back much more quickly with a SASE.

  • The best time to apply for scholarships for the next fall is during September through December. The companies that offer the largest awards tend to have deadlines in the early fall.

  • Once you build a profile in the free scholarship databases, check your mailbox often for new matches. Also, modify your profile frequently to find more matches.

  • Create your own scholarship search file. The information you collect to apply for one scholarship will likely be used in applications for many scholarships. Keep the information in one place and this will help streamline the application process.

  • A potential benefit of applying for scholarships sponsored by companies associated with your major is future access to information on internships and employment opportunities.

  • If you do not receive an award, most companies will mail a list of awardees to an applicant if requested. By contacting a current awardee, an applicant may determine what to do the next application cycle to win the award.

  • My parent's employer started a NEW scholarship as a benefit for me and other dependents of employees. To establish the scholarship, the company went through Citizens Scholarship Foundation of America, 652 N. Girls School Road, Suite 220, Indianapolis, IN 46214.

  • Not all scholarships require academic excellence. Some focus on heritage, ethnicity, disadvantage, first generation to attend college, career goals, college major, military or work experience, religious or political association, volunteerism, club activities, leadership and talent. Apply for the awards where you meet ALL of the top qualifications listed for candidates.

  • *The free databases do not list all scholarship possibilities. I found my best award in a book.


References:

PERSONAL:

Do not underestimate the valuable "network" at home, at work, and at school. These persons include:

  • Family--a large portion of private-sector scholarships come from parents' employers. Ask if your parent/ family employer sponsors scholarships.

  • Friends, extended family members, fellow student recipients, professors, mentors, administrators, and religious associates. Close contacts may know of scholarship opportunities based on heritage, ethnicity, gender, location, club, political or religious affiliation.


WEB SITES:

If you do not have access to the web, check to see if your local library provides this service.

http://www.finaid.org/
The Financial Aid Information Page--this is the most comprehensive source of financial aid information available. On this page see . . .

  • "Scholarships" to find the FREE scholarship databases. Follow instructions under each database heading carefully. Modify your "profile" to maximize scholarship matches.
  • "Ask the Aid Advisor" to ask on-line questions about financing your education.
  • "Calculators" then "Financial Aid Estimation Form" to estimate federal financial aid eligibility
  • Links to other web sites for student financial assistance service organizations.
    •

    http://www.finaid.org/nasfaa
    On this page see . . .

  • "Timely Information for Parents and Students"
  • "Cash for College"
    •

    http://sciencewise.com/molis/

  • Minority On-Line Information Services - This site provides scholarship search opportunities for qualified minority applicants. New beginning fall 2000: 1,000 new minority scholarships.
    •

    http://www.gripmagazine.com/money.html

  • Student sponsored site for internet resource for grants, free loans and financial aid listings.
      •  

    IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT WEB SITES:

    http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

    - NEW Electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students must complete this form for consideration for many need-based scholarships.

    http://www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/FAFSA

    - Help in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

    http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/t4_codes.html

    - Title IV school codes needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

    http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/students

    - Important educational references on financing higher education for students.

    http://www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide

    - The Department of Education "Guide" to federal student aid.

    http://www.AmeriCorps.org/

    - The AmeriCorps program provides full-time educational awards in return for work in community service. You may also call 1-800-942-2677.

    http://web.rams-fie.com/

    - FEDIX can help students, administrators, and faculty find current federal funding information.

    http://www.ed.gov/inits/hope/

    - Guidance and explanation of the new HOPE scholarship tax credit and the Lifetime Learning tax credit. Review all of the higher education tax incentives which are part of the Tax Relief Act of 1997.

    http://www.irs.ustreas.gov

    - See "Publication 520" for scholarships and fellowships.
    - See "Publication 970" for tax benefits for higher education.

    OTHER EDUCATIONAL WEB SITES:

    www.nassgap.org
    National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs.

    www.ed.gov/EdRes/EdFed/ERIC.html
    USDE's Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system.

    Search the web under such topics as "student financial services," "student grants," and other similar topics. JUST LOOK!

    Remember, these web sites will provide NUMEROUS other links to web sites you may wish to explore. Make bookmarks for these sites so you may refer to them later.

    BOOKS:

    Scholarship books may be found in most college and public libraries. You may browse the book contents in local bookstores as well.

    - AFL-CIO Guide to Union Sponsored Scholarships, Awards and Student Financial Aid; AFL-CIO Pamphlets Division, 815 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20006. FREE to union members and $3 to others.

    - Directory of Financial Aid for Minorities; by Gail Schlachter, 1995. NOT FREE. Check in college and public libraries. Bookstore: Appr. $50.

    - Directory of Financial Aid for Women; by Gail Schlachter, 1995. NOT FREE. Check in college and public libraries. Bookstore: Appr. $50.

    - Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents; 1996. Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Handling cost: $2.75 prepaid. Updated every January.

    - Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities; HEATH Publications, One DuPont Circle, Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20036. Single issue FREE.

    - Foundation Grants to Individuals; 1995. Foundation Center, 79 5th Avenue 8th Floor, New York, NY 10003. NOT FREE Check in college and public libraries. Bookstore: Appr. $65.

    - How the Military Will Help You Pay for College; 1990.Peterson's Guides, Box 212 Princeton, NJ 08543. NOT FREE Check in college and public libraries. Bookstore: Appr. $15.

    - Scholarship Book; by Daniel Cassidy, 1996. NOT FREE. Check in college and public libraries. Bookstore: Appr. $25.

    ORGANIZATIONAL:

    Inquire about scholarships at all of the following applicable organizations.

    - The college, university, or local library may provide electronic scholarship search capabilities.
    - Check websites of organizations associated with student financial services. Many sponsor scholarships.
    - Many college financial aid offices post outside scholarship notices as well as institutional awards.
    - High school counselors receive scholarship notices for student information.
    - College departments often provide bulletin boards with private scholarship notices. Do not overlook campus talent and athletic awards, in addition to academic achievement awards.
    - College centers such as TRIO programs, minority centers, women's resource centers, student government, sororities and fraternities often sponsor scholarships, grants or awards.
    - Graduate or professional school offices receive scholarship notices.
    - Civic organizations such as social services and guidance offices may have scholarship or grant information.
    - Check with student clubs and organizations.
    - ASK all businesses and public service organizations in your community about scholarship opportunities.
    - Companies may publish scholarship announcements in magazines or trade journals.
    - Watch for scholarship postings at your local post office.
    - Check with local department of Veteran's Affairs if parent was in the Armed Forces.
    - Labor Unions may sponsor student scholarships where parents are members.
     
     

    Information compiled by Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators