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Did
you know there are other factors involved in receiving funds
for school besides the obvious?
It's
Not All About Need and Merit
By
Lynda Kessler
February 2002
The
CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- Did you ever consider that
your ethnic background or religious affiliation could greatly
influence your scholarship chances? According to Murray Baker,
author of The Debt-Free Graduate: How to Survive College
Without Going Broke (Career Press, 2000), it is possible
to get cash this way, as well as through your parents' work
and professional involvement, and based on where you live.
An
Answer To Your Prayers
You may be eligible to receive a scholarship from your place
of worship. Or, you can get aid from a nationally recognized
organization like the Jewish Federation of Women or the Catholic
War Veterans. Baker suggests looking into other religious
institutions as well because they usually offer scholarships
to their members.
Your
Address is Invaluable
You can secure college dollars from your town, city, county,
state, and region (check out InsideEdge's State
Database). In his book, Baker expresses that an address-cash
connection is especially important to all you small-town teens
-- you might just be the only one in your town furthering
your studies in a particular major -- making you an instant
"shoe-in."
"Look
what I can do!"
Tying a cherry stem into a knot without using your hands may
boost your popularity at parties, but that won't necessarily
place dollar bills in your pocket to pay for college. However,
that hidden talent you possess in poetry, writing, or painting
may just be your financial aid ticket. Share your skills with
those that can affect you financially.
Tap
Into Parental Resources
Baker suggests seeking out clubs that your 'rents are involved
in. Your mom's involvement with the Parent Teacher Association
or your dad's work with the Kiwanis Club, for instance, may
pay off as a tuition triumph. Their employers may even offer
scholarships, too, so encourage them to inquire with their
job's Human Resources department. In addition, if your 'rents
attended college, it would be wise to apply for any scholarships
awarded to children of alumni. Plus, if mom or dad are affiliated
with fraternity, sorority, or social organizations, consider
vying for scholarships they offer as well.
Make
a List
Put together a list of qualities that you believe are your
strengths. Include your ethnicity, race, gender, best characteristics,
talents, interests, and future goals. See how you would fare
against others. For example, if you can draw well, but know
that you're not the best in your painting class, you may not
want to set your sights on a highly selective art scholarship.
But, if there's a lesser-publicized art contest for which
you feel you've got a shot, go for it.
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