Trying to win scholarships to pay for college is no easy feat. With a positive attitude, strong study ethic, and the desire to do your best, you can get closer...

WHEN APPLYING FOR COLLEGE CASH, DON'T... 1. wait until the last minute to search for scholarships. 2. tell a fib on your app'. Your lie may come back to haunt you -- and cost you a substantial scholarship. 3. hold back on listing your achievements and accomplishments. Now's not the time for modesty! DO... 1. start scholarship researching as early as possible. 2. apply for every award you think could work for you. 3. ask your parents if their jobs or organization affiliations offer scholarships.

Hard Work Reaps Money Rewards
By Rochelle DelGaizo Billera
October/November 2002

The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- It's always exciting to be awarded a scholarship. But when it's renewable in the amount of $10,500 each year until you complete your bachelor's degree, it's a financial dream come true. Add a personal computer and an opportunity for an internship after graduating, and you've got some pretty elated winners, thanks to the L'Oreal/Soft Sheen Carson Scholarship.

Just ask Aaron Hawkins, a freshman at Howard University, Washington, D.C. The engineering major was nearly speechless when his mom called him at his summer job to tell him he'd been named one of the six recipients of the scholarship.

"I dropped the phone in shock," Aaron admits. "'You're kidding,' I said." Once his mom assured Aaron she wasn't joking around, he wore an ear-to-ear smile all day at work, where he does maintenance. "I was so ecstatic I was smiling while picking up trash and doing stuff that wouldn't usually make you smile," he recalls.

Aaron says his hard work in high school truly paid off. "It's a stepping stone to your future college career," he says. "A little sacrifice can go a long way." For example, Aaron believes that resisting the temptation to party when you know you should be studying is a sure sign you're scholastically mature, and ready for the next level.

Laila G. Jones, a freshman at Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, couldn't agree more. "I always knew my studies had to come first," says the pre-med major. Although socializing and hanging out with friends is part of the college experience, Laila implores you to know the difference. Too much of it, of course, can hurt you.

Laila was also awarded the L'Oréal/Soft Sheen Carson Scholarship, which included a trip to California amidst the adornment of endorsing celebrities. The reward came as a result of her high academic standing, community service commitment, leadership skills, and social citizenship morals, as well as her athletic achievement.

"I cried tears of joy," says Laila, when she learned of her college cash earnings. "I was filled with excitement and pride."

If you're doubtful that you'll win money for higher ed', Laila says cease the uncertainty.

"There are always people [willing] to help you -- to prepare you for the demands of the real world -- if you're willing to look and reach out for help and guidance. There are no limitations, and the possibilities are endless."