Isn’t it great to be earning a 5- to 6-digit salary every year? You can already imagine getting to rub elbows with Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. Getting a college degree is equivalent to dollar signs flashing in your eyes. It increases your earning power at the same time, expands your career options. However, most aspirants and parents are worried about finding the best school and the means to pay for the college tuition. The admission season is fast approaching and you are searching the Net for funding answers. If you are already in your college of choice but you still want financial aid to keep you going, then you need to find scholarships for current college students. There are so many funding programs around that are applicable even to international students. Before you even consider getting a bank loan, try checking these top 10 tips in getting scholarships. This way, you can save yourself from the heavy burden and you will thank yourself for seeking funding alternatives.

10. Re-apply for your scholarships

If you already have your scholarship, check if you can still re-apply for the next season. This is one of the easiest options that you can take when you are looking for the perfect scholarship program. While it is true that some scholarships grant support for a one-year term, some scholarships can be re-issued and you have to re-apply every year. List down all your scholarships and check which ones are renewable. Make sure that you also list down the due dates so you will know when to turn in your materials.

9. Look for scholarships by level

It takes a great amount of patience and perseverance in looking for the right scholarship. There are loads of scholarship programs around that only cater to current college students. One great example is the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. It is only open to junior college students. Do not just settle for this season’s scholarship. Look for scholarships for your sophomore, junior and senior years. You will have a list of scholarships and their application deadlines so you will have enough time to secure your future without experiencing too much stress.

8. Seek professional organizations

Professional organizations provide scholarships for aspiring students who are aiming to do well on their chosen field. These organizations aim to nurture and promote talent for the future of their respective industries. For instance, the Methodist Health System offers scholarships for students in the nursing program. Look for a list of professional organizations in your field to see if they have scholarship programs to offer you.

7. Scholarship requirements

You will not be able to get yourself into a scholarship program if you are not going to apply for one. Go and ask for application forms to be filled in with requirements such as citizenship, ethnicity, intended enrollment or college enrollment, participation in extra-curricular activities, social security number, connection to stated affiliation and many more. Remember to take this seriously and make sure to meet all their requirements prior to application.

6. Deadlines

Do not neglect the deadlines. All scholarships have it. The reason why it is highly recommended to get scholarship deadlines in advance is because you will want to have ample time to prepare all the necessary requirements. Double check if the deadline indicated is “received by” or “post marked.” If it is post marked, then all the scholarship materials must be turned in by 4:30pm of the day indicated. However, if the deadline must be received by the date indicated, then you must hurry up and accomplish all the scholarship materials five days at least before the said date. This is very critical as you can easily lose your scholarship just because you are a minute late in submitting the scholarship materials.

5. Recommenders

Most scholarship programs will require you to submit a letter of recommendation. The recommender can be your trusted professor, academic mentors like your advisor or director of the campus or the community leader that you have previously worked under. These people are significant in your scholarship application because they will provide you with letters of recommendation. Do not just pick someone who does not have an idea who you are or someone who just knows your first name. Make sure that these people you pick know you very well so they will speak great things about you.

4. Essays

Most of the time, the essay part of the application is the most critical. Some scholarships will ask you to write an essay. Cater the essay specifically to your chosen scholarship and the questions provided. Ask a family member, teacher, coach or a friend you really trust to proofread. Ask them what they think about your essay and the improvements that could still be done. When applying for scholarships, you need to demonstrate clearly your financial needs and your plans to get a college degree. You need to complete the application form and accomplish a one-page essay that is usually about your chosen field and how it will affect your career goals.

3. GPA

Most scholarships require your GPA so make sure that you double check all the requirements. These scholarships require a GPA of more than 2.7 before you can qualify. If you are confident enough with your very high GPA, then start looking for merit scholarships now. If you are already on your freshman year, then you can use your high school GPA for your application. The higher your GPA, the higher your chance of getting the scholarship program.

2. The application

Some of the scholarship applications may seem short and easy, especially online applications. However, you must take it seriously because your future depends on it. It could be easy to look for other scholarship programs, but it will not be easy to pass. The information that you put there is vital to your future. Be honest in answering the questions. Do not lie so you can impress them. It is also wise to add a pre-stamped postcard that is addressed to yourself. Most scholarship foundations lack the time to respond to all applicants through phone or email. Ask the foundation to return it to you upon receiving your application.

1. Scholarship scams

Does the opportunity sound too good to be true? Watch out for scholarship scams. Do not be afraid and lazy to investigate a suspicious scholarship foundation or provider. Search the Net or ask people around if the scholarship program is a scam. You can even ask your school to verify the scholarship’s legitimacy.