| Don't overlook local scholarships. Check out your school counselor's office. Do this your JR year. Get copies of the applications so that you know what is required and can work on areas in which you are weak. Set up a file of applications appropriate to your circumstances, by due date. Actually fill them out. Carefully and neatly. Typed. And do them even when you think that its just stupid and you would rather do something else. A lot of other people thought the same thing.
Especially check out merit scholarship opportunities from the individual schools which is often your largest source of aid. If you think that your FAFSA is not your friend, check out especially which schools allow for stacking. This can make all the difference in the world.
Do well on your PSAT. This opens up a world of opportunities.
And check right now for college scholarship deadlines, as they are often much earlier than application deadlines.
If you are willing to take this seriously, I am telling you that you may be very surprised at the very happy mail that you begin to receive. This is very hard work. And time consuming. But I can tell you from experience that a free ride to college overshadows all the annoyance associated with this effort.
And additionally, the self reflection and skills gained are an enormous additional benefit that will be of immediate use when you get to college.
Good luck! |