Applying for Scholarships? Think Small

Paying for College
1

<p>"Forget about scoring that one big scholarship or grant to cover the rising cost of college. Students are finding that smaller is often more lucrative.</p>

<p>With many scholarship-application deadlines approaching in November, more students are applying to a wide range of smaller scholarships, hoping to piece together award money from various sources – often organizations that cater to a specific group, interest, subject matter, ethnicity or industry.</p>

<p>‘The problem with those large, national scholarships is that they also attract a huge number of applicants,’ says Gen Tanabe, author of ‘The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2012.’ He says the best sources for scholarship money are actually in your own backyard.'</p>

<p>According to student-loan provider Sallie Mae, 45% of students receive at least one scholarship. The average total amount: $7,677…"</p>

<p>Is it just me or does this seem like an obvious approach to scholarships?</p>

<p>[Applying</a> for Scholarships? Think Small - WSJ.com](<a href=“http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204138204576605363081237674.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_personalfinance]Applying”>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204138204576605363081237674.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_personalfinance)</p>

2

<p>My daughter has three “small” scholarships that are between $1,750 and $3000. They add up to a sizeable chunk of money. I think that it is a lot easier to get smaller, local scholarships than the national ones. Too many kids forget to check with their guidance offices to see what’s available close to home, or don’t bother to apply because it doesn’t look like enough money to be worth the effort.</p>

3

<p>I didn’t get any small local scholarships… Which I found odd given my applications were well above par for my region. I guess I’m a rare case where all I got were those few big scholarahips instead of many small ones.</p>

4

<p>That average looks awfully high to me unless they’re also counting merit aid given by the colleges themselves, which is not clear, as that would certainly skew the data. My kids have done well in comparison to many of their HS friends in scoring private scholarships. None have made it to the $7500 mark yet though I think my D came close if HS awards and matching funds from her university count. Pursuing these local scholarships is great but they’re almost always awarded for a single year, and usually to graduating seniors only…but every bit helps!</p>