Every high school senior wants to go to college. However, not all of them can pursue a college degree because it costs a fortune to pay for college education. It's not only the tuition students worry about, but also other needs such as books, housing, clothes and everyday expenses. Because of this, about 70% of American college students rely on scholarships to help support their needs.

Scholarships are basically grants given to students to assist them in achieving their educational goals. Unlike loans, scholarships come from sponsors who have donated a sum of money to help students to pay for their dues. But scholarships do not act mainly as financial aids; they also serve as opportunities for students to reach more than they aspire for. Academic scholarships may lead students to study abroad or help them qualify for internships in different firms and offices. Athletic scholarships, meanwhile, bring out the best of today's young athletes by pushing them to train and excel in their chosen sport.

Being a scholar helps one achieve his or her dream career as well. Different private companies and government agencies often immediately hire graduates who were scholars during their college days because of their tested capabilities. Some scholars already start working in offices even if they haven't graduated yet.

Many people think that scholarships are only for the poor and needy, but in fact these grants pave the way towards reaching one's dreams and ambitions. A lot of scholarship grants are now made available nowadays, and more and more students realize that there are avenues they can turn to achieve success not only in their studies, but more importantly, in their prospective careers.



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The task of finding and applying for financial aid makes some students and parents feel like they are lost in the woods. For many, it can appear easier to do nothing at all. A recent study by the American Council on Education found that approximately 1.5 million kids who might have qualified for federal higher education grants didn't even file financial aid forms.

For those seeking financial aid, begin with the federal financial aid form known as FAFSA. Families can file the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov, or via mail. Completing federal income tax forms makes filling out the FAFSA form a lot easier, and makes it less likely that you will have to provide more information later. Note: Funds are more readily available for those who apply early!

Following are some often overlooked tips for those seeking financial aid for their college education:

* Consult your guidance counselor. Guidance counselors receive a lot of information about financial aid programs, scholarships, and deadlines, as well as information from schools. Some guidance counselors send out newsletters to parents and students, while others keep it for those who ask.
* Check within your community. Many scholarships are available based on where you live, who you are and what you do. Be sure to inquire at work, your place of worship, the local Rotary Club, American Legion and businesses.
* Meet with your school financial aid officer. Some college and trade school financial aid officers have some discretion on financial aid packages and can adjust awards based on the information you provide and extenuating circumstances.
* Verify student loans. Parents and students often feel compelled to accept whatever student loan package is offered by their school. Students should research interest rates and payment schedules to get the best deal and to understand what they are getting into.
* Meet with university department heads. Students already in college should get to know the department head of their major since many departments have dedicated financial aid and scholarship opportunities for deserving students. Also, they may have job opportunities within the department.
* Monitor your funds. Financial aid programs assume that you will live within your means. Many students learn the hard way that paying for what you need means waiting for what you want.
* Conduct online research. Following are good resources for beginning your online research: Federalstudentaid.ed.gov (federal financial assistance), FinAid.org (scholarship searches and other forms of financial aid), Scholarships.com (free scholarship search), nasfaa.org (educates parents and students on borrowing student loans), and Sallie Mae (the largest issuer of student loans).

Obtaining financial aid for a college education is toughest on those who need the most help, but there are people and organizations out there who value education and can help kids succeed once they take that first step.



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