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The learning curve is steep for senior students and their parents as they apply for college admission and scholarships, as well as for federal financial aid. Witness the following frustrations:
"I'm a lost cause. I have no community service or leadership experience to put on my application!"
"What kind of question is this? " Describe one idea that gave you the most inspiration?"
"Where are those certificates from ninth grade? I remember that I won a few awards."
"This application wants references from three people -- teachers, a youth leader and another adult!"
"This scholarship asks for proof that grandfather was a veteran. How do I get that?"
Students who can overcome their frustrations, however, not only gain a heads- up when it comes to applying for college admission and scholarships, they also learn some of the same job skills young people will use in the workplace of their future.
When applying for college, students must explore options and be flexible. Here are some suggestions for simplifying the complexity of college admission and scholarship applications.
Take the ACT/SAT more than one time, send test scores to several colleges, apply to more than one college or school and apply for all scholarships for which you qualify. One tip: If you don't know an answer on the tests, don't guess. Leave the space blank; a wrong answer counts against you.
Use your resources. Talk with school counselors and students who attend your school of preference. Visit with alumni who are working in your field of interest and talk to college professors in your major areas of interest. Attend pre-college events and tours. You may or may not have a definite college preference, but by reviewing several choices, you can make the best decision.
Consider all sources that offer scholarships - those based on financial need, as well as on merit. Learn their requirements and timetables. Scholarships are offered university-wide and by specific colleges within universities. Other scholarship sponsors include youth organizations, churches, community memorials and service organizations. Government loans and the military are further options.
Be aware, however, of bogus scholarship programs. Look for these signs that a scholarship offer might be a sham:
- The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.
- You can get the information only from one party.
- The organization promises to do all the work for you.
- You need to pay up front to get a scholarship.
- You are a finalist for a scholarship (one you never applied for).
All of these "offers" sound too good to be true -- another tip they are not for real. Be a smart consumer, as well, in reviewing details of a student loan, so you make a selection you can live with.
When applying for college admission or for scholarships, you will need to organize your accomplishments. Begin with three lists:
- My skills (what I can/have done, what I do well or like to do)
- My knowledge (what I know, concepts I grasp and practice)
- Personal qualities (Think of what your best friend might say about you to someone else.)
Review some of your favorite accomplishments that go beyond awards. Describe your learning experiences and tell what you now value as a result of those experiences.
If you are one of the lucky ones who began a journal or a scrapbook in junior high, the details of your school career will be easy to find. Arrange them in chronological order. Include information about volunteer work, employment and organizations to which you belong. Review related documents, and cluster information under the headings of community service, leadership, achievement and school involvement (art, sports, academic, organizations). If you are still at the junior high or early high school stage, this is a good time to record the name and address of favorite teachers, who could be future references.
For some, the tough questions involve goals -- work, career or life goals. This can be especially problematic when students are unsure of their area of study. Review your resume. Use it to help set up goals, then share the results with peers, adult friends and teachers. They may be able to help you identify missing details.
Now that you are a person with goals, create actions steps to broaden your experiences. For example, enroll in a weekend computer class. Volunteer to read to shut-ins. Join a book club. Participate in intramural sports. These experiences are best undertaken prior to your last year in high school year, but continue them in your senior year, so you can stay competitive. College standards continue to rise, but so does the desire of schools to attract and award students with broad character bases. The same applies to the working world. Employers are no longer satisfied only with skill level. They also want to know how you work with people and solve problems.
One way to communicate this is through the admissions essay you will write. If writing an essay seems overwhelming to you, check various web sites for tips. On the web, you will find writing ideas, as well as sample essays. Editing services are available for a fee from www.editmenow.com or www.essayedge.com.
During the review process, college officials will check your transcripts for the difficulty and depth of the classes you took and will convert national test scores to credits. They will look for experiences as a school leader, community volunteer or as an employee. Try to participate in a variety of activities, but do not think you must do it all.
Be honest, but do present the most flattering information about yourself. Overcoming low grade points or discipline problems shows character. Just don't wait until spring semester of your senior year to begin the process.
For more information about this topic, contact Donna Liess, Colorado State University Extension agent in Weld County, Colorado - phone: (970) 356-4000 Ext. 4465 or e-mail: dliess@co.weld.co.us
or contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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