Junior year is wrapping up.  You have either finished school already or the end is in sight.  Hopefully you have plans to spend some of your spare time this summer focused on your college search.  While looking at colleges may automatically be included in your summer college search plans, did you realize that now is the perfect time to begin searching for scholarships as well?  While it is true that many applications may not be available until the Fall or Spring, you can begin researching which ones you may qualify for based on their specific requirements.  Typically they are due around the same time every year, so you can keep a spreadsheet of the ones you may qualify for, their due dates and their contact information.  Doing so will help you streamline your scholarship search process and save valuable time next year.

Not convinced that searching and applying for scholarships is a good use of your time?  Here is an article about a recent graduate that spent an average 5 hours per week applying for local scholarships.  So far he has raked up scholarships totaling over $22,000 for his first year of college.  While many students do not receive that much in scholarships, it is important to apply to all the different scholarship avenues available.  Don’t discount a $500 scholarship, while it may not cover the cost of college, receiving a bunch of them will quickly add up.  And any money that does not have to borrowed saves you not only the initial amount, but the interest that would have been accruing on that money over a 10 plus year payback.  Keep the bigger picture in mind.

So begin your scholarship search now.  Don’t listen to the myth that it’s too early.  It may not be the most fun thing you’ll do all summer, but it just may be one of the more beneficial ways you spend your time.

Organize your search today,
Val