How to pay for College: Apply for Private Scholarships & Grants

How to pay for College: Apply for Private Scholarships & Grants

August 06, 2021

Working with our Financial Coaching Clients, we know how concerned they are about finding ways for themselves or their children to get a good education without going into debt. That’s why we created this series about Education Planning.

See our other Education Planning blog posts:
The best paying part-time jobs for college students - 30 Best Jobs, while going to College!
Pay for College using 6 grants, good grades, scholarships, low income grants, and more.

When it comes to college, it’s never too early to explore, research, and dream. And you’re not alone—we’re here to help guide you through that journey.

Check your High School to determine if  they have scholarships that are sponsored by the community you in which you live. In addition, in here are a few scholarships you can check out.

 Soroptimist International (your own city or county Club) or check Soroptimist International of the Americas, https://www.soroptimist.org/for-clubs-and-members/program-resources/soroptimist-club-grants-for-women-and-girls.html

Rotary https://my.rotary.org/en/document/facts-about-rotary-scholarships,

Kiwanis, https://www2.kiwanis.org/childrensfund/impact-and-programs/scholarship-opportunities#.YQWFUERKjIU.

Moose Lodge https://www.mooseintl.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/HOC-Scholarship-Info.pdf,

Daughters of American Revolution DAR Citizenship award https://www.dar.org/

Some high schools have 30 to 52 different scholarships available. Make sure to talk to your counselor  as they may have information that could really help you. Research and find out how and what qualifies you for the scholarship or grants and do this early on in your high school education, right when you start school in your junior year so that you are ready for your Senior year to apply.

Make a list of colleges and check out the opportunities for Scholarships & Grants at each one. You can do some of your research at this site and make college choices based on location, major, campus life, scholarships and type of college go to  https://collegesearch.collegeboard.org/home or you can go to each individual colleges and talk to the counselor.

The College Board will award 500 Opportunity Scholarships every month in January, February, and March, to students who build a college list, and 100 Opportunity Scholarships per month in April, May, and June.

  • What is a college list?

A college list is a record you create of colleges and universities that could be a good fit for you. The list can include schools close to home or in other cities and states.

  • How can I build a strong list?

Consider colleges that match your interests, goals, and what’s important to you. You can use average GPA and test scores, potential majors, and other factors to help you narrow it down.

Scholarships are awarded every month from January through June 2021. A new eligibility window starts on the first day of each month and ends at midnight on the last day of the month. The drawing occurs on the first day of the following month.

Start Early

Plan out the scholarships and grants for which you would like to apply so that you have the best chance of landing as many as possible. Good luck!

 

Book a Call today and let’s discuss your options.

Lillian Meyers CFP®, CDFA®, EA is a financial planner in Sonoma, California helping clients live their best life through the use of financial planning, investment management, and other sophisticated financial options.