How to win Online Scholarships in 6 simple ways?

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Scholarships are awarded to eligible students to help with college expenses. Students that are looking for other ways to help finance their college education can apply for scholarships that they qualify for. This is a great way for students to pay for an education and not have to worry about paying the money back after graduation.

Get the money you need to pay for your higher education. Learn how to win online scholarships in 6 simple ways.

1. Make sure you qualify for the scholarship before applying

When applying for scholarships, make sure you meet the requirements. It is a complete waste of time to go through the entire process of filling out the application, writing an essay and putting all the documents together only to find out you do not qualify for the scholarship. Only apply for scholarships that you qualify for.

2. Maintain an excellent GPA to win online scholarships

If your GPA (grade point average) is not high enough you will not win online scholarships. To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, make sure you have a good GPA that is acceptable for the scholarship that you are applying for. Don’t apply until your GPA is satisfactory.

3. Look for scholarships that are not in demand

Don’t make the mistake by applying for scholarships that everyone else is applying for. Scholarships that are popular and are in high demand are going to have a lot of applicants. Your chances of winning these scholarships will decrease because of the competition. Take the time to find online scholarships that are not so popular.

4. Don’t target a specific major scholarship

Find scholarships that are good for any major instead. By only applying for scholarships that cater to your major, you narrow your pool of college financing opportunities. Usually a specific scholarship such as a pre-law or pre-med scholarship attract the best and brightest students, so if you are not up to par, look elsewhere where the competition is not so strong. Look for scholarships where your chance of winning is above 50 percent.

5. Apply for scholarships that target ethnicity, a special talent or religious affiliation

Applying for online scholarships that cater to a certain ethnicity, talent or religious affiliation is a good way to increase your chances of winning scholarships. Most of these scholarships are overlooked because most students go after the most popular scholarships. However, the popular scholarships are more difficult to win.

6. Write a winning scholarship essay

The essay is one of the most important aspects of winning an online scholarship. Take the time to write the best scholarship essay that will impress the judges. Make sure you read and follow the directions given. Write an essay that is based on the organizations purpose for awarding scholarships and why they should choose you over other candidates.

That’s all there is to learning how to win online scholarships in 6 simple ways. Good luck and best wishes.

Tags: Scholarships
Posted in Financial Aid | 6 Comments »

Funding Your Online Education – 5 Basic Rules for Success

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

If you are searching for ways to fund your online education, all the details and fine print can be a bit overwhelming. It is all facts and figures, which add up to lots of calculations. If, while making these calculation, you find out there is a short coming in funding your online education here are 5 basic rules for success;

1. Funding Online Education is Just like Funding Traditional Education

When searching for ways to fund an online education, all the same factors apply as long as the online degree program is offered by an accredited online college or university and it is properly registered with the right authority. This is crucial so do diligent research before when choosing an online degree program.

2. Scholarships and Grants are the Best Way to Fund Your Online Education

The best way to fund your online education is with scholarships and grants. They are both very similar however they vary in purpose. Typically, scholarships are given based on academic achievement and merit. Grants, most of the time, are based on different qualifications, like; financial need, ethnicity, or geographic location. Many places specialize in helping students find grants and scholarships. A very useful source is the website Fastweb, which is an online database of scholarships and grants.

3. Make Use of Federal Loans and Grants

Federal loans can be used for online education. Federal loans like the Stafford Loans are often packaged with grants and scholarships. Payments for these loans will not start until 6 months after a student finishes or leaves college.

4. Apply to FAFSA as soon as possible

The easiest way to get funding for your online education is apply for financial aid with www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is vital for a student to fill out this application out as soon as possible before the deadlines. The longer an online student waits the less assistance they will receive from financial aid. So, do not wait until the last minute.

5. Be Sure to Check with Your School’s Financial Aid Office

Make sure you contact the college or university’s financial aid office when you are seeking funding for online education. Most schools will assign a specific financial aid counselor to assist students with finding resources to finance their college education and online education is no different.

When you are seeking funding for your online education keep these 5 rules in mind and you would be successful in obtaining financial assistance.

Tags: College Education, Grants, Online Students, Scholarships
Posted in Financial Aid, Online Students | 2 Comments »

Tuition Fee Discount for Serving Military Families

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

If you are a US citizen and have served or are serving in the military, then it can be quite tough for your family members if they are pursuing higher education as your family will be constantly relocating and you will have to keep enrolling your family members into new schools. You and your family members will however, be eligible for certain amount of tuition fee discounts.

Educational benefits for military families

When it comes to education, the military ensures that it offers all, if you are an active, reserve or National Guard service member, your spouse and family members will get a variety of education benefits. These discounts are applicable if you are serving in uniform or are a retired-veteran.

The various education benefit options include:

College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)
Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance Top-Up
New GI Bill
Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR)

Tuition fee discounts enjoyed by military families

Active military members can avail one low flat tuition rate for all educational programs which can be up to about 45%
Retired veterans can get a discount of about $1,000 to $2,000 per year under the Yellow Ribbon GI benefits
Spouses of active duty military members can get a tuition fee discount of 25%.

Benefits of Education and Tuition Assistance Programs

Though each form of service offers its own education benefits which are quite similar to each other, the army offers comprehensive education and tuition assistance programs. This is dependent on three basic factors like:

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps in paying 100% of the tuition fees if you are an active duty soldier with, up to $250 per credit hour. As part of the Army Continuing Education program, you can use the TAP amount to pay for classes which you can also use for advancements in the education.
College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP). This is applicable if you have existing student loans while joining the Army you can clear it with CLRP instead of signing up for the GI Bill. You can get around $65,000 of your college loans in return for a three-year active duty enlistment.
Dependent Children Scholarships includes the MG James Ursano Scholarship Program established by the Army Relief Fund (AER) offered for dependent children attending college.

The frequent movement and relocation of the family members can make it quite difficult for family members to complete college and higher education. Owing to this, the Army offers a set of educational programs which makes enrolling to a course and pay for the existing education loans quite easy.

Tags: Military Soldiers, Scholarships, Serving Military, Student Loans, Tuition Fee
Posted in Financial Aid | No Comments »

8 Worst Mistakes of Online Students

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

If you are an online student or considering enrolling in an online degree program you should not hesitate, but keep in mind some of the mistakes that are found among online students so that you don’t make the same mistakes. Take a look at the 8 worst mistakes of online students listed below.

1. Choosing an Online Institution that is not Accredited

It is important to seek out an online college or university that has an accreditation from a reputable organization. Look for institutions that have been accredited by a regionally or nationally-recognized accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

2. Believing that Employers do not Accept Online Degrees

Most employers understand the need for busy professionals who want to continue working while attending a distance learning program at the same time. Employers are more concerned that the educational institution is accredited and has a good reputation rather than the method you use to obtain your degree, but this varies from one employer to the next.

3. Thinking that Online Education is Easier

Most, if not all, of the accredited online degree programs are the same as on-campus programs. You will receive the same subjects, assignments, projects and class work that on-site students receive. You will also get the same high quality education online that is found in the traditional degree programs. Studies show that distance learning is just as effective as traditional on-campus learning.

4. Online Attendance is more time Consuming than Traditional Courses

Online learning is ideal for people who would like to continue their education but do not have the time to attend the traditional classroom setting. Distance learning makes education more convenient especially for adults with families and full-time jobs. Many people choose distance learning simply out of necessity. Not everyone can enroll in traditional higher education due to work and other commitments and obligations so distance learning provides the flexibility to continue working at a current job while pursuing your educational and career goals at the same time.

5. Thinking online learning is not right for everyone and may not be for me

It really depends on your learning style. Online learning is very different from traditional, on-site learning I have to agree. However, anyone can adapt to online learning, all it takes is a little adjustment and a bit of getting used to.

6. Procrastinating

Procrastinating can be a major problem and can play a big role in the outcome of your experience, online or in-class. If you are a procrastinator, you will have to work extra hard. Set weekly goals and deadlines and try your best to stick to them.

7. Failing to use all the Online Resources and Mentoring

Educators are the best resource an online student can utilize. Getting the help from a mentor can be of great benefit. So stay connected via online discussions forums, chat rooms and e-mail.

8. Paying more than you have to

– Most online institutions offer financial aid, grants, scholarships, loans and other ways for you to pay for your education, so take advantage of every opportunity. Don’t borrow more than you need and find different ways to save money, like buying used text books instead of new books and so on.

Tags: Distance Learning, Grants, Online Degree, Online Degree Program, Online Students, Scholarships
Posted in Distance Learning, Online Degree, Online Degree Programs, Online Students | 1 Comment »

Where Can I Find Financial Aid for Online College?

Monday, January 11th, 2010

A college education is one of the major investments any individual will make throughout their lives. Many individuals struggle with finding the resources required for a sound tertiary education and have had to resort to seeking financial assistance. Most students will rack up a debt averaging $60,000 by the time they have completed say a bachelor’s degree program and we all know this money must come from somewhere.

Before the advent of online colleges, most individuals went to traditional colleges where they had no problems receiving financial assistance through the various government educational support programs. However, what of this new growth in the online student community, are they accommodated under this system?

Online College Financing

Students of online colleges need not to worry about receiving financing for their studies. The government has acknowledged the contribution made by online colleges and has extended their financial aid to these accredited online colleges. As long as the online college is accredited by the various government affiliated boards such as the Secretary of Education, then its students qualify for student loans.

Types of Online College Financial Aid Available

Online students have several options through which they can receive financial aid. However, this support is restricted to student existing within the US. This aid can be accessed through government and private loans, grants and scholarships.

Government Loans: Government loans come in the form of Stafford, Perkins and Pell loans. Each of these loans attracts different conditions and interest rates based on the financial situation of the student.
Stafford loans are divided into two groups. Subsidized loans target students in dire financial conditions. Under this plan, the government foots the interest payments of these students until they have graduated and expired their grace period. Unsubsidized Stafford loans are available for all other students irrespective of their financial condition.
Perkins and Pell Loan are subsidiary loans that are used to sure up the finances of students. To qualify students must have exhausted all Stafford loan opportunities.

Private Loans: Private loans are designed for students who do not qualify for government student loans. This may be due to various issues such as immigration, unable to find a co-sponsor, register with unaccredited online colleges or may have exhausted their government student loan. Private Banks lend assistance to these students with loans that are generally above government rates and attract stringent loan conditions.

Grants: A grant is a gift that covers tuition fees that is not required to be repaid by the recipient. These grants may be from both private and government sources. Generally, to qualify, students should have a GPA between 2.0 to 3.0.

Scholarships: scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements. Scholarships may cover a part of or all of the tuition fees. They may be offered for various reasons such as community development, talent pooling or targeting of underprivileged students. Many companies also use scholarships as a means of reducing their tax burden through tax initiatives implemented by the government that forces these companies to give back to the communities in which they are located.

Tags: Financial Aid, Grants, Online College, Online Degree, Scholarships, Student Loan
Posted in Financial Aid, Online College, Online Degree | 1 Comment »

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