![\"Why](\"https:\/\/backtobasicslearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/buy-cash-coins-9660-600x392.jpg\")
This summer, as rising high school seniors all across the country are eagerly filling out college admissions applications and writing practice essays, many parents are wondering, \u201cHow do I pay for all of this?\u201d<\/p>\nThis summer, as rising high school seniors all across the country are eagerly filling out college admissions applications and writing practice essays, many parents are wondering, \u201cHow do I pay for all of this?\u201d<\/p>\n
And, with good reason!<\/em><\/p>\n According to the College Board,\u00a0a moderate college budget for an in-state public college for the 2017\u20132018 academic year averaged $25,290 per year. A moderate budget at a private college averaged $50,900 per year. Factor in room, board, fees, and expenses, add in a semester or two abroad, then multiply by four years and the “cost of attendance” can be overwhelming.<\/p>\n Sights set on one of\u00a0\u00a0nation’s top colleges? Get ready for\u00a0severe sticker shock<\/em>:<\/p>\n Scholarships offer a perfect solution for many families. Unlike student loans, which must be repaid (with interest), scholarships are “free money” that students can earn through essay competitions, poetry recitations, high SAT or ACT scores, sports, activities, and of course, stellar grades.<\/p>\n Of course, not every student is an Olympic-bound athlete, Julliard-worthy violinist or member of Mensa. But, there are\u00a0still<\/em>\u00a0many scholarships available for all different types of students, from all areas of the country, with a wide variety of interests and experiences.<\/p>\n The key is to start early.<\/em> And, while the majority of college scholarships are geared toward rising seniors, they are plenty which accept applications from students as young as 9th grade.<\/p>\n Starting the summer before high school, parents and students should create a plan for scholarship applications. Lucikly, finding scholarships is easy. There are many sites dedicated entirely to sharing scholarship information. Here are the Big 4:<\/p>\n After just one visit to these sites, you are sure to have a file folder stuffed to overflowing with information sheets, dates, requirements and more. It’s time to get organized!\u00a0<\/em>Create\u00a0an Excel spreadsheet, organized by due date, to keep you on track. Filling out a scholarship form is a moot point if you miss the deadline, so keeping on top of the process is the key.<\/p>\n Also, many scholarships require advance work \u2013 from reading a book and then writing an essay based on the work, to procuring letters of reference (sometimes several), to writing stand-alone essays on such topics as \u201cIf you had a superpower, what would it be?\u201d (Yes, this is a real prompt.) But again, advance planning is necessary, so a detailed list by date is crucial.<\/p>\n You can also use the spreadsheet to track your progress is securing scholarships. What is your return rate and how can you improve it? The \u201csecret\u201d to winning scholarships is really no secret at all.\u00a0 With a bit of hard work, your student can earn thousands toward college tuition.<\/p>\n For more scholarships, please visit the Scholarships<\/a> tab on this website. Have a scholarship you’d like to share? Please send information directly to susan@backtobasicslearning.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n College Essay Writing Workshop:\u00a0<\/strong>This workshop will help you create a well written, thoughtfully edited, interesting,\u00a0and memorable<\/em>\u00a0essay.<\/p>\n $99 for workshop:<\/p>\n\n
Where to start the college scholarship search<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Winning scholarships takes a little organization and a lot<\/em> of dedication<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Need some essay writing help? Back to Basics in Wilmington, Nationwide offers a college essay writing \/ scholarship writing workshop this summer!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n