You are probably in the process of completing your applications to college and may be thinking ahead to your next concern; paying for your education. Searching for scholarship money can be tedious and time consuming, but it can pay off too. Check out the top reasons you should apply for scholarships sooner than later.  It may help you through the process.

1. You might miss out on free money.  Learning about a scholarship the day before it is due is like hearing that someone is giving away iPads at your favorite electronics store now. If you had only taken that extra thirty minutes to go ‘money hunting’, you may have seen the offer and had more time to fill out the application.  Scholarship applications, like college applications, should never be rushed to completion.
2. It sharpens your writing skills.  Writing interesting, well-constructed essays in your applications will not only sharpen your writing skills, but maintain them as well.  Get as much writing experience as you can while you are in high school – your college professors will appreciate it!
3.  You will be “swamped” with applications.  The more involved you get with this process, the more paper will be flying around your desk.  Keep applications organized, work smart, and stay focused.  Some scholarships are submitted electronically, which means no paper, but most (especially local) scholarships will require you to submit paper applications.
4. Procrastination only decreases your chances of succeeding, so be on time and check the deadlines.  Procrastination can cause problems in your college and scholarship application process, so be proactive and use your time effectively. Scholarship committees expect the applicants to meet the deadline in order to be reviewed and considered for the award.  Late applications will be tossed and all your hard work will be for nothing.
5. Numbers improve your chances!   The more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances are of receiving an award. Check out the qualifications and answer the questions that are asked. That being said, you need to be sure that your final application looks professional and crisp. The time that you put into it could allow you to be greatly rewarded.
6. Mom will quit asking. Are your parents worried about how to pay for college? Do they ask you daily about your progress on the applications?  If you get started now, the next time they ask you about the scholarships search you can smile and say with a clear conscience, “it’s done!”
7. Time well spent pays off in the end. Angry Birds, Facebook, or the search for scholarships, which one will be more productive in finding free money?  Learning to manage your time will pay dividends not only in high school, but in college too.
8. When an essay is required, many people avoid the scholarship application.  When someone else gives up, your chances at winning money improve.  Every scholarship that requires an essay has a serious decrease in participation when compared to a scholarship that does not require an essay.  Finish strong, get that essay written, and send it in.

Hope this helps!

For more information, read Paying for College Without Breaking the Bank  on Amazon. Click here!