How Do I Avoid Scholarship Scams?

Are you asking, “How do I know when a scholarship is really a scam?”  There are several ways scams become apparent. Finaid.org discusses several including:

  • Money required before getting scholarship but scholarship never materializes
  • It may look like a scholarship program, but the scholarship company may be a for-profit agency. In other words, it costs to apply for it, and the money the company raises goes towards paying for the award.
  • A low interest loan if offered for a fee prior to approval.
  • A letter indicates you have won a scholarship prize but you must pay to receive it.
  • Scholarship matching services guarantee scholarships.
  • A free financial seminar often includes a sales pitch for insurance, annuity, or other investment products.

Read more about scholarship scams.

What is “Demonstrated Interest” and Can It Affect College Admissions?

There are many factors that are considered in the college’s admissions decision. Some factors such as grade point average, standardized test scores, and rigor of course curriculum can be measured. Other factors, such as the college visit, attending an information session, having a positive attitude about the opportunity to attend a particular college or university, and social networking might be considered “demonstrated interest” and are not measurable. Attending college fairs and local events, completing supplemental essays, contacting admissions personal for more information about programs, sending a thank-you note, and completing and early admissions application can all be considered to be showing a high degree of interest in the institution. When you are making the decision to apply to a college, find out whether “demonstrated interest” is a factor in the application process.

 

Grade 12, Senior Year Action Plan

Fall Semester

September

Check your transcripts to make sure you have all the credits you need to get into your college(s) of choice. Find out from the colleges to which you are applying whether or not they need official copies of your transcripts (sent directly from your high school) at the time of application.

Register for October/November SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Test, and ACT (with writing) tests.

Take another look at your list of colleges, and make sure that they still satisfy your requirements. Add and/or remove colleges as necessary.

Make sure you meet the requirements (including any transcript requirements) for all the colleges to which you want to apply. Double-check the deadlines, and apply.

Give any recommendation forms to the appropriate teachers or counselors with stamped, college-addressed, envelopes making certain that your portion of the forms are filled out completely and accurately.  Be sure to give them a resume of your activities.

Most early decision and early action applications are due between October 1 and November 1. Keep this in mind if you intend to take advantage of these options and remember to request that your high school send your official transcripts to the college to which you are applying. Read what seniors should be doing during the application process each month of their senior year.

Action Plan for Junior Year – Grade 11

Fall Semester

Maintaining your grades during your junior year is especially important. You should be doing at least two hours of homework each night and participating in study groups. Using a computer can be a great tool for organizing your activities and achieving the grades you want.

Talk to your guidance counselor (or teachers, if you don’t have access to a guidance counselor) about the following: Availability of and enrollment in Advanced Placement classes.

Schedules and registration for the PSAT, SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Test, ACT with Writing, and AP exams. Remember that when you take the PSAT in your junior year, the scores will count towards the National Achievement Program and the National Merit Scholarship Program (and it is good practice for the SAT Reasoning Test). Read more on the action plan for students each semester of their junior year.

Action Plan – Sophomore Year – Grade 10

Talk to your guidance counselor (or teachers, if you don’t have access to a guidance counselor) about the following:

Reviewing the high school curriculum needed to satisfy the requirements of the colleges you are interested in attending.

Find out about Advanced Placement courses:

  • What courses are available?
  • Are you are eligible for the classes you want to take?
  • How to  enroll in them for your junior year?

Update your file, or start one if you haven’t already. “See Action Plan – Grade 9” for a list of what it should contain. Read more about extracurricular and participation in other programs.

Top 10 College Application Steps for Seniors

What are the top 10 items that need to be on your “to-do” list?

One: Review your list of colleges. The schools should be those you’re interested in, have programs with majors you are considering, and fit your needs, values, interests and learning/instructional style. Are you interested in a Four or Two-Year program? How about a technical, vocational or trade school option? Have you considered the military? The average number of applications most seniors submit is approximately 5 to 7 schools. Consider two schools that might be a reach or stretch, those you dreamed about attending all your life. Next, consider 2-3 that are possible, your testing, grades, and coursework meet the middle 50% of those admitted in the past. Then 2-3 schools where you are likely to be admitted (your statistics are in the top 25% of the previous admitted class). Check the range of test scores and grade point averages of previously admitted students to determine this set on the college’s website. See next 9 steps by clicking here.

Action Plan – Freshman Year – Grade 9

Talk to your guidance counselor (or teachers, if you don’t have access to a guidance counselor) about the following:

Attending a four-year college or university

Establishing your college preparatory classes; and a schedule which should consist of at least four college preparatory classes per year, including:

–   4 years of English

–   4 years of Math (through Algebra II or Trigonometry)

–   2 years of Foreign Language, minimum

–   3 to 4 years of Natural Science (two lab sciences such as Chemistry and Biology; Physical Science or Physics)

–   3 years of History/Social Studies (World and United States History, Economics/Government)

–   1 elective of Art

–   1 year of electives from the list above

–   Physical Education/Health

Each student should check with their State Department of Education to verify college preparatory course requirements. Create a file of the your documents and more. Read on.

Essential Guides Take the Stress Out of the College and Scholarship Search, and the Application Process for the College Bound Student, Parents, and Counselors. Get Answers to Questions 24/7!

Working from home?  “College Bound: Proven Ways to Plan and Prepare for Getting into the Collegecb-2016-17-cvr-only of Your Dreams” and the five other books are available in paperback and eBook formats.

College Bound: Proven Ways to Plan and Prepare for Getting into the College of Your Dreams includes:  Over 1,200 links to grants, loans, scholarships, and pre-college programs. How to pick a major, what colleges look for in applicants, where to find financial aid, and more

  • Special admissions information for the artist, the athlete, the military-minded, the disabled, and the home schooled along with over 100 minority scholarship websites
  • In-depth information on  women’s colleges, diverse populations, alternative lifestyles
  • A planning time line
  • Sample forms and checklists
  • Career exploration, sample resumes and interview questions
  • Step-by-step instructions through the college application process
  • Inside information on standardized tests, the ACT, PSAT, and SAT
  • A comprehensive list of must-read books and publications
  • How to make a smooth transition from home to college
  • A chapter just for parents

My College Bound Plan, the companion workbook to College Bound, gives students the actual forms, checklists, and step-mcbp-2016-17-cvr-onlyby-step guidance they need for self-evaluation, college comparisons, financial considerations, teacher recommendations, activities resumes, and much more.

About The Author: Christine Hand Gonzales, Ed.D, has spent the last 20 years as a professional college planning consultant, instructor, high school college counselor, and registered therapist. Her work with high school juniors and seniors focuses on career exploration and college counseling. She also writes a blog for the college bound student and their parents at www.college-path.com. Read about more guides – click here.