Happy College Money Monday!

I trust that all is well in your part of the world.

In light of the recent changes in college admissions due in part to the recent Supreme Court decision, we have an even larger responsibility as college admissions and independent educational consultants to assist our students with keeping the costs of college down.

I have chatted with many of you about the challenges of securing scholarships. One of the main issues is how to know which scholarships to focus on to avoid wasting time and unnecessary stress.

Help is here! I am focusing on scholarship fit today.

Helping students identify scholarships that are a good fit involves a combination of research, understanding their individual goals and qualifications, and providing guidance and support. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Conduct a preliminary assessment: Talk to your students about their academic interests, extracurricular activities, and future goals. Identify their strengths, achievements, and unique characteristics that may make them eligible for specific scholarships.
2. Research scholarship databases: Familiarize yourself with reputable scholarship databases and websites that provide comprehensive lists of available scholarships. Some popular ones include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board's Scholarship Search. These platforms allow you to search for scholarships based on various criteria like location, field of study, and eligibility requirements.
3. Understand eligibility criteria: Read the requirements of each scholarship carefully, including academic criteria, financial need, community involvement, or specific demographic preferences. Help students understand if they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
4. Check with local organizations: Research local community organizations, businesses, and foundations that offer scholarships. Check if they have specific scholarships for students in your area or those pursuing certain fields of study. Contact these organizations directly to inquire about any upcoming scholarship opportunities.
5. Explore institutional scholarships: Inquire about scholarships offered by the educational institutions your students are interested in attending. Colleges and universities often have scholarships available for incoming students based on academic achievement, leadership skills, or other criteria. Check the institution's financial aid office website or contact them for detailed information.
6. Utilize social media and networks: Encourage your students to follow scholarship-related accounts on social media platforms. Many organizations and scholarship providers promote their opportunities through these channels. Also, advise students to network with professionals, alumni, and organizations in their field of interest, as they might offer scholarships or have knowledge of relevant opportunities.

Also, get ready for a new workshop (it's free!) that I will be teaching soon. July is the anniversary month of my company and I am excited to release a new session on scholarship fit.

To your students' scholarship success,

Ashley Hill