Develop Your Scholarship Game Plan

By Benjamin Kaplan

To mount an effective scholarship campaign, the first thing you need is a winning game plan. Start by implementing the following four key action strategies.

1. Plan to apply for as many scholarships as possible

Some students make the mistake of thinking that they maximize their chances of winning by pouring all of their energy into one or two scholarships.

But applying for scholarships is partially a numbers game. A variety of factors outside of your control affect the outcome of any given award. Only by applying for large numbers of scholarships can you minimize such factors, and maximize your chances of winning. In my own scholarship quest, I ended up applying for about three dozen awards.

Even if the scholarship prize is only a couple of hundred dollars, I still recommend entering the contest. This might not sound like much in the context of an entire college tuition bill, but the extra cash can help cover the cost of books for a term, or help pay for that spring break "research" trip to Cancun.

In addition, winning smaller awards provides you with additional credentials that you can include in applications for larger scholarships.

2. Develop a suite of generic reusable materials

When applying for large numbers of scholarships, creating a suite of generic reusable materials saves a great deal of time and energy. By having this suite to draw from, you will be able to focus less on just completing application requirements, and more on customizing and fine-tuning the material you've already prepared.

More than just a reduction in your workload, reusing and rethinking old materials can mean vast improvements as you repeatedly refine and edit the same work. By employing this strategy, you gain the opportunity to fine-tune your materials with every submission. And take it from me—your tenth draft will be far better than your first.

To create this suite of generic materials, first seek to develop standard essay responses to perennial scholarship application themes - such old favorites as college plans, career goals, and future contributions to society.

Next, survey the scholarship landscape and isolate common themes and requirements (whether it is a similar essay question or a comparable extracurricular activity worksheet). Attempt to bridge multiple applications with every sentence you write or form you prepare.

Also, go back into your archive of old scholarship applications (you'll develop one quickly) and try to recycle essays and other past materials. Don't just recopy such passages verbatim; instead, try to rethink, improve, and hone everything to fit the criteria of each new contest.

3. Leverage schoolwork and class time

If you have to do the schoolwork anyway, why not make it count toward your scholarship quest? For example, if you're asked to write an essay on a book of your choosing, you may want to select The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. This way, you'll have a submission ready to go for the annual essay contest on this famous novel. If you're assigned a self-reflective essay, pick a personal topic that fits in well with scholarship applications you're pursuing. Moreover, teachers can serve as a helpful source of early feedback for these potential scholarship submissions.

This technique isn't restricted merely to classroom assignments. Most schools offer some type of independent study credit, in which you can pursue your own project under the guidance of an adviser. At many schools, you're even allowed to use a class period during the day to pursue this work. Use the time to complete self-initiated projects that add to your record and improve your chances of scholarship (and college admission) success.

4. Learn from past scholarship winners

In playing the scholarship game, it's extremely useful to have a roadmap of what it takes to win. To obtain this roadmap, make a point of reviewing past winning applications, essays and other materials. Many times, you can request sample winning entries from the organization administering the scholarship program.

In addition, it's useful to interview past winners of scholarships you plan to enter. Ask them about their unique qualifications, the approach they took in filling out applications, and any insights they have about particular scholarship contests you're planning to enter. Many scholarship contests will provide a list of past winners upon request. The best way to master the scholarship game is to learn from those who have played it well.

Maximize Your Scholarship Eligibility

By Roxana Hadad

You may be eligible for more awards than you think. The secret is to "type" yourself. Find the maximum number of scholarship opportunities by thinking about who you are and what you do.

College Major/Field of Interest
If you're in college, start with your major or academic area. Departments and schools, as well as academic and professional organizations, offer scholarships for students based on their majors. High school students can look for awards in subject areas in which they excel or that they're considering studying in college.

If you're a double major, check under both majors to make sure you're not missing anything. Also, don't be too specific. For example, if you're an English major, you can look for scholarships listed under "English," "literature" or "literary studies" as well as broader categories like "humanities." If you're majoring in physics, check "physical sciences" and "science," too.

And don't forget to include what you'll become as well. Whether you want to be a lawyer, doctor, journalist or teacher, you may find awards to help you pursue the career of your dreams, regardless of your major.

State of Residence/State of Study
Part of who you are is where you live. Many state governments offer financial assistance to in-state students. Simply establishing residency, even just in your first year of school, may qualify you for one of these awards. Check with both your home state and the state where you attend college.

Private organizations also offer state-specific scholarships that reward academic merit and extra-curricular achievements. Some scholarships are also available for residents of certain counties or cities.

Student Affiliations
Also, think about things you like to do. Start with clubs and organizations. As a member or officer, you'll qualify for awards sponsored by your club.

Don't stop there. What are your hobbies? Have you trained in any special skills or sports? Do you attend religious services? Have you worked a part-time job? All these activities are part of your "type" and can lead to scholarships.

Ethnic Background
Awards are given to students of certain ethnic or minority groups. For most of these awards, you don't have to be a full-blooded member of a particular ethnic group. If your parents are from different ethnic groups, look for awards for each group. Also look for scholarships targeting students from broader ethnic categories like "Asian" or "Hispanic."

Disability
A wide variety of students may find that there are awards available to them because they are physically challenged, learning-disabled or suffer from long-term illness. Look for scholarships listed under your specific disability or illness, as well as more general awards for students with disabilities.

Foreign Students
If you are a citizen of a country other than the U.S., that's part of your "type" as well. You'll find that some awards are restricted to students from certain countries, but many more target international students in general. Look for awards for both categories.

The key to finding scholarships is to think broadly. Do your own personal inventory and try to figure out how many "types" you fit. FastWeb's profile page is a good place to come up with additional ideas because the categories and attributes listed there are tied to scholarships. Keeping an up-to-date and detailed profile will also ensure that you're notified when FastWeb adds scholarships you qualify for. Be true to your "type" and you might just find the scholarships you need.

Is art school right for you?

If you are focused on your art studies and want to shape your college degree around artistic pursuits, then an art college could be for you

By Liz Funk

Do you love to draw, paint or take pictures? Would you like to have your art skills fine-tuned in an intensive environment with other students just as passionate as you? Art schools offer a focused education on the topic you love most.

Next Step Magazine: What kind of student does best at an art school?
Noel Dahl, former associate director of admissions at the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Mo.: The students who do best here are the students who are already focused on art and design skills. They’re taking art courses in high school, and they also may be…very passionate about a particular art subject, like photography or painting, and they may be doing it by themselves outside of school.

NSM: What is the admissions process like? What do students need to provide in their applications?
Dahl: A typical art college requires a portfolio. A portfolio can range from 15 to 20 pieces of art that a student has made within a year or two years, like paintings, drawings, photographs, etc. Portfolios are evaluated in person, with the student there. It functions as an interview process. Evaluations work on several levels: We consider artistic merits and the skill of the artist, and we look at design basics, like composition, technical ability, shape, form, color and balance.

NSM: What is the average GPA needed for admission?
Dahl: We want to see at least a 2.5. The higher, the better the scholarship offerings. However, the portfolio is the most critical thing. That decides the majority of the admissions,
but we do look at academics quite seriously. Grades count for 30 percent of the application.

NSM: What’s unique about art schools?
Dahl: One of the unique things about art colleges is that they are highly focused. For example, art history is tailored to the students’ personal interests, rather than being a general lecture class.

NSM: What are some unique sample classes?
Dahl: Electives are focused on a unique thing that professor wants to teach. For example, weaving on a computer loom. Many art schools have a foundation that makes it unique. For our drawing 101 course, we have a nine-block studio where students have time in the studio to become more interdisciplinary, including sculpture and computer drawing.

Tips for Finding a Winnable Scholarship

Let's just say right off that it is a very bad idea to attempt to find one "perfect" scholarship and subsequently devote all of your time and effort to winning it. A wise scholarship hunter finds all of the scholarships he or she is eligible for, and applies for a great number, if not all, of them. This is a smart angle for several reasons:

1. It's nearly impossible to secure for yourself a free ride. Most likely, you'll have to cobble together a number of loans, scholarships and other financial modes to lessen the sting of paying for college or graduate school.
2. The more lures you have, the better your chance at catching the fish.

The first step is to fill out your BrokeScholar user profile to get a sense of what is available, and what you're eligible for. Not a valedictorian? Don't fret; there are scholarships abound for non-vals, most of which target people with a particular skill, interest or background, from Portland-area playwrights to tennis-playing Tunisians. Where to start? Once you fill out your profile, BrokeScholar will do the searching for you, giving you a list of every matching scholarship. The more completely you fill out you your BrokeScholar profile, the more scholarship opportunities our search will yield. Are you an international student? There are scholarships for you too.

After digging up what you can from BrokeScholar, begin looking elsewhere, and appreciate the fact that you are literally surrounded by scholarship opportunities. Check with your state of residence as well as the state of the institution you're planning on attending for any grants or scholarships offered. Check with local professional organizations, neighborhood and civic groups, churches et cetera. Call the admissions office of the schools you're applying to, and see what they have up their sleeves. Talk to your guidance counselor if you're in high school, or your faculty advisor, if you're in college.

Once you've found a few attractive, winnable scholarships, start requesting those applications and you'll be well on the way. One last thing though, don't apply for anything you're either unqualified for, or "sorta" qualified for. As long as there is someone qualified, all your effort will be fruitless. While the old Hail Mary Pass is attractive, it's always wiser to stick to the scholarships you can win.

Ask a rep – Should I apply to small scholarships?

When applying to scholarships, prioritize so that you apply to contests that you are qualified for, can meet the deadlines for and have a chance at winning.

byRichard Vonk, president of Key Education Resources group

Q: There are so many scholarships out there. How do I know which ones to apply for? Should I only apply for the big money ones?
A: There are literally thousands of scholarships available for students. And the good news is, they are no longer only for the highest achievers. Many are based on merit defined solely by the sponsoring organization.

Selecting the scholarships that are right for you starts with an understanding of what scholarships you qualify for. This begins with research. In addition to consulting with your school guidance counselors and the financial aid departments at prospective schools, there are a number of online scholarships to search.

Once you get a sense of what scholarships are available, be strategic in which ones you apply for. Prioritize. What is the difficulty of preparation versus the potential award amount? What is the deadline?

Review and understand the criteria for each scholarship, and adhere to it. It’s surprising how many students apply for scholarships for which they are not qualified.

To increase your chances of qualifying, get involved in community service and extracurricular activities. Also be prepared to sharpen your writing skills, as essays are often required.

Here are some tips on writing a winning essay:
Always answer the question. Make sure you’re specifically answering the question in the application.

Tell a story. Give the reader a hook. Demonstrate wit and humor, or share something personal and touching. The reader is looking for an essay that tells a unique story and will stick with them as they read through the essays in their pile.

Get feedback. Before sealing the envelope and mailing your application, ask your parents, teachers or mentors to review your essay for structure, grammar and spelling.

12 Startegies To Help Prepare For the SAT or ACT

By Renée Euchner

As students prepare to take college admission tests, how do parents tread the fine line between being helpful and being a hindrance? Take cues from the following five experts.

Kathi Lecertua, career counselor/test coach, Borah High School in Boise, Idaho
Ben Paris, director of test preparation, Thomson Peterson’s in Lawrenceville, N.J.
Aracely Sanchez, guidance counselor, Galileo Academy in San Francisco
Joel Schwartzberg, director of SAT/ACT programs, Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions in New York City
Rob Sweeten, math/SAT teacher, Boca Raton Community High School in Boca Raton, Fla.

1. Talk test prep to your children early and frequently

Lecertua: Do start talking to your kids early on. Talk to them in junior high about education beyond high school. Make it a family priority. Help them set long-range education goals. Be interested and involved. If parents don’t talk to their kids and don’t emphasize the value of higher education, too often the kids won’t see college or the tests as a priority for themselves.

Paris: One of the biggest mistakes that parents make is ignoring the test and assuming that their child will take care of it. Another big mistake is putting too much pressure on their child. Either problem could get you decades of strife.

2. Be supportive and understanding
Sanchez: Junior and senior years in high school are very stressful for most students. And the SAT/ACT is one of the biggest hurdles they encounter.

Paris: Parents can help by making sure that their children aren’t too busy with other activities to prepare for the test.

Schwartzberg: Studies show that despite stereotypes to the contrary, parents have an enormous impact on how their kids feel about themselves and their future. Parents are wise to show support, but not to push. Be a positive ally to your child, and you’ll help foster an environment of support, which is a great motivator. Motivate your child with confidence, not with fear.

3. Avoid pressure and threats

Sweeten: Don’t use threats. Students know the importance of these tests, and they feel immense pressure already. When parents add to this stress, it elevates test anxiety and lowers scores.

Sanchez: Definitely do not pressure your children to get the highest score possible. This may, in the end, hinder their performance on the test.

4. Communicate with your local high school or school district
Lecertua: Parents should check their student’s school to see if it offers test prep programs, either as an elective class or a session during lunch. They can also check for test prep programs in their community.

Sanchez: Parents need to be aware of test dates, deadlines and the latest information available. High school counselors can provide parents with this.

Sweeten: One of the best ways a parent can help is to communicate with their local school district. Our school district purchased a subscription to an online program that every child in the county can use.

5. Arrange for study support
Schwartzberg: Be aware of the test preparation resources available to your child: books, software, free practice tests and online question banks.

Lecertua: Students will do better with some test preparation, either in a class or with an individual coach. This help guides them and keeps them on the right track. Be careful about investing a lot of money in test prep materials if the student never uses the materials. I see that happening far too often; parents buy the books, but the kids never use them.

Sweeten: There are a multitude of companies that offer review programs, but they can be very expensive. I have seen some students use home computer programs effectively, but it does require students who are motivated when working on their own.

6. Provide a study area
Schwartzberg: Make sure your children have a quiet, comfortable study area of their own at home free from distraction.

7. Encourage students to take the PSAT/PLAN
Lecertua: Parents can help their kids get started on the right track by having them take the PSAT or PLAN [ACT equivalent] during their sophomore and junior years in high school. Taking these tests helps set the stage for thinking about some long-term educational plans. And it gives students some insight into what the tests are like, so they are more comfortable with the SAT and ACT. At the same time, these pretests provide the kids with an awareness that they probably need to spend time and effort preparing for the actual SAT and ACT.

8. Encourage early registration
Paris: Encourage your children to register as early as possible for the tests. That way they have the best chance of landing a spot at a preferred test site.

9. Check test scores at target schools
Paris: If your child is interested in specific colleges, check the test scores of students admitted to those schools. That can help you demonstrate how important a high SAT score can be.

10. Maintain privacy
Schwartzberg: Don’t compare your child’s experience and test performance to that of older siblings, friends or peers. Confidence is key in test-taking success, and anxiety regarding comparative performance can undermine a student’s confidence.

11. Encourage healthy eating
Schwartzberg: Keep your refrigerator stocked with healthy snacks. The night before the test, help your child get a good night’s rest by not making any big plans and not serving spicy dinners. Provide your child with a healthy breakfast the morning of the test. Significant amounts of sugar or caffeine for breakfast will contribute to mental crashing during the test.

12. Keep it all in perspective
Sanchez: Although high test scores are a great advantage, when selecting a student for admission, colleges do not rely solely on test scores. They will look at a student’s entire academic and social background including overall transcript and extracurricular activities.

Paris: Students [and parents] who think that a low SAT score will ruin their lives put too much pressure on themselves, which can lower their score. Help your child keep the tests in perspective.

How to get a sports scholarship!

We had eight athletes from my high school basketball team in my junior year who played sports in college; five of them received Division I scholarships. Scholarships were awarded in football, basketball, track, golf and wrestling.

One athlete was a two-time All-American linebacker who became the all-time record holder for tackles in a career at Ohio State. One was an All-American linebacker at Penn State the very same year, and another became a NAIA Division II All-American in basketball at Malone College.

How you can do it

It’s important for student-athletes to make their own connections with coaches of colleges they want to attend rather than let parents do it. And it’s not really as overwhelming as it appears.

Once you’ve done your initial homework—that is, contacting the schools for information about the academics, financial aid, room and board—write letters to the coaches of your sport. Introduce yourself and request a program packet, which gives lots of information about the many facets of their athletic program.

Your introductory letter should be well written, typed, and have no errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation. Think of it as a cover letter for a job, and present yourself in a brief, polite, informative and intelligent manner. And remember that you shouldn’t write a form letter to send out to everyone. Add a more personal touch.

DO
Introduce yourself by name, high school and graduation date.
Say why you want to go to that particular school.
Give a brief background that includes your GPA, field of study and class rank.
Include long-term and short-term athletic and academic goals.
Ask for the college’s program packet and questionnaire.
Conclude with telephone numbers where you can be reached.

Excerpted from Mark Bercik’s book, America’s Complete Sports Scholarship Guide. Visit him online at www.athleticscholarshipbook.com.

TAPING TIPS
Hire a professional to tape your recruiting video and you could pay as much as $2,500. If you’re like the average person who must watch your finances, you can do it yourself for a whole lot less money. Just keep these ideas in mind while you film.

Don’t use too much zoom.
Don’t try to get closeups of the ball flying through the air.
Don’t try to film through a fence or other obstruction. It’s better to locate yourself somewhere else to avoid missing a shot because of an unfocused camera.
Don’t film into direct sunlight. It will cause a glare.
Do use a tripod to avoid movement. Unstable camera work shows when producing a highlight video.
Don’t film at such a distance that you can’t identify jersey numbers. Coaches won’t know who they should be watching.
Do record 10 seconds before and after you do an interview if you want to put in special effects.
Do start over if you become tongue-tied during an interview.
Do purchase a very high-quality recording tape to record on.
Don’t ever record on a tape that’s already been recorded on.

How to get a diversity scholarship

by KeyBank

you know that outstanding academic and extracurricular credentials can get you private scholarships.

But did you know you could also get scholarships just for taking pride in your ethnicity and getting involved in your community?

What they are
Diversity or ethnicity-based scholarships offer money for school to candidates who are either of certain ethnicities or interested in certain cultures.

“We look for academic potential and financial need, but also an interest in the student’s heritage,” says Serena Cantoni, director of education programs at the National Italian American Foundation, which awards a variety of scholarships.

Show that interest through involvement in a cultural club, in helping out your community, or even in knowing your native language, Cantoni says.

“What we look for is leadership, community support and participation, and a show of pride,” says Jesus Mena, director of communications at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Most ethnicity-based organizations offer scholarships in hopes that recipients will be successful during and after college, and return the favor by supporting their ethnic groups and communities later in life.

How to get them
The awarders of diversity scholarships are “looking for students who are capable of getting into college and doing well, and also students who have demonstrated leadership qualities,” says Dorothy Hamilton, national director of marketing at Scholarship America, a nonprofit organization that helps distribute private scholarships.

In fact, most diversity scholarships come with a high GPA requirement and look for academic excellence and proof of hard work in high school.

Ethnicity-based scholarships exist for virtually all ethnic groups, and much of the money goes to students who need it most, Mena says.

And for students who historically haven’t had the chance or the funds to attend college, diversity scholarships can make a big difference.

Where to find them
There’s certainly no shortage of ethnicity-based scholarships. Consider the following leads when starting your diversity scholarship search.

• The United Negro College Fund (uncf.org) offers a variety of scholarships and grants to minority students and has helped more than 28,000 students since its establishment in 1985. Its scholarships range from tuition to travel expenses and pretty much everything in between.
• The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (hsf.net) gave away 4,600 scholarships last year alone, and has been in existence for 31 years. It offers grants both to high school students entering college and to continuing college and graduate students.
• Scholarships at the National Italian American Foundation (niaf.org) go to students who are either of Italian heritage or are interested in studying Italian language and culture in college.
• Several local branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (naacp.org) award minority scholarships. Eligibility requirements range by chapter, so check with your local NAACP branch for details.
• Other organizations that give diversity scholarships include the Korean American Scholarship Foundation (kasf.org), the Japanese American Citizens’ League (jacl.org), and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (cbcfinc.org)
• Scholarship America has a list of resources for students on its Web site (scholarshipamerica.org), including information about diversity scholarships.
• A variety of trade associations—from state Bar associations to engineering groups—also offer diversity scholarships to minority students who are interested in a particular profession or course of study. Check with national, state and local associations in your major for scholarships.
• Researching online scholarship sites is still your best bet. Also check with your financial aid office—some colleges even have their own diversity grants.

How To Get Free Money for College

There is no magic formula for applying for and receiving a scholarship. But these tips can start you on the right foot.

• Be organized. Stay on top of deadlines, gather all pertinent documents, and make copies of everything you submit. It is a good idea to send your applications by certified mail to ensure receipt.
• Be honest. Don't exaggerate your grades, memberships, skills, or qualifications. It is better to focus on the scholarships for which you might be eligible.
• Follow instructions carefully. Some scholarships require you to write an essay; others may want letters of recommendation. Send in what is requested and proofread everything. Typos and missing materials can cost you a scholarship.
• Proofread your application: Review everything. Typos are a sure way not to be considered for a scholarship. Consider asking a parent, teacher, or friend to read your application.
• Keep copies of everything you send: If your application is misplaced, having copies will make it easier to resend your information quickly.
• Send your application packet by registered mail: Many sources offering scholarships will not confirm
  receipt of your application. Consider sending your application via USPS registered mail so you know your
  materials arrived safely.

Where to Search A Scholarship Or College Grant

By Chris Davis.

The cost of a college education has risen to unthinkable levels over the last two decades. Few parents have the extra cash on hand to cover these costs, so student loans and mounting debt have become a reality for many students. Image graduating with an outstanding debt of 50 to 100 thousand dollars. It almost defeats the purpose of getting that degree in the first place. With no end to tuition increases in sight, financial aid packages are essential for most students.

Fortunately, aid opportunities have also multiplied in recent years. Scholarships and grants were once thought of as only available for the poor or the brightest students. That is no longer true. These days, almost everyone is eligible for some type of award.

Free money for college can be divided into two basic categories: scholarships (usually merit based) and grants (usually need based). Of course, many other conditions apply to various awards. Minority status, gender, career plans, and field of study are the most common qualifiers for today’s financial aid awards. Almost everyone can use one of these categories to focus their search for aid.

One of the best sources for college grants is the federal government. Be sure to submit The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. This will tell you if you are eligible for a Pell grant, and colleges will use this information to determine if you qualify for a school-sponsored grant. Private grant foundations may also require the FAFSA be completed before considering you for an award.

Ideally, a student would start looking for scholarships during the junior year of high school. This may seem early, but some awards require an application be submitted the year before you begin your first semester in college. Furthermore, collecting the names and contact information of prospective awards can take months. You must also factor in time for completing lengthy application forms, writing essays, and scheduling interviews.

In your search for scholarships, focus on three main sources. First, search your local community. Start with the high school councilor’s office, your local library, churches, community organizations, and any corporation that is based nearby. Next, contact the financial aid office of each college you are considering. They can tell you about all school-based awards that may not appear in the standard listings. Finally, use the Internet. The standard search engine is of some use, but dedicated scholarship search sites are a tremendous resource. Some of these data banks have up to 800,000 awards indexed. Best of all, you can search based on a personal profile that will match scholarships to your unique situation.

Of course, this article can only get you started in the right direction. College funding is a complicated process and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Remember that almost half of all college students receive some type of aid, so the chances of success are good. With a dedicated and organized search plan, you can get your share too.

Malaysia Scholarship and International Scholarship is a good starting for you to look at various scholarship offered by mana agencies.

How To Get A Scholarship To A UK University

There are many sources of funding if you want to study in the UK. The British Government and other UK organisations provide a number of scholarships and awards for international students.

A. Who should I approach?

1. Start with your own Ministry or Department of Education. It should be able to give you information about the funding available.

2. The British Council. They may have an office in your own country and will tell you about the relevant schemes.

3. If there's no British Council locally, try the British Embassy or High Commission.

B. How Do I Apply?

1. Many grant-making organisations have strict requirements which you must meet so read the conditions carefully.

2. Apply for your grant at least one year before the start of your course and make sure you know the deadline for applying.

3. Fill in the application form clearly and concisely. Use the grant-making body's application form if there is one.

Useful tip: The grant-making bodies usually award only small amounts of money, which will not cover the full cost of tuition fees and living expenses, so make sure you have enough money for your fees and living needs. It's nearly impossible to organise financial help once you're here and you may be refused UK entry without proof of sufficient funds.

C. Scholarship Sources:

1. British Chevening Scholarships
http://www.chevening.com/

2. Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowships Plan (CSFP)
Funded by the Department for International Development and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for citizens of a Commonwealth country or a British dependent territory.
http://www.csfp-online.org/

3. British Marshall Scholarships
For US citizens under 26 years of age, graduated from a US university.
http://www.marshallscholarship.org/

4. Charles Wallace Manchester Merit Award
Funded jointly by four of the region's universities, the Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust provides awards for one-year postgraduate students who are resident in Pakistan and have been accepted for a taught Masters course. For further information contact intoff@mmu.ac.uk

5. Fulbright Scholarships
Funded by the Department for Education & Employment and the US government. http://www.fulbright.co.uk/ or http://www.iie.org/

6. Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (ORSAS)
For full-time postgraduate students undertaking research. Selection is by academic merit and research potential only, so you can apply whatever your nationality or finances. The grant will meet the difference between the home and overseas tuition fees, so you'll only have to pay home fees and your living costs. For further information contact Clare Holdcroft: C.Holdcroft@mmu.ac.uk

7. Royal Fellowships
For post-doctoral scientists undertake research in the UK.
http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/

8. Canon Foundation Research Fellowships to Europe and Japan
Research Fellowships to post-graduate European and Japanese researchers.
http://www.canonfoundation.org/

9. Council for Assisting Refugee Academics
CARA makes small grants to help refugee academics rebuild their lives and careers in the UK.
http://www.academic-refugees.org/

About the Author:

For a full advice about claiming a scholarship to a top UK university visit the 'Scholarships' page on the Manchester Metropolitan University website here: http://www.mmu.ac.uk/international/courses/scholarships.php

How to Get a Scholarship

Scholarships are tricky things. Everyone wants one. Few people get them. Apparently, there are millions out there that go unused on an annual basis. Because scholarships differ from loans in that they are free money, they are coveted beautiful things. They are also brilliant resume boosters and look fantastic on any resume.

Now, there are so many types of scholarships, it helps to be abreast of the types, time ranges, amounts, and places to find them. Some high schools give away scholarships prior to attending college. Some scholarships are merit based, others need based, others interest based, other cultural based. The list goes on.

The best way to begin seeking scholarships is to do your research. Every college and university will have a dowry with various scholarships. Usually they will be listed on the school's website; however, you can always inquire as to their prevalence. When you learn about them, you can find out how much, many, and reasons behind them. Essentially, scholarships don't usually just get handed to you (although some lucky people do find this fortuitous world). You must do your research.

Here are some types of scholarships.

1. Merit Scholarships

Scholarships typically revolve around this type of award. People who excel in academics are awarded a scholarship on the basis of their overall academic achievement. This may come in the form of top GPA, excellent SAT scores, and so on. These are highly competitive and may come in various forms.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

This type of scholarship is given purely on financial means. They are designed to fund the less-fortunate students in their academic pursuits. Scholarship committees look at various reasons for this hardship: Parents' income, number of siblings in school simultaneously, expenses, cost of living, etc.

3. Athletic Scholarships

Scholarships are popularly given to star athletes by universities to recruit them for the athletic teams. Many athletes complete their education free of charge, but also pay the price of overworked team sports. Usually full-scholarship athletes are recruited by "scouts" while in high school. You don't usually pursue this type of scholarship; it is given to you.

4. School-Based Individual Scholarships

Every school offers specific scholarships relevant to specifics from the university: donors, individual name scholarships, personal scholarships, and so on. Sometimes you have to apply directly to the scholarship, and other times, just by being accepted, you are placed in the bowl for possible scholarship awards.

5. Full/Partial Scholarship

Many people look at scholarships as a whole and think that they sometimes cover everything. If you are lucky enough to receive a full scholarship, then yes, they cover living, books, and tuition. However, many scholarships are partial, meaning they may cover simply living, simply books, or part of the tuition. If you are awarded any type of scholarship, take it and run! They are prized, wonderful gifts, and you should feel honored to receive one.

While several scholarships are school based, others are based on almost every other personal element that can exists. Several websites and books are designed purely for the existence of finding scholarships. Here are some websites and books that serve as search agents and listings of all the scholarships that exist. If you try hard enough, you are likely to find at least one or two that match your interests and qualifications. It takes much patience and time, but you are bound to find a scholarship for you.