As the college application season draws to a close, graduating seniors find themselves thinking a little more realistically about the finances required to attend their dream school.
Instead of overlooking the money that will take them on their next four-to-five-year journey, many students in the class of 2011 are starting to apply for scholarships.
Though most colleges offer general financial aid based on need and merit, some students require more monetary assistance for their college expenses.
Many scholarship opportunities are announced in academic adviser Molly Sargent’s English classes, where she posts information to her wall.
“Because the cost of a college education has risen so sharply in recent years, it behooves every college applicant to apply for any and all opportunities for tuition aid,” Sargent said. “No scholarship application is a waste of time.”
Senior Josh Smith has applied and been accepted to California State University, Fresno, and has since applied to the Smittcamp Honors College at CSUF, which awards its students a four-year scholarship, a stipend for a new laptop and priority registration for classes.
“I applied for this scholarship because I see it as a great opportunity,” Smith said. “This honors college could equip me with things that my family could never afford for me otherwise. I work hard to get the grades that have made me qualify for this scholarship, so I feel like that gives me a good chance.”
This scholarship requires admission to Fresno State, counselor verification of GPA, an official sealed transcript from the student’s high school office, a copy of a completed general scholarship application from CSUF, a detailed list of all extracurriculars and three personal statements.
Besides college-sponsored scholarships, there are other types of awards that are offered by sources outside of schools. These can come from government agencies such as the U.S. Army, or major corporations like McDonald’s.
To help pay for her college expenses, senior Madison Dooley applied to the Coca-Cola Scholarship Foundation. This foundation offers a total of $3.4 million in scholarships for future leaders of America.
“I found out about the Coca-Cola scholarship through Mrs. [Molly] Sargent in English class,” Dooley said. “I figured I needed to start applying for scholarships, and this one seemed to fit me. It was all about leadership experience, and, though it was a tedious application process, I am glad I applied.”
Other scholarships that FC seniors can qualify for are provided by the high school.
Alumna Elizabeth Grossman, ’10, is the most recent recipient of the Faculty-Staff Scholarship, a $2500 award given each year to one senior in the graduating class.
“The scholarship I received for my years of dedication and hard work at Fresno Christian really helped me in paying for college,” Grossman said. “Getting a scholarship from the school was much less stressful than applying for outside scholarships because there was no application process — the school just awards it.”
Scholarship deadlines vary and must be met in order for the application to be considered. Check local and national organizations, such as the College Board, for more scholarship opportunities. In addition, check out the Daily News for information on Fresno City College’s scholarships and any others that may come up.
For more information on financial aid, read the Dec. 14 column, College Corner: Filing the FAFSA.
