Scholarships are a source of free money. However, you do need to submit an application to be considered. According to the Yuba College financial aid office, usually scholarships are not based on financial need, but instead, they may be based on grades or test scores, athletics abilities, major, special talents, heritage or community service.
The deadline for most scholarship applications is April 1.
Yuba College provides thousands of dollars in scholarship opportunities every year. Last year Yuba College awarded 105 scholarships totaling approximately $585,432. In 2005 Yuba College awarded about $112,754 in scholarships. Out of 19,500 students that attend Yuba College, in the past two years, no more than 82 students have applied for any scholarship in a given year.
Some scholarships are funded through outside organizations or donors. Sometimes scholarships require specific applications, which can be picked up at the financial aid office, to be mailed to those organizations. Also some of these scholarships become available through private support and from many people who have contributed to scholarship funds through the Yuba College Foundation.
There are several different types of scholarships for pretty much every individual. Some scholarships are designated to a specific field of study, and others that are based on strictly GPA. A person may need to have a specific GPA to apply for and to continue receiving scholarship funds.
Some tips that might help individuals with applying for a scholarship include the following:
1) Apply only if you are eligible
2) Complete the application full. Even if there is something that does not apply, write “non-applicable” so the people know that you viewed the information
3) Make sure you write neatly, and if you are going to mail a scholarship, do not fold it in a small envelope. Use an 8×10 envelop so your application arrives looking great to the committee
4) Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and then create an outline to help you organize your ideas. Include elements in your essay that complement the committee’s expectations. Possible topics include your personal achievements, plans for the future and how the scholarship will assist you in continuing with your education
5) Watch for deadlines
6) Make copies of applications
7) Ask for help if you need it. Do not be scared to ask your instructors or counselor or even stop by the financial aid office
8) Give it one last check. Make sure everything is right.
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