FAVORITE College and Scholarship Blogs.
>Scholarship Opportunities Blog
1. To and Through College
This is my blog, and I write about all sorts of topics relating to college: which courses to take, career exploration, scholarships, choosing a job, and so much more. Basically, I tell students that I'm writing out ideas and tips on a weekly basis to help MANY students--but that if I could sit down with them for 15 minutes--I'd tell them the same thing. Don't miss the chance to read it, and become your own expert on college!
2. Study Hacks
One of my favorite student blogs because it covers topics that include study skills, deep thought, choosing a career and other subjects relevant to any high school students. The blog is written by Cal Newport, a Computer Science Professor at Georgetown University. Every time I read it, I am inspired to work and learn in a more focused manner. I hope that you discover the same thing for yourself! Be sure to explore the blog, especially the older posts which focus on student success. (Check out his books, too!)
3. The UVa Admission Blog: Notes from Peabody
The Dean of Admissions writes this blog, and it is focused on the admissions process at the University of Virginia (UVa) specifically. However, even if you have no intention of going to UVa, it is a wealth of information about the admissions process.
4. PrepScholar Blog Prepscholar runs this blog separate from their money-making test prep company. Basically: you get loads of great information for free. The most helpful posts relate to ACT and SAT prep, which you access by scanning down the page to the section where there are tabs on the side that read "Posts by Topic". Check out the posts relating to test prep, and especially those with specific sections addressed. NOTE: Click on the tile at the right side of the page titled, "ACT Prep". That will bring up 4 tiles underneath, each focusing on getting a perfect 36 in each subject. This is a great place to start--and don't rush reading these posts! Take time, apply them, and you'll really learn a great amount! Also--check out this link--because it links to the BEST PrepScholar Articles on each Subject (it's at the bottom of the post).
7. Veteran Dependent Scholarships
Maximizing GI Bill Benefits - https://www.
GI Bill Transfer Guidebook -
https://www.
Scholarships for Veterans - https://www.
FAFSA and Financial Aid Guidebook - https://www.
Financial Aid and Scholarships Guide for Students - https://www.
FAVORITE BOOKS about College Readiness and Scholarship Searches.
***After perusing hundreds and books, these are the ones that are the most helpful as well as the best written. Seriously, take my advice and do not buy a book written by a committee. The writing is dry as powder, and you won't make it past the first chapter. Stick with great writers that are truly interested in this subject.
1. Countdown to College: 21 To-Do Lists for High School: Step-by-Step Strategies for 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Graders. Author: Cheryl Riley.
This book is just awesome--it is concise and easy to read, and unbelievably helpful. It has to-do lists for each grade in high school, and every student (and parent) should have a copy to use! If you don't have a clue where to start (and even if you do), this book is an absolute MUST to making sure everything happens on the road to college. (Can you tell I love it?!)
Also...don't make the mistake of saying, "This is common sense stuff." Well..if it's common sense...are you doing it? Because if you aren't doing it, then you need a book to help you stay on track.
2. How to Be a High School Superstar: A Revolutionary Plan to Get into College by Standing Out (Without Burning Out) Author: Cal Newport.
This is a life-changing book. If it doesn't change the way you approach learning, studying, and living--then you haven't really read it. Really. It's that good. It's all about doing something different and meaningful to help you stand out on college (and scholarship) applications. And instead of approaching high school as a tortuous game of getting the best grades and high test scores, it will help you really love the process of learning and becoming a person worth admitting to a big-name school or awarding a top-dollar scholarship.
3. Confessions of a Scholarship Winner: The Secrets that Helped Me Win $500,000 in Free Money for College--How You Can Too! Author: Kristina Ellis.
A great book that is motivational and helpful. It's not a list of scholarships to apply for--it's the story of how one student really worked hard, applied, and won scholarships. You could wait until your senior year to read it (it would still help), but it's even better if you can read this book early on in high school. She shows that if you want to win scholarships, you need to apply to a ton of them, refine your application skills, and keep applying!!
4. The Perfect Score Project Author: Debbie Stier.
This book is half-manual / half-story of what TO DO (and even more important...what not to do) when approaching the SAT. I loved this book--especially because I was learning valuable information AND it read like a novel! You'll be motivated to study for the SAT (or ACT). Parents--you'll know how to navigate the standardized test with your child. Also--don't wait until junior year to read this book! Start reading it in your freshman or sophomore year. (But if you haven't read it and you are a junior, then read it NOW!)
5. Where You Go Isn't Who You'll Be Author: Frank Bruni
Wow. A great book about college. The author, Frank Bruni, a columnist for the New York Times, explains why students can be as happy, if not happier, attending a public state university or a small liberal arts college instead of a highly selective college. These public universities have many great attributes going for them that are unadvertised, and this book chronicles story after story of exceptional people that have been happy with their college education at unheralded places as University of Rhode Island, ASU, University of Hawaii and (gasp) community colleges!
FALL COLLEGE EVENTS
- RMACAC College Fair. College Fair with 120+ colleges attending. Held at Juan Diego H.S. in Salt Lake City. Event is FREE, but students should check out all information about the event at www.rmacac.org Event is held during the Fall of every year. Watch for dates at the beginning of each school year. Students in grades 9-12 encouraged to attend.
Scholarships with September - November Deadlines
- ROTC Programs Seniors can apply Window OPENS June for the School Year (very early application) ROTC stands for "Reserve Officer Training Corps". It's a college program offered at more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S., preparing young adults to become officers in the U.S. military. In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, cadets commit to serve in the Military after graduation. Each branch of the military has different requirements for their own ROTC program. Check them out: Army ROTC Website;Navy ROTC Website; Air Force ROTC Website;
- Weber State Academic Scholarships Seniors can apply Window OPENS, and any student who would like ANY funding should fill out the application on September 1. They base scholarships on the date the application was completed, even if it well before the "deadline" of January.
- Sterling Scholar Program Seniors can apply Scholarship program that awards students that excel in a specific academic subjects: English, Mathematics, Social Science, Science, World Languages, Computer Technology, Skilled and Technical Science Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, Business & Marketing, Speech / Theater Arts / Forensics, Vocal Performance, Visual Arts, Instrumental Music, Dance. The program begins at the high school level and advances to the state level, with specific scholarships for each level.
- Horatio Alger Scholarship Seniors can apply Scholarship available for students that excel in community service, display integrity, and have overcome personal adversity. Must have financial need (family gross income under $65,000) There is a STATE and a NATIONAL Scholarship--and you can apply for both (they are separate applications). Scholarship Awards range from $5,000 to $20,000--and MULTIPLE scholarships are awarded. Be sure to check out and APPLY for both the State Award and the National Award
- Daniels Fund Scholarship Seniors can apply Scholarships for students that stand out for their character, leadership, and service. The scholarship is for FOUR years, and can be used at ANY college or university. Family should have financial need (family gross income under $55,000) It is very competitive, but it is an amazing opportunity for the student that really excels.
- Doodle for Google Any student K-12 can apply! Deadline: Fall (every year). Check it out inSeptember for year's specific theme and exact deadline. Create a "Doodle" in response to specific prompt for yearly competition. Check out the website and the "doodles" of past winners. This is a GREAT Scholarship for Artists and anyone willing to create something creative and inspiring.
- QuestBridge Scholarships Opportunities for both Seniors and Juniors. Senior Application Opens: August. Great Opportunity for seniors to be "matched" with a college, and receive scholarships. Many different scholarships available--read all about the different opportunities you could have, and be sure to apply for this elite program. There is a VERY helpful video about the QuestBridge process--if you are interested in applying--be sure to watch it! It outlines tips, deadlines, and what to do to succeed! QuestBridge Video
- VFW Voice of Democracy Contest Grades 9-12 can apply Application Window: August 1- October 25th Essay-speech contest for high school students. Speech must be under 5 minutes, recorded on a CD, and submitted to a local VFW post. State Award: $1,000 AND a full-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. National Award: $30,000 and a full-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. This is a great scholarship opportunity for students who will take time to research, write, and record an original speech on the yearly theme. The Theme for THIS Year is: American History: Our Hope for the Future
- VFW Patriot's Pen Contest Grades 6-8 can apply Essay contest for middle school students. First place is $5,000 and all-expense trip to Washington D.C. Great experience for middle school students! The Theme for THIS Year is: America's Gift to My Generation.
- United States Senate Youth Program High School Juniors & Seniors can apply Deadline: October of every year. This is a competitive scholarship program for students involved in student government or student council. Students should be interested and knowledgeable about current events. Students advance from the high school level to the state level to the national level. Two state "senators" are sent to a Washington Week and receive a $5,000 Scholarship. If you are interested in this, come and talk to Mrs. Krim the spring before you want to apply!
Scholarships with December - February Deadlines
- Western Undergraduate Exchange Program. WUE allows students to attend out-of-state colleges and universities at a reduced-cost (MUCH cheaper than paying out-of-state tuition). There are a limited number of WUE slots at each institution--so apply early if an out-of-state college is appealing to you.
- Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship. Apply when you are a senior; begin preparing as a freshman. This scholarship evaluates leadership, citizenship, and community service. Awards range from $2,000 to $50,000. Multiple scholarships given each year. Check it out: Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
- The American Legion: Oratorical Contest. Any Student in Grades 9-12 can apply. Speech Scholarship on the Constitution: a prepared 8-10 minute speech, and a 3-5 minute extemporaneous speech, connected to a specific Constitutional Amendment. See website for details and specific instructions. Check out all the tabs on the website for more information! Contest Website
- JFK Profiles in Courage Essay Scholarship Grades 9-12 can apply Applicants submit a 1,000 word essay describing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official during or after 1956, the publication date of Profiles in Courage. Full bibliography required. Top Award: $10,000.
- GE Reagan Scholarship H.S. Seniors can apply; begin preparing as a freshman. Students should exhibit strong leadership, service, integrity, drive, academic performance. Students must have financial need, be a U.S. citizen, and plan on enrolling in a 4-year college or university. (Application opens in October. Only the first 25,000 applications will be accepted).
- ACLU Youth Activist Scholarship H.S. Seniors can apply Students who have demonstrated a commitment to civil liberties. (You can't just SAY you believe in civil liberties...you have to show you have been involved in supporting civil liberties through activism) Three scholarships of $1,000 are awarded each year, and can be applied to any college.
- Henry & Joyce W. Sumid Scholarship H. S. Seniors can apply. Students who are interested in studying theatre arts should apply. You must be able to prove financial need. See website for full details of application requirements (including essay, transcript, letter of recommendation (3), and Resume.
- Cyberbulling Prevention Scholarship Grades 9-12 can apply Submit a 600 - 1,000 word essay answering the topic, "Why and How to Stop Cyberbullying". Look at the website for more details. This is an ESSAY ONLY scholarship (no GPA or ACT Score needed!
- Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship Grades 9-12 can apply Submit ORIGINAL photo, artwork, or computer graphic for front of a greeting card. Images should be appropriate for consumer or business use. See website for more details. (Fun scholarship for someone interested in photography, art, computer graphics)
- Various College Deadlines: Below is a list of various deadlines for colleges in Utah. The Ambassador Scholarship is for students that are willing to work as an Ambassador at a specific school. The responsibilities vary from school to school, but essentially include giving students tours, helping with office work, and other recruiting responsibilities. It's a great opportunity for a student that excels in leadership and working with people. The Honors Program Scholarship also varies at each school, but essentially gives students a chance to be in smaller classes, work more with professors, be involved in undergraduate research, and of course...receive a scholarship. If you do not see a school and scholarship listed you would like to know about, look at the college website or ask Mrs. Krim for help.ONE NOTE: You must be accepted to the University before you can be accepted to the Honors Program or as an Ambassador.
- Utah State University: Ambassador Program Deadline: January 10, 2017
- Utah State University: Aggie Involvement Scholarship Deadline: January 10, 2017
- Utah State University: Honors Program Program is open to top 150 incoming first year students at Utah State. Apply VERY early (recommended: before November 1)
- Weber State University: Ambassador Application
- Weber State University: Honors Program
- Just a note: You can apply for a Honors Program Scholarship once you have been enrolled in the Honors Program, and completed at least one class in the Honors Program.
- Utah Valley University: Housing Scholarship
- Utah Valley University: Honors Program
- Utah Valley University: Ambassador Homepage
- Check out UVU's Program for first - generation college students! I Am First!
- Dixie State University: Ambassador Application
- Snow College: Scholarship Page
- Daughters of American Revolution H.S. Seniors can apply. There are multiple scholarships available through the DAR: all accept the same application. Simply copy as many applications as necessary and apply to multiple scholarships. Various awards from $1,000 - $5,000.
- CTE Scholarship Seniors can apply; begin preparing as a sophomore or junior . Great scholarship for students pursuing any major in any of the "CTE" categories. Check out the "CTE" list--it's bigger than you think! This is a state-scholarship, so the odds are highly in your favor. For the past few years, 50% of the students that applied for the CTE Scholarship received it. (Amazing odds for a Scholarship!)
Life Lessons Scholarship Seniors can apply. This is a scholarship for a student that has lost a parent. Students submit an essay or video about how the death of a parent impacted their lives, and how life insurance could have made a difference. There are many examples on the website of past winners.- QuestBridge Scholarships Opportunities for Juniors. JuniorApplication Opens: Mid-February. Great Opportunity for juniors (low income, high academics) to attend an elite college for several weeks the summer before their high school senior year. Many different scholarships available--read all about the different opportunities you could have, and be sure to apply for this elite program.
Scholarships with March - May Deadlines
- Eagle Scout of the Year Seniors can apply; begin preparing years before. National Scholarship Competition for best Eagle Scout of the Year. One National Award: $10,000; Runner-Up Award: $2,500 (3 Runner-Up Awards Given).
- Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarships Seniors can apply; Window opens in March These scholarships are for students pursing a technical certificate (such as offered at the ATC). Awards up to $2,500. Must have financial need, a minimum GPA of 3.0, be a U.S. citizen, and demonstrated perseverance in overcoming adversity.
- Economics for Leaders Camp Juniors and Sophomores can apply. Apply for a week-long Economics and Leadership Camp. Apply specifically for one of the weeks at the Boulder, CO university site, and be eligible for a $300 scholarship (final cost = $350, which covers all program materials, board and room). Student is in charge of travel to and from conference. This is a GREAT conference to meet students from all over the country, learn about economic theories and leadership skills, and have an exceptional camp experience!
- Walmart Scholarship Seniors can apply A Scholarship for Walmart employees OR their dependents. Award amount: $1,625 (Can be renewed seven times for a total amount of $13,000)
- Add--Questbridge Program for Juniors
- Youthlinc Awards Juniors & Seniors can apply This is a $5,000 Scholarship for Utah Young Humanitarians. There are also three $1,000 runner up awards. It is for students that excel at giving back to their communities. Students should really look for opportunities to serve in creative, personal, and meaningful ways.
- Utah Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Ages 15-18 can apply (Licensed Teen Drivers) AND April 24, 2017 (Drivers Ed Students) Students write a 500-word essay answering the prompt: "What Drives You?" Students tat are in Drivers Ed compete in one division (April 21 Deadline); Students that have their license compete in another division (March 24 deadline). There is no GPA requirement--it is an essay scholarship only! Check out the videos of past winners and start writing about story.
- T.H. Bell Teaching Incentive Program Seniors can apply. The T.H. Bell Incentive Loan is for students going into the field of education. It consists of a waiver (of tuition and fees at the Utah public institutions; $995.00 per semester at private institutions) to be used for a period not exceeding 8 semesters (4 years). The student agrees to teach in a Utah public school for a period equal to the time they received the loan. If you are considering a career in teaching...do not overlook this program!
- Words to be Heard Scholarship Grades 9-12 can apply. Create an original presentation that discourages underage drinking and drunk driving OR texting while driving. The presentation can be a video / powerpoint / brochure / website / essay / etc. One grand prize award: $5,000; three second-place awards: $2,500; three runners-up awards: $1,000
- "Service Above Self" Scholarship Seniors can apply. Rotary Club of Ogden sponsors this scholarship, which is awarded to multiple students that will be attending Weber State University. It is only for students that are attending Weber State, so the pool of applicants is much smaller. The scholarship award is $3,000 and several awards will be given. If you have been service-oriented during high school, take time to apply for this scholarship. (This scholarship application is not online; you will have to ask Mrs. Krim for a hard copy of the application. Please email her atkrim.scholarship@gmail.comThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )
- American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship Seniors can apply. This is a one-of-a-kind, somewhat funky scholarship. The applicant reads an essay and answers 10 multiple choice questions about the essay. You print out the essay and use it when you take the test. It's an "open book" test / scholarship. 10 Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $2,000; 10 more are awarded in the amount of $1,000. (There is no GPA or financial need requirement, and it can be used at any college / trade school)
- Opportunity Scholarship Seniors can apply. This scholarship is for students attending Weber State University who are first-generation college students, low-income (but perhaps not eligible for FAFSA), and have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Many DaVinci Students should apply for this!
- Nordstrom "Ten 4 U" Scholarship Juniors can apply. Scholarship contest for juniors with academic achievement (above a 2.7 cum GPA), and community involvement. This is a GREAT scholarship that is open to Juniors only--so take the opportunity and apply for it.
- "Stuck at Prom" Scholarship Grades 9-12 can apply. Fun Contest where students create and wear prom outfits made out of Duck Tape. Grand Award: $5,000 Scholarship for each student AND $5,000 for their school. (Students compete as boy-girl teams for the highest scholarship possible; individual students can compete in a different category as well. See website for details)
- College Financial Aid Advice H.S. Seniors can apply (and college students). Fun Essay Contest. Write a 300-word essay about a topic from a list connected with paying for college (College Admissions, FAFSA help, Pell Grants, Student Jobs, etc.) You can enter one essay in EACH subject--so you have multiple chances of winning a $1,000 Scholarship. Great Scholarship for students that enjoy writing and are willing to write 300 words (so easy!)
- Akash Kuruvilla Memorial Scholarship H.S. Seniors can apply (and college students). Scholarship for students that demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, integrity and excellence in diversity. Award: $1,000.