One
overlooked consequence of living in a world with a seemingly endless supply of
information, being served up faster (and cheaper) all the time, is that some of
that information is questionable. If you will soon be facing life-changing
choices about both getting into college and paying for it, a crucial first step
in the process is uncovering the truth about scholarship myths. Yes, the Internet has made
information easy to get, but you still need to be careful about double-checking
facts and verifying claims. You will have a lot of research to do if you intend
to apply for scholarship funds to help your family pay for your college
education.
There is much for you to learn, far more than
could fit into one article, or even a few dozen, which is why there is a huge
industry in publishing “how to” books about scholarships for college. On the other hand, you could
definitely benefit from an article, such as this one, that Fwill assist you in
uncovering the truth about scholarship myths - some old, some new and all
guaranteed to mislead and confuse you. After reading this article you will be
better prepared to do research on college scholarships, and also know how to
spot “fake
facts” and deception. Let’s take a look at the top myths prevalent today, and
then see
what the truth really is.
Myth: Only "A" students get scholarships
Truth: It is true, of course, that good grades are very important in winning a scholarship. But grades are only one way that students are measured and evaluated. The large corporate scholarship programs, in particular, make it very clear that they are seeking motivated, energetic and well-rounded applicants who know how to do more than just write reports and take tests. Success in the scholarship application process itself, as in life, means exhibiting strength in a number of different areas and disciplines.
Myth: Millions (or billions) of dollars in scholarship money goes unclaimed and unused ever year
Truth: While there will always be some scholarships that are unused, many of the so-called “unclaimed” ones are earmarked for students with special needs, narrowly defined qualifications or other rare requirements. In fact, there are scholarships specifically tailored to students’ religion, height or weight, physical attributes and nationality. Many of the unused scholarships are of this type.
Myth: Middle-class students have the hardest time getting college money, since the rich already have the funds and the poor get all the scholarships
Truth: The partial truth in this myth is that, the more money their families have, the less likely it is that middle-class students will qualify for the “needs-based” programs. However, there are many, many merit- and skill-based scholarships available to students, where family income is of decreased (or even no) importance.
Myth: You should apply to as many scholarships as possible to "beat the odds"
Myth: Only "A" students get scholarships
Truth: It is true, of course, that good grades are very important in winning a scholarship. But grades are only one way that students are measured and evaluated. The large corporate scholarship programs, in particular, make it very clear that they are seeking motivated, energetic and well-rounded applicants who know how to do more than just write reports and take tests. Success in the scholarship application process itself, as in life, means exhibiting strength in a number of different areas and disciplines.
Myth: Millions (or billions) of dollars in scholarship money goes unclaimed and unused ever year
Truth: While there will always be some scholarships that are unused, many of the so-called “unclaimed” ones are earmarked for students with special needs, narrowly defined qualifications or other rare requirements. In fact, there are scholarships specifically tailored to students’ religion, height or weight, physical attributes and nationality. Many of the unused scholarships are of this type.
Myth: Middle-class students have the hardest time getting college money, since the rich already have the funds and the poor get all the scholarships
Truth: The partial truth in this myth is that, the more money their families have, the less likely it is that middle-class students will qualify for the “needs-based” programs. However, there are many, many merit- and skill-based scholarships available to students, where family income is of decreased (or even no) importance.
Myth: You should apply to as many scholarships as possible to "beat the odds"
Truth: It does not make
sense to apply for any particular scholarship unless you can honestly tell
yourself you would be glad to win it, and that it would make sense if it were
the only one you applied for. Applying for scholarships is not a gamble, a
“numbers game” or a contest. You should apply only for those scholarships that
you would be well suited for, and that you stand a good chance of winning.
There are, of course, other myths that swirl around the topic of college scholarships, myths that tell you to apply at certain times, in certain ways or to say certain things. The best course of action is the same one that got you to the point where are looking ahead to college in the first place: do your homework, use your head, be honest and work hard. This is simple, straightforward advice, but the perfect means for uncovering the truth about scholarship myths.
There are, of course, other myths that swirl around the topic of college scholarships, myths that tell you to apply at certain times, in certain ways or to say certain things. The best course of action is the same one that got you to the point where are looking ahead to college in the first place: do your homework, use your head, be honest and work hard. This is simple, straightforward advice, but the perfect means for uncovering the truth about scholarship myths.
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