The Perfect College Scholarship: Five Tips in Getting Your Way

1. Find a mentor. Individuals who will help you develop career-wise and guide you through your educational career are mentors. A community or professional authority or an educator can write positive recommendations and emphasize your achievements for the university admission and scholarship board if he or she sees genuine potential in you.

2. Watch out for scams. The Internet can keep you posted on scholarship options and deadlines. However, there is also no shortage of fraudulent college and university scholarships online as well. These are scam warnings: Application fees, Loan fees, "Guaranteed winnings", "Everybody is qualified", "Unclaimed aid", and "We'll apply on your behalf."...(3)...

3. Apply for everything. There's no limit to the number of university scholarships that you can submit applications to. When applying for scholarships, the application is your one and only stamp, so you should prepare it right. For starters, all forms should be typewritten with no corrections or mistakes. Quality paper has to be used. Seal your contents in a plastic folder and mail it with a return receipt (this lets the scholarship committee know that you're committed, and it lets you know if your package arrived). A mistake-free and professionally proofread essay is needed. A well-written CV that highlights your achievements is a must. Positions of leadership, honor and awards received, community services, and extracurricular activities have to be included as important points.

4. Do what leaders do. An excellent way to zero-in on a good university scholarship program is to look for a successful student and ask him how he did it. High school and college students must look at the leaders in their communities and schools. If someone got a college or university scholarship, find out what she did, if she volunteered with the Red Cross or the Girl Scouts, you must do that as well.

5. Persistence has rewards. Don't forget that you want to go to university, so if you don't get a scholarship, remember that there are other options, such as financial aid and student loans. Re-think your priorities as student loans are more important than a car loan, even if they're costly.