Archive for the 'Paying for College' Category

How to get a scholarship

signing a cheque

Last week we talked about about developing a budget when thinking of attending a college.  Scholarships and awards can be a great resource when planning the financial needs of your college education.

Each year, many scholarships throughout Canada go unclaimed because students are unaware of the opportunities or don’t take the time to pursue scholarships and awards.

Here are some tips to consider when applying for a scholarship or award:

  • Do your research: there are number of web sites that list scholarships available in Canada.  Two of the larger ones are www.studentawards.com and www.scholarshipscanada.com. You can also check with on your institution’s web site for their specific awards.
  • Inventory your activities: many scholarships require a demonstration in leadership, volunteering, etc. Think of all your hobbies, extra-curricular activities and volunteering that you could include on your application.  Don’t discount something because you think “it’s not important.”
  • Get out and work: if there is a scholarship or award you’re interested, but lack the qualifications, get out and work towards the requirements.  There are many volunteer opportunities in your city.  You’ll increase your chances of getting the scholarship and improve the community you live in.
  • Mark it on your calendar: scholarships always have an application deadline.  Don’t let the opportunity pass you by, give yourself a friendly reminder to apply.

This year, Lethbridge College will be awarding over $900,000 in scholarships and awards.  There’s just one application for all scholarships and awards, which makes the application process super easy.

A college education is a significant investment in your future.  A scholarship can help offset the costs and give you peace of mind. Whatever you do, don’t count yourself out.

Do you have any other tips for applying for scholarships and awards?

Thinking of college? Start a budget.

budget

There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with assignments and deadlines, only to realize that you’ve run out of money.  This can add stress to what should be a great learning experience.

One tool that can help avoid this is a budget.

This can help you make smart choices to meet your post-secondary education goals. Budgeting isn’t just about listing your expenses and income. Good budgeting helps you see the big picture (tuition, books, living expenses, and savings) while understanding the small details (what resources you might already have, if you need to reduce your spending, if it makes sense to find a part-time job.)

There is a lot of help out there for students of all backgrounds and experiences. But don’t expect student loans, awards, scholarships, or bursaries to cover all of your expenses. These are meant to supplement, not replace, the financial resources that you and your family contribute. You can start preparing now by setting aside resources to help you cover the cost of your education.

You probably already know there can be roadblocks to creating a budget and sticking with it.

Lethbridge College has developed a budget wizard to help estimate your costs while you’re at school and take an inventory of the financial resources available to you.

budgetwizard Thinking of college? Start a budget.

What are some techniques that you use to stick to your budget?

Image from anitakhart via Flickr