Once you start searching for possible scholarships, you may easily find that there are so many that you are somewhat overwhelmed. Too many scholarships, too little time! It will help if you take time to prioritize them, i.e. decide which ones are the best fit for you. Ask yourself the following questions to help narrow down the list:
How do you fit the mission or point of the award? Does it sound just like you or do you only match about 3 out of the 10 criteria?
How much do academics count in each of the scholarships? Most organizations provide this information. If the only mention is a minimum GPA and yours is above that, you are set.
How many awards are being given out? What are your overall chances of getting one?
What is the scope of the competition? You will have a better chance of winning a scholarship that is only open to students in your county than one that is nationwide.
How much is the award? Is it enough to make a difference? Consider the amount given, but don’t just apply to the scholarships with the largest prizes because those often have the most competition.
Scholarship Essays
Scholarship essays and college admissions essays are not the same thing. When you are scheduling time to write your scholarship and college admissions essays, remember that the two are very different. While an admissions essay is geared to providing college admissions officers with an overall picture of who you are, the scholarship essay is targeted to the purpose of the scholarship itself. The people reading this are looking for something specific about you. For example, if you are applying for a sports scholarship, include information on the reason you play, what you have learned and how you have improved. If the scholarship is for future teachers, write about your experience with children and teaching or tutoring. Don’t just list these things either in some kind of bulleted format. Instead, talk about the why, how or what behind it all. How did you get involved? What new perspectives have you learned? Why do you want to pursue this further?
Time to recycle. You have been throwing your soda cans and water bottles in recycling containers for years now, so keep up the spirit and see if you can recycle any of your essays. The good news is that, naturally, this saves you time and effort. The bad news is that it isn’t quite that simple. Before you decide to use Essay B for scholarship XYZ, make sure it actually fits. Read the question carefully and make sure you are addressing it specifically. You may be able to tweak certain parts of an essay and adapt something written for one college or scholarship to meet the criteria of others.
I hope you’ve seen from this chapter that scholarships are a possibility for any student, regardless of college-entrance exam scores or GPA. There are awards given for every background, talent or achievement. Many scholarship or award committees don’t count grades or test scores as the most important factor. It is well worth taking some time to prioritize the scholarships you apply for. Then write the best application and essay that you can. With that combination, you have a good chance of winning funds for college.
COLLEGE DIRECTORY
A GUIDE TO THE COLLEGES THAT WELCOME B STUDENTS
As a B or C student, you have many options when it comes to finding a college that is right for you. In fact, there are far more colleges that want you than you could ever apply to in a single year. Your challenge will not be finding the right college but narrowing down your list of possibilities.
As you will see, not all colleges require certain GPAs or test scores to make it past the velvet rope. Now it’s time to meet some of the schools that not only accept B and C students but that also embrace them. These colleges are competitive and offer the highest quality educations, but they also recognize that students like you have much to offer and are committed to ensuring your success.
How These Colleges Were Chosen
All the colleges and universities listed in this directory were chosen for several reasons.
They each offer very high quality educations. Just because the colleges listed here accept students with less-than-perfect scores doesn’t mean that they sacrifice quality. These schools are committed to preparing you for your future.
B and C students are welcome. These colleges have test scores and GPA averages that fit well with the typical B student’s range. In addition, the schools offer programs such as tutoring or mentoring that will help students succeed once they are in college.
They are competitive. While not as selective as many of the colleges at the top of news magazines’ lists, the schools listed here do have standards for admission. Because they generally draw from a smaller geographic area, community colleges are not included.
They offer diversity. These schools represent all parts of the country and all sizes, from small to large.
ADELPHI UNIVERSITY
1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
Admissions: 800-ADELPHI • Financial Aid: 516-877-3365
Email: [email protected] • Website: http://www.adelphi.edu
From the College
“Adelphi University was founded in 1896 and was Long Island’s first private coeducational institution of higher learning. Since 2007, Adelphi has been cited as a ‘Best Buy’ by the Fiske Guide to Colleges, one of only a handful of private universities to make the list. The New York Times wrote in fall 2006, ‘By practically every measure, the university is thriving.’ As Adelphi grows, its academic programs evolve to reflect the needs and interests of the more than 8,400 students from 37 states and close to 50 countries including an acclaimed Honors College; career-advancing joint degree programs; performing arts programs; and professional programs in social work, nursing, business, psychology and education. Internationally recognized scholars and artists fill the ranks of Adelphi’s more than 900 full- and part-time faculty members.
“Students may join Adelphi’s more than 80 student organizations, including fraternities, sororities and academic honor societies. Access to professional internships in all industries, whether in New York City or on Long Island, abounds. An expanded career center connects students with a range of professional opportunities. Specialized extracurricular and academic programs promote student involvement in civic and community service. Adelphi has NCAA Division I and II intercollegiate athletic teams, including its Division II National Championship women’s lacrosse team as well as an array of intramural activities. In fall 2008, Adelphi opened a state-of-the-art performing arts center and center for recreation and sports. The carefully designed building complex serves as a hub for student activities, cultural performances, athletic competitions and academics. Adelphi students have free access to student counseling, financial aid advising, mentoring and other life improvement services. Students wishing to study abroad will find ample opportunities and personalized assistance in selecting programs through Adelphi’s study abroad office.
“Through its schools, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, the Honors College, University College, the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education and the Schools of Business, Nursing and Social Work, Adelphi offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs of study at our main Garden City campus and at off-campus centers in Hauppauge, Manhattan and Hudson Valley.”
Campus