College Scholarship Myths You Need to Know

There are several types of scholarship grants out there. And the best part is you can get it everywhere. You can get it from your school academic office, colleges and universities, local government, corporations, institutions, and the internet. But the bad thing is, in spite the availability of these scholarships, applicants seem to be discouraged for certain reasons. Here are the common myths you need to know before getting discourage on applying for a college scholarship:

· Scholarships are for highly intellectual students only.

Most students are discouraged with the idea that all scholarship grants are reserved for ‘A’ students. This is 100% untrue. Although many scholarships offered everywhere have something to do with considering the academics performance of students, there are several factors that are also taken into great account. For this matter, scholarship grants can also be available for ‘B’ and ‘C’ students.

Many scholarships also have something to do with any field outside the norms of academic performance and grades. For example, there are scholarships for athletes, artists, performers, and so on. There are some scholarships that consider the weight of the applicants’ involvement in community development. The thing is you don’t have to be an Einstein to win a scholarship.

· Scholarships are only for the underprivileged

While there are many institutions that provide scholarships for the underprivileged, other scholarships do not fall on this condition. Many scholarships are granted for middle class or even for those who can afford. It is true that most scholarships are based on the need; there are some that aren’t. As a matter of fact, there are many scholarships that are based on the merits. This means that an applicant is not measured based on the financial capability but on academic proficiency and extracurricular activities.

· Scholarships involve money right at the application process

Yes, there are groups or institutions that will do all the work for you. They will find the most suitable scholarship for your need and they will process your scholarship application. Be warned that these might be scams. They do not intent to give you the scholarship you need but the money you earned. If you come across this, never give any payment.

· You cannot apply for several types of scholarships

The fact is you can always apply for several types of scholarships you think you are qualified into. Just make sure you give attention on the requirements and you are on the way in getting to a school you always dream of.

Average Student Loan Debt

The average student loan debt depends on the institution and the course which the student is studying. The National Post-Secondary Student Aid Study has calculated the following statistics for average student loans for the academic year 2003-2004.

Twenty-one percent of the students attending certificate courses at community colleges had borrowed loans at a median average of $5,307; while 78% of those attending certificate courses at private schools borrowed at a median average of $5,705. These figures show that the number of student borrowers at the private schools was marginally higher than the number at community schools. Among the associate degree students at community colleges, 28% had borrowed a median average of $5,879.

The statistic among bachelor's degree students was still higher. For the four-year bachelor's degree course at public colleges, 58% of students borrowed at a median average of $14,671; while at private colleges, 69% borrowed at $17,125.

For the four-year master's course at public colleges, 48% of the students were borrowers with a median average of $26,119; while at private colleges 73% students were borrowers with a median average of $29,000.

For specialized courses like doctorates and professional courses, the student debt was exceedingly high. 48% of the students undergoing doctorate courses at various institutions borrowed an average of $44,743 last year. 89% of the students opting for four-year professional courses at public colleges borrowed an average of $63,500 and 81% of the professional courses students at private colleges borrowed an average of $71,317.

These figures show that as the academic level goes higher, the average student loan debt also goes higher. The expense of professional courses such as medicine and law are very high and therefore, students also borrow more. Almost all students appearing for professional courses fund their education via some or the other student loan facilities. Another observable factor is that students studying in aided public schools and colleges borrow less and the number of borrowers is also less than at private schools.

Top 5 Books That Every Freshman Should Bring to College

Life Skills 101: A Practical Guide to Leaving Home and Living on Your Own by Tina Pestalozzi

Forgot how to do your laundry? Know when to change the oil? Worried that you might be damaging your credit Solid practical advice without the lectures!

College Cooking by Megan & Jill Carle

At some point you're going to get sick of the fast food that passes for food service at most colleges. You're going to need to good fresh food. Something that you can cook quickly, easily, cheaply, and using not much more than a microwave and your dorm's kitchen. Megan and Jill will show you what to buy and teach you how to cook it. Yum!

The Core Performance by Mark Verstegen & Pete Williams

The right kind of exercise will certainly help you fight the freshman 15. But this workout will keep you healthy and happy. People who exercise regularly feel better, enjoy life more, can concentrate longer, and get better results at school and work. This quick and fun workout can be done using equipment found in most college fitness centers or better yet done in your room using body weight and basic, inexpensive, and easy-to-store equipment.

Writing Analytically by David Rosenwasser & Jill Stephen

In every class you'll have to do analysis. But almost none of your professors will teach you how to do it. But David Rosenwasser & Jill Stephen will. They offer a fool-proof step-by-step method for conducting analysis of complex materials that will work in any discipline. Don't miss the "Reading Analytically" chapter. It'll help you get more out of your reading and prepare you to do more with it than just remember facts. Great writing advice too.

They Say/I Say by Gerald Graf & Cathy Birkenstein

Although they don't often realize it, college professors use formulaic sentence patterns to express complex ideas every time they write. With easy-to-use sentence templates Graf & Birkenstein teach you how to make the intellectual "moves that matter" in academic writing. You'll learn how to write sophisticated papers that professors will appreciate from the first day of college.

International Business Schools

International business schools are globally acclaimed business schools that offer courses of international quality. These schools are rated high in the quality of education and accommodate students and faculties from different countries. Students enjoy global business capabilities in a wide range of programs. International business schools have corporate partners. Campus interviews are conducted to absorb brilliant students into world renowned companies. These schools also have a big alumni association spread all over the world.

International business schools graduate more than thousand students each year. Fellowships and scholarships are granted to students with academic excellence. Part time and full time courses for master's degree and doctoral programs are conducted. Executive programs, related to education and finance, develop personal capabilities of students to drive future businesses.

Case study is the common interactive learning method used in international business schools. It meets interdisciplinary needs of actual business circumstances. A large percentage of the school budget is utilized for research purposes linked to the realities of business conditions. A global network of research centres helps to maintain an international scope for research work. International business schools are linked to partner schools from different parts of the world. They also conduct exchange programs with other top business schools, enabling students to gain maximum cultural and educational exposure. Ample financial resource is the main advantage of international business schools.

International business schools have lecture halls, online seminar rooms and flat floor teaching rooms. The facilities match international standards. Information technology services provided help students and faculties in gaining up-to-date knowledge. The library houses relevant and dependable information. Online resources giving access to books, journals, annual reports, market studies and reference titles are an attraction. There is a fitness centre with gymnasium, swimming pool, steam room and spa. Fitness classes and treatment are also held here. Accommodations are provided in hotel suites within the campus. There is a catering team on campus to supply varieties of food and drink.

Tips to Help You Get Accepted Into the College of Your Choice

Junior and Senior high school students all over the place have many decisions to make when it comes to furthering their education. Unfortunately, everyone will not be accepted into their first choice. However, if you want to increase your chances of getting into your first choice, consider the following tips:

As a student, your grades must meet the requirements of the college you wish to attend. This means keeping your grades up, even if it means extra tutoring sessions and staying after school everyday. Those who have proven they can meet the demands of college will be the ones who get accepted.

You must also understand that you are more than your grades. Of all the college tips you will read or hear about, you must realize that the well-rounded students are the ones who get accepted first. Get involved with high school activities and you will find yourself attending the college you placed as your first choice.

College will also place a lot of emphasis on your ACT or SAT scores. To make sure that your scores are more than adequate, consider taking an SAT or ACT prep course. Even if your time is limited, you will be able to find online classes that will help you prepare.

One of the recommendations that you will hear a lot about has to do with the application process. When filling out your applications for colleges, have someone else proofread what you have written. The worst mistake you can make is sending in an application that is filled with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.

Also, be sure that your applications are written in legible handwriting. If your handwriting is not the easiest to read, make sure that every application you send has been typed and is free of typos.

As a college education can be a large expense, do not forget to fill out college financial aid forms and apply for as many college scholarships as you can. This will help to ensure that your education will be more affordable.

Obama Wants Moms to Go Back to School

So Obama wants moms to go back to school - that is something that you may have read a little about lately. It seems a big deal is being made about a particular story that was posted in the media not long ago, about Obama encouraging mothers to go back to school.

Whilst some people embraced it, others were a little critical and wondering why the government were targeting moms in particular.

But there are some great things that the Obama administration has already done for mothers who wish to go to college.

Pell Grant Increase

On his first day in office, Obama increased the maximum Pell Grant by $200, up to $5550 for the 2010-11 academic year. Every dollar counts when it comes to studying and that $200 will be a great help to anyone applying for the Pell grant.

The Pell grant can be used for online studies which are highly suited to busy moms.

Single Moms

Single mothers are particularly being encouraged to return to school. With the popularity of online learning, it is now easier than ever for mothers to study whilst raising children.

The benefits are numerous:

You will be able to go and look for work once your kids are grown up
You will have the qualifications that are in demand
You will show your kids how great it is to be enhancing your knowledge and improving your life: something that will reflect on them as they grow up.

Obama wants moms to go back to school: do you want to go back to school so that you can improve life for both you and your family?

Minority Scholarships - Meant Not Just For the Poor

In finding a good job to land, it may not always be a requirement, but a college diploma plays a crucial role in getting the job that you really like. But many individuals today are financially deprived to even afford finishing their education. Good thing there are lots of scholarships and grants being offered today which includes the minority scholarships.

So what can these minority scholarships actually offer you to help you off in finishing your studies? Most of these would do some thorough checking up on your academic records and background as one basis for qualification. While some organizations check on the financial status of your household.

Hence, many students are hesitant to apply for such kind of scholarships, thinking that they won't pass for minority scholarships if they are not poor enough financially. You need not be utterly poor just to pass as a scholar. Majority of these organizations would just look into your household's income reach just for their statistics. But these data are not necessarily used to qualify or disqualify applicants.

Nevertheless, it must be clear to you that there would always be a set of requirements that you need to meet to be able to qualify as a scholar. Similarly, you cannot be accepted as a scholar just because you belong to a disadvantaged family. Some scholarships are made specifically for artists, musicians or aspiring athletes.

To gather more information on how you can find the right scholarship for you, you can start off searching the Internet as a great venue to look for. To apply for scholarships is much better than apply for a part time job and do the dual tasks of working and studying all at the same time. Such a decision would drain you until you come to a point that you are already too exhausted to even study at the end of each day.