We do it almost everyday before we prepare for daily life. Looking in the mirror to make sure that physically we meet the requirements for appropriateness and dress for the working world. In the same way while looking for scholarships (of preparing for a job interview) we should look at ourselves carefully to figure our how we might meet criteria for scholarships. Look at these 40 questions and see if they help as you search for scholarships.
GENDER
1) Are
you male or female?
2) Did
you know that male enrollment in college is dropping and many schools are
giving male scholarships?
3) Did
you know that many schools are giving females scholarships for non-traditional
fields (ex. math and science careers, some universities consider instructional technology to be a STEM field)?
4) By
the way, if you are male there are also scholarships for males in
non-traditional fields (there is a demand for males in education, where positive
males are badly needed).
5) Are there gender based organizations related to your field?
ETHNICITY TRAITS & FAMILY BACKGROUND
6) What is your ethnicity? If you are caucasian or multi-racial, break it down a bit further. (i.e, Irish, Scottish Welsh, Indian-African)
7) If
you are a minority, are you aware of the many ethnic-based organizations and
non-profit that may offer scholarships.
8) If
your ethnicity is considered a minority in a certain field – for example only
2% of practicing architects are African-American - did you know that there may
be special awards based on your ethnicity and field of study.
9) Did
your parents or anyone in your immediate family go to college?
10) If
you said no to the previous question did you know that there are first
generation college scholarships?
11) If
you are African American did you know that only 14% of African Americans have
bachelor degrees?
12) Only
5% for Ph.Ds?
13) Did
you know that some colleges are trying really hard to recruit minorities with
quality scholarship programs?
14) Are
you the son or daughter of immigrants?
15) Are
you an immigrant?
16) Are
you a veteran or the son or daughter of a veteran?
17) Where
do you, your spouse or parents work?
18) Do
you live in a household that makes less than $60,000 a year?
19) Were
you ever in foster care after the age of 12?
20) Do you have diagnosed disability or illness?
21) Are you over or under the age of 35?
22) If
you have a job will your employer give you a grant or scholarship?
23) Did
you know that some employers will match a scholarship?
24) Do
you live in the same county or city as your university?
ACADEMICS
& COMMUNITY
33) What
national, state or regional companies, non-profits, associations and services
are related to you intended major? For
example, Psychology – (APA) American Psychological Association or education –
(NEA) National Education Association
35) Do you or a professor belong to an academic organization?
36) Do you worship with a church that belongs to a larger body or organization?
37) Do you know if your bank offers financial aid?
OUT
& ABOUT
38) What
is your favorite restaurant and do they offer a scholarship?
39) Where
do you like to shop?
40) Are there civic organizations in your community that offer assistance?
