This Semester Focus On Local Scholarships (NOT National Scholarships)

National scholarships (typically found by using internet search engines) are extremely difficult to win. You may think you are submitting winning applications and essays, but the competition for national scholarships is EXTREME and so-called “winning” applications rarely do. Some national scholarships receive more than 100,000 applications; this brings true meaning to the phrase, “extremely competitive scholarships.”

In contrast, there are true advantages to applying for LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS. Why? Because when you apply, you’ll be one of the few students that do. By this time of year most seniors are completely burned out from submitting application after application for college admission and financial aid; they have no interest in filling out yet another form or writing another essay. But hang tough and apply for all scholarships offered by local civic organizations, businesses, and scholarship foundations because the competition is minimal and your odds of winning are good.

Most local scholarship applications are due between March 1 and May 31, 2010. Local scholarships usually require applications, transcripts, and essays; some even require interviews. Although completing more applications, essays, and interviews sounds dreadful, doing so can pay off in a big way. With competition so low, you can win multiple local scholarships which can add up to several thousands of dollars.

For more information visit MyCollegeCalendar.org.