Thursday, February 28, 2013

Borrow Smart!

Borrow smart. If you or your family must borrow to pay the bills, stick with government-sponsored Stafford loans for students and PLUS loans for parents (or a home-equity line of credit, if you qualify). Current interest rates on government loans are 6.8% for students (lower if you’re eligible for financial subsidies) and 7.9% for new PLUS loans (for more information on student loans, go to StudentLoans.gov). With that combination, you shouldn’t have to resort to more-expensive private loans. Remember, though, that a subsidized student loan can be a two-edged sword, encouraging kids to borrow more than they should.
Read more at http://www.kiplinger.com/article/college/T042-C002-S001-7-strategies-to-avoid-the-student-debt-trap.html#ut5FL0M11oqaOCx3.99

StudentLoans.gov. This site is your source for information from the U.S. Department of Education about how to manage your student loans.

United Realty Students Scholarship Program - $5,000-$10,000 Award

UNITED REALTY STUDENTS

APPLY HEREUnited Realty Students is a scholarship program intended to

provide students with $100,000 per year in Educational Scholarships.

Are you planning for a college or secondary education but don't have the resources to pay for it?

United Realty Partners, LLC is dedicated to investing in our future by investing in student education. For this reason, we've created United Realty Students — a scholarship program with multiple prizes awarded to students who best answer the question "How Do I Invest In My Future?"

Win scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 — just by writing a response to this short essay. Scholarships will be awarded on an ongoing basis, which you can view below. More details are available here.

- See more at: http://www.urpa.com/scholarship.html#sthash.ANKcvYWq.dpuf

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Check out newfuturo.com!

Check out newfuturo.com.They provide a high-touch, high-tech bilingual educational community to help families get their students into college and beyond. They offer free tools, resources and ongoing guidance to help Latinos achieve their educational and career goals. En Español también.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Arizona Community Colleges

Arizona, the Grand Canyon State, has one of the largest and best community college systems in the United States, including 10 campuses of the Maricopa Community Colleges. Below you'll find a directory accredited 1 and 2-year community, junior and technical colleges in Arizona. To explore colleges in a specific region within Arizona please make your selection from the list of cities found below.

Explore community colleges, junior colleges and technical colleges by Arizona city.

Click here: http://www.collegeatlas.org/arizona-community-colleges.html

Community Colleges: More time to plan for your future

Though sometimes overshadowed by the ritz and glitz of liberal arts schools and bustling research universities, community colleges truly provide a great introduction to higher education. Typically offering a range of two-year associates degrees, certificate programs and vocational training, community colleges present a good jumping off point for those unsure of what direction they might want to head. Moreover, since the majority of schools have adopted an open enrollment policy, all most students need is a high school diploma or GED and the desire to register.

If you’re wary of enrolling in community college but unsure of whether a four-year school is the right move for you at this time, consider the following:

Click here: https://www.mycollegeoptions.org/Core/SiteContent/Students/Advice/College-Resource-Center/College-Search---Selection/College-Choices/Community-Colleges.aspx

REASONABLE PRICE TAG

Community colleges are generally thousands of dollars cheaper than either public or private four-year institutions. Additionally, despite the reduced rate, financial aid is often available for those students unable to cover the full cost. What’s more, the low tuition also allows students to save for bachelors programs, should they decide to apply in the future.

UNPARALLELED FLEXIBILITY

Unlike many four-year colleges and universities, community colleges don’t require you to be a full-time student. You have the ability to take a few classes while you simultaneously focus on other pursuits. Indeed, you can juggle a couple courses as you develop artistic ambitions, hold down a job or tend to familial obligations.

IMPROVE YOUR ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

Many students often don’t hit their academic stride until after they graduate from high school. Community college offers students a clean slate and the chance to explore both new and traditional subjects from a fresh perspective. Additionally, small class sizes and individual attention translate into a supportive environment that truly provides the tools for success. Certainly, it’s quite common for students to use an associates program as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. In fact, many community colleges maintain partnerships with four-year institutions that guarantee an acceptance letter should the student meet GPA and course requirements.

STAY CLOSE TO HOME

There are a number of students who, though armed with a diploma in hand, don’t feel quite ready to leave the nest. Of course, there are also a handful of young adults whose families rely on them for help and support. Regardless of reasons or factors, plenty of students must attend school locally. Fortunately, accessibility is the hallmark of community college and there’s usually a campus within a short drive of most towns. Further, many programs are even adding online components. We think you’d be hard pressed to find a better commute!

Amidst the hoopla of frat parties, Division I sports and hallowed and historic lecture halls, it’s easy to dismiss community college. However, two-year schools provide fantastic educational opportunities. They allow students to dip their toe into the higher ed. waters without fear that they will drown (metaphorically speaking of course). Further, they allow students to move at their own time and their own pace, helping ignite new passions along the way. And all the while maintaining an exceedingly affordable price tag!

Click on the logo to check out a great Community College:

Pima Community College

Financial Aid for Community College Students

For many students and their parents, attending a few years of community college prior to enrolling at a four-year college is a wise idea. Not only can they save a significant amount of money on their tuition costs, but also on room, board, and transportation.

Sadly, many students and parents assume that because community college is so “cheap," that financial aid for community college students doesn’t exist. Just the opposite is true, however.

Here’s a breakdown of the major financial aid programs available for community college students:

Stafford Loans:

Stafford Loans can provide over $100,000 in financial aid for community college students, regardless of their family’s income or asset levels. Students that demonstrate need may receive more favorable rates and repayment terms. To qualify, you must be enrolled at least half-time and complete the FAFSA form.

Perkins Loans:

Perkins Loans are considered the most favorable Federal loan program for community college students. The rates and repayment terms offer a significant advantage over the Stafford, PLUS, and private loans. To qualify, you must be enrolled half-time and show substantial financial need on your FAFSA form.

PLUS Loans:

PLUS Loans are available to parents to help provide financial aid for community college students. Unlike Stafford and Perkins Loans, they are the parent’s responsibility to repay. While rates may not be as attractive as Stafford and Perkins loans, they’re still less costly than most private loan programs. To apply for a PLUS Loan, you will most likely need to complete the FAFSA form and pass a credit check.

Pell Grants:

Pell Grants are one of the most elusive forms of financial aid for community college students. This is due to the fact that these awards are “grants” that never need to be repaid. Part-time students are eligible, but will receive a reduced award amount. To be considered, students need to complete the FAFSA form and show significant financial need.

State Programs:

Many states offer programs that provide financial aid for community college students that are residents of that state. However, many of these programs are the first to get cut when a state experiences a budget crisis. To apply for state-based financial aid, contact your school’s financial aid office.

Scholarships:

Numerous private organizations, non-profits, and businesses offer scholarships for community college students. For these organizations, community college scholarships provide an opportunity to impact a large number of students with a relatively small amount of money.

To find out about scholarships for community college students, you should talk to your community college financial aid office.

Click here: http://collegesavings.about.com/od/financialaid/a/ccfinancialaid.htm

Community College: A Viable Option

What do an Academy Award nominated actor, the first female space shuttle commander, the governor of Hawaii, and the president of the NAACP have in common? All four got their start at a community college.

Click here: http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/articles/Pages/CommunityCollege.aspx

More and more students are enrolling in community colleges across the nation, even as media attention focuses mostly on selective four-year colleges. Why are students choosing community colleges, and should you consider a community college as a part of your college search?

The Economic Option

One reason for the growing popularity of community colleges is their relatively low tuition. Overall, the average cost of public community colleges is less than half the cost of public four-year colleges and about one-tenth the cost of private four-year colleges.

"Community college is a way for students to afford college without accumulating huge debts," says a Massachusettes independent counselor. "Two years at a community college are fairly inexpensive, so the total cost for a full four years is relatively low."

As a result, students who spend two years at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college spend less money for the same bachelor's degree as their classmates.

The Associate's Degree Option

Of course, the two-year associate's degree is a goal in itself for many community college students. Community colleges offer a wide variety of programs that train students to work in specialized fields, such as dental hygiene, computer technology, nursing, and culinary arts.

"The push for everyone to go to a four-year college ignores the fact that not everyone is suited by talent or interest to spending four years studying many of the same subjects they hated in high school," the counselor says. "In two years, students can get training for a fulfilling and well-paying career."

The Transfer Option

For students who want the four-year degree, community colleges work with four-year colleges to make sure that students can make a smooth transfer. (You might even be able to complete your bachelor's degree through another college but at the community college.) Most community colleges maintain transfer or "articulation" agreements with a number of four-year colleges. These agreements map out exactly which community college courses will transfer to a specific four-year college. They may even guarantee admission as a junior to students who fulfill certain course work and grade requirements. For more information on whether the community college you're considering has articulation agreements with the four-year colleges that interest you, talk to an academic advisor at the community college.

Some students use their two years at community college to improve their chances of getting into a more selective four-year college.

"Almost no colleges will look at your SATs or high school grades after you complete community college," notes New Jersey counselor. Instead, you will be measured by your performance at the community college. This is good news for students with less-than-stellar high school records.

"Community college offers an opportunity to prepare for a bachelor's degree program at a college you might have been unable to be accepted to out of high school," another New Jersey counselor says.

The Flexible Option

Most community colleges cater to students of all ages and backgrounds. As a result, you'll often find more options in class scheduling, including evening and weekend classes. Distance learning is also one of the strengths of community colleges, with a variety of courses offered online, by correspondence or by other alternative methods (such as "telecourses").

An Option for You?

Community colleges can have some drawbacks for students who want the residential college experience. The majority of community colleges do not offer dorms (although you can find some that do), and many community college students have full-time work or family obligations. As a result, you may not find the same breadth or depth of social options and extracurricular activities that you would at a traditional four-year residential college. On the other hand, community college often provides a more supportive learning environment, with smaller class sizes and an emphasis on academic and career counseling, than do larger universities.

As with all college decisions, make sure to research the specific community colleges that interest you. Like their four-year counterparts, each community college is unique, and you must decide for yourself which colleges may be right for you.

But don't automatically cross community colleges off your list. After all, they were right for actor Dustin Hoffman (Santa Monica College); the first female space shuttle commander, Eileen Collins (Corning Community College); former Hawaii Governor Benjamin Cayetano (Los Angeles Harbor College); and a former president of the NAACP, Kweisi Mfume (Baltimore City Community College).

To learn more about the Community Colleges in your area, simply complete a "Google Search," and contact an admission professional within the college directly.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Scholarship Tip: Watch for scholarship scams!

Scholarship Tip: Watch for scholarship scams! College scholars lose millions of dollars every year to these scholarship scams! The cardinal rule of scholarship scams is: “If it takes money to get money, it is probably a scam.” Scholarship sponsors are supposed to be giving you money.

Click here: http://www.debtfreescholar.com/2009/04/23-warning-signs-of-scholarship-scams/

No Telephone Number – One common characteristic of scholarship scams is the lack of phone numbers. While they may have a email, scams rarely include a phone number – it is much too easily traced.
No Proof of Past Winners – If there is not record of anyone having ever won the scholarship, the “scholarship” may be a scam. However, this is not always the case. New scholarships, obviously, have not had prior winners. Therefore, do not ignore a scholarship based on this alone, but if you see other warning signs in addition to this – be cautious.
Claim of Influence with Sponsors – This trick is often used by scholarship search scams. No scholarship search has ever been know to have influence with scholarship sponsors. If, in some strange circumstance, they really do have influence, then most likely the scholarship they have influence with is another scam run by one of their friends. Avoid scholarship searches that claim influence with sponsors.
Application Fees – Some scholarship scams make money by charging an “application fee”. Never participate in a scholarship that charges a fee to apply. Most of these scams charge $10 – $20, but some charge as low as $2 or as high as $5,000. They might try to convince you that they charge so that they only get serious applicants. Do not believe them. Stay away from any scholarships that require money to get money.
Notification by Phone – True scholarships normally notify the winners by mail. If, therefore, you get a call telling you that you have “won” a scholarship, be very careful. Ask them for their name and number and tell them that you will call back. Next, visit the scholarship’s official website and contact the sponsors. Ask them to verify that the name and phone number of the person who called you are those of one of their representatives. If the caller was legitimate, call them back. Using this method should stop scammers from getting your personal information.
Exceptional Endorsement Claims – Beware of false endorsement claims. If a scholarship claims to be sponsored by the Better Business Bureau or some specific college or university, investigate their claims. Call the organization and ask if they really did endorse the scholarship fund. If a scholarship claims to be sponsored by a government group, be even more wary. The US Department of Education, US Chamber of Commerce, and the federal government do not endorse any private organizations.
Abusive Treatment – If the supposed scholarship sponsor becomes angry or abusive when you ask questions, the scholarship is probably a scam. Be very wary.
“First Come, First Served” – In order to get people to apply quickly and without time to consider, some scholarship scams say that the scholarships are given on a rolling basis. Few, if any, legitimate scholarships give preference to the first applicants. Take time to investigate all questionable scholarships before applying.
“Guaranteed to Win” – This normally applies to scholarship searches. If a payed scholarship search guarantees that you will win, start looking for the fine print. Either, one, the company is a scam, or two there is a whole lot of fine print. Two scholarship searches that I recommend are Fast Web (My favorite) and College Board.
A Florida or California Address - For some reason, Florida and California addresses are seen by the public as more legitimate. Therefore, many scholarship scams use Florida or California addresses. Of course, some scholarship scams have other addresses, and some true scholarships do have Florida or California addresses.
Newly-formed Companies – True scholarships have normally been around for many years. If a company is new, it could easily be a scam. Therefore, you should ask all “new” companies for references.
Requests for Personal Financial Information – Some scholarship scams try to get personal information from applicants. If they get certain information from you such as your name, your date-of-birth, and your credit card, bank account , or social security number, the scholarship scammers can commit identity theft. Therefore, if anyone asks for personal financial information, hang up immediately.
Fake Federal Agencies – Just because an organization has an official sounding name or a Washington, D.C. address does not mean that it is a government agency. Many scholarship scams try to look like federal organizations in order to gain their victim’s trust. Beware!
“We Apply For You” – The trick in this is obvious. How can a company fill out ascholarship application for you? They cannot write your essay; they cannot gather your letters of recommendation; they cannot even fill out your name and address unless you have given that information to them! Always avoid websites that promise to apply for scholarships for you.
You “Win” a Scholarship that You Never Entered – Some scholarship scams will contact random college students and tell the that they “won” a scholarship. Often, the scammer will then tell the student that he must pay a fee or give his credit card number before the prize money can be sent. If you are told that you “won” a scholarship that you do not remember entering, research that scholarship before giving any information. If you are told that you must pay money to get you scholarship, hang up.
Mistakes in Grammar and Speling Spelling – Surprisingly, many scholarship scams have multiple misspellings and grammar errors on their websites. For example, they may misspell the word “scholarship” as “scholorship”. If any scholarship application form or website includes errors in English usage, investigate that scholarship; it may be a scam.
Unsolicited Opportunities – Scholarship sponsors will not normally contact you unless you have first contacted them. If someone does call from a “scholarship” that you never contacted, beware. I could easily be a scam.
“50% of Applicants Win!” – If a scholarship professes unusually high success rates, then either all the world’s best students applied for it or the scholarship is a scam. Avoid all scholarships of this type.
Mail Drop Box Address – If a scholarship fund lists a P.O. Box or residential address as its location, the scholarship is probably a fake. Most legitimate scholarships have business addresses. To recognize disguised drop box addresses, use the mail drop search form.
Other Fees – Some fake scholarships charge a fee. They try to convince you that you must pay tax, postage, or some other fee before you can get you student grant. Never pay one of these companies. Legitimate scholarships will deduct any necessary fees from the scholarship amount.
“Everyone is Eligible” – All scholarship sponsors are looking for the candidate who best matches their criteria. Some sponsors are looking for the best academic students. Others are looking for minorities. Still other scholarships are available to excellent athletes. None, however, are given to students for just breathing. Watch out for scholarships that claim everyone is eligible; most likely, they want all students to be “eligible” to loose money.
Masquerading as a Non-profit – Many scams try to establish trust by pretending to be non-profits. Just because the company’s name has the word “fund” or “foundation” in it, does not mean that it is a true non-profit organization. It could be a for-profit business…or a scam!
“$6.6 Billion Went Unclaimed Last Year” – Many scholarship search scams use this method. They will try to tell you that some huge amount of money went unclaimed last year. This is not true. No scholarship searches has ever proven this claim. No scholarship search has ever shown the list of unclaimed scholarships.

What are different kinds of scholarships?

This is an area of great confusion for both parents and students. The two key words to keep in mind when thinking about scholarships are merit and need.

Merit-based scholarships go to students who are superb academic performers. They are usually awarded on a competitively. Examples of these are the National Merit Scholarships. Competition can be very keen for some larger merit-based awards and because of the subjective evaluation process, the best-qualified candidate does not always win.

Need-based scholarships go to students whose financial resources do not enable them to afford the full cost of the college or university to which they’ve been accepted. These scholarships are available at many schools and can be quite large depending on the financial-aid resources of the particular college. Need-based scholarships are sometimes the only way that students can afford to attend costly schools.

There is another, more elusive category of college scholarships. I call these restrictive specialty scholarships. Most colleges have a special group of awards (usually provided by graduates of the school) that bestows money upon enrolling first year students according to unique considerations. For example, church-affiliated colleges may have some specially endowed scholarships for young men and women who are members of that denomination. Other specialty awards might go to students from certain geographic areas. The variety of requirements and restrictions can be wide.

To find out what scholarships you, as a high-school senior, might qualify for, check with your college advisor. Sometimes one general application will suffice to apply for the full range of merit/need-based scholarships your school and community offer. Many private scholarships are advertised in the local newspaper every year, so be alert to their listings. And–as always–turn to your public library or the Web for current books and listings of other scholarship sources.

Start early and look diligently. Finding scholarship money for college takes time.

Click here: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000038.htm

Federal Pell Grants - Up to $5550 a year!

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.) You are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if you are incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution or are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or nonforcible sexual offense.

Click here: http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/pell

How much money can I get?

Amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $5,550 for the 2012–13 award year (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013). The amount you get, though, will depend on

your financial need,
your cost of attendance,
your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

If you’re eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, you’ll receive the full amount you qualify for—each school participating in the program receives enough funds each year from the U.S. Department of Education to pay the Federal Pell Grant amounts for all its eligible students. The amount of any other student aid for which you might qualify does not affect the amount of your Federal Pell Grant.

Click here: http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/pell/calculate-eligibility

Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship - $500

To apply for this scholarship, applicants must submit two small essays, one related to travel, and the other on why they deserve a scholarship.

Eligibility: Odenza Marketing Group Scholarship

Odenza Marketing Group Spring Scholarship
Deadline: March 30th, 2013
Award Value: $500

To be considered eligible for the Odenza Marketing Scholarship you must:

A) Be between the ages of 16 and 25 on March 30th, 2013

B) Submit answers to the essay questions, which can be found on the application page, prior to the March 30th, 2013 deadline.

C) Have at least one full year of post secondary studies remaining at the time of the award

D) Have a GPA of 2.5 or greater.

E) Be a citizen of the United States or Canada

The scholarship winner will be announced on or around April 30th, 2013 and will be posted on this website immediately after. All applications must be received by 11:59pm ET on March 30th, 2013. No late applications will be reviewed.

GO TO APPLICATION

Free Money for College-Paying for School with Grants

Grants are a wonderful way to finance your college education, because unlike loans they do not have to be paid back. Students can receive grants from a variety of sources, including private organizations, educational institutions, professional associations, and federal and state governments.

Grants may be awarded based on a student’s financial need, ethnicity, religious affiliation, record of achievement, association, or special interests.

Click here: http://businessmajors.about.com/od/payingforschool/a/GrantsOverview.htm

Click on the links below to learn more about the different types of grants that are available

Federal Pell Grant - The Federal Pell Grant Program provides grants to undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students. Grants are need-based and are designed to help low-income students pay for schooling. Grant amounts are dependent on the cost of education and the student's expected family contribution (EFC).

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant - The FSEOG Program supports post-secondary education by providing need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students. Grant amounts vary. Students who get this grant typically have a very low EFC and are usually Federal Pell Grant recipients.

Ask FAFSA Q & A Wednesday, 2/27 at 5pm ET!

Ask FAFSA! Office Hours are back, this Wednesday, 2/27 at 5pm ET! Start tweeting your questions today! More info:
https://twitter.com/FAFSA/status/306102285740691457/photo/1

https://twitter.com/FAFSA

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

APHA's 2013 Get Ready Scholarship - $500 Award.

To raise awareness about emergency preparedness, American Public Health Association is offering its fourth annual Get Ready Scholarship. The scholarship is a component of APHA’s Get Ready campaign, which works to help Americans prepare themselves, their families and their communities for all disasters and hazards, including pandemic flu, infectious disease, natural disasters and other emergencies.

Six scholarships of $500 each will be awarded:

Click here: http://www.getreadyforflu.org/new_pg_scholarship.htm

• Two scholarships for high school seniors
• Two scholarships for college undergraduates
• Two scholarships for graduate students

Winning students will also receive a free one-year membership in APHA.

SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES

The Get Ready Scholarship, offered in conjunction with APHA’s Get Ready campaign, is designed to encourage high school and college students to focus on the importance of emergency preparedness. For more information on the campaign or preparedness, visit the Get Ready website.

I. ELIGIBILITY

The 2013 Get Ready Scholarship is open to:

a) U.S. high school seniors graduating in 2013 who plan to further their education at a college, university or certified trade school in the summer or fall of 2013;
b) Currently enrolled U.S. college or university students who will be continuing their studies at the undergraduate or graduate level in in the summer or fall of 2013;
c) Currently enrolled U.S. college or university graduate students who will be continuing their studies at the graduate level in the summer or fall of 2013.

Previous Get Ready Scholarship winners are not eligible.

HAP Leadership Scholarships - $1000 Award

These scholarships are for Hmong immigrant students who are high school seniors graduating in 2013 and entering their first year of college. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 (weighted). Applicants must also secure a letter of agreement from a possible mentor of their choice.

Click here: http://www.hmong.org/

Deadline:	Mar 8
Average Award:	$1,000

American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) Financial Aid Scholarship - $1,500 - $4,000 Award

This scholarship is for students who have at least one parent who is a member of AFSA. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must attend or will be attending full-time as undergraduate students at a two- or four-year accredited college, university, community college, art school, or conservatory stateside or overseas. Applicants must maintain a satisfactory academic record (cumulative 2.0 GPA), demonstrate financial need, and complete their undergraduate degree in four years.

Click here: http://www.afsa.org/scholarships.aspx

Deadline:	Mar 6
Award Range:	$1,500 - $4,000
Awards Granted:	65