An important component of completing a scholarship application is following directions. Be sure to have a highlighter and/or colored pens when you are reading the eligibility requirements and directions. Highlight the deadline, contact information, and specific instructions. Many applications have a checklist and I suggest that you place the documents in the order listed. You want to make it easy for the application reader to review your documents.
If you don't meet the requirements, you might want to pass the application on to a friend, but I had a male student who applied for a scholarship for women only who won it. It was unusual, but in that case no one else applied. In general, you do need to qualify.
Speaking of following directions, please read your class syllabus and assignment sheet frequently. I'm happy to answer questions, but you will save both of us time if you get in the habit of reading directions. I'm just as guilty as everyone else about following my own advice. It takes practice, but you will benefit in the end.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Scholarship Class
The classroom has been changed to LA 12. See you there at 3:50.
Please have your portfolios with you.
Please have your portfolios with you.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Writing Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is just that. It is personal. It is not about someone who inspired you-- although you might want to mention who or what influenced you to go into your major/career. It is important to let the scholarship donors know who you are. It is the most critical part of your scholarship application.
I know that it is difficult to open up and really talk about yourself, but you need to show who you are. An organization who is giving money wants to be sure that they are making a good investment. You need to convince them that you are the one who deserves the scholarship.
Try not to write what you think they want to hear, but rather speak from your heart. Be sincere and be yourself. Talk about feelings. Share how you have overcome a challenge. Everyone has faced "bumps" along the way. You don't want to write a "pity me" statement, but show committment to your goals in spite of the sorrows you have experienced.
Remember that the first paragraph needs to be powerful. You want to "hook" the reader and pique their interest enough to finish reading the statement. You can write a good essay, but it cannot be done last minute. It is important to start now and expect to rewrite it many times.
I know that it is difficult to open up and really talk about yourself, but you need to show who you are. An organization who is giving money wants to be sure that they are making a good investment. You need to convince them that you are the one who deserves the scholarship.
Try not to write what you think they want to hear, but rather speak from your heart. Be sincere and be yourself. Talk about feelings. Share how you have overcome a challenge. Everyone has faced "bumps" along the way. You don't want to write a "pity me" statement, but show committment to your goals in spite of the sorrows you have experienced.
Remember that the first paragraph needs to be powerful. You want to "hook" the reader and pique their interest enough to finish reading the statement. You can write a good essay, but it cannot be done last minute. It is important to start now and expect to rewrite it many times.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Buying Textbooks
There are several good sources for buying textbooks online, but my favorite, because it is user friendly, is www.schoolsoup.com . Not only is it a great source for inexpensive books, but a good place to look for scholarships.
You should be able to save $60 to $70 a semester. Remember that books cost about the same as the class--they average from $75 to $150 a book. Science and math books are usually pretty pricey. In graduate school some of my books were about $200 each.
Every class requires a book and, in some cases, extra supplies and materials. That is part of getting an education. So, when you make a commitment to go to college, know that you need the necessary resources to buy your books.
Go to class prepared. Have your book on the first day of class. Be ready to take notes and complete your assignments on day one. Without a textbook you will be starting off on the "wrong foot". Do everything in your power to be a successful student. It is your responsibility to buy your books and supplies.
If you buy your books online, it takes a week to ten days to receive them and you do need to pay for shipping. Get the ISBN number of the book--it is located on the lower right corner on the back book cover. Be sure that you are buying the student copy and not the teacher's edition.
While you are waiting for your book to arrive, go to the college library. They have a copy of every book that is being used in the classes. You cannot check it out, but you can use it for a couple of hours. Once you are finished with the book, sell it back on school soup.
You should be able to save $60 to $70 a semester. Remember that books cost about the same as the class--they average from $75 to $150 a book. Science and math books are usually pretty pricey. In graduate school some of my books were about $200 each.
Every class requires a book and, in some cases, extra supplies and materials. That is part of getting an education. So, when you make a commitment to go to college, know that you need the necessary resources to buy your books.
Go to class prepared. Have your book on the first day of class. Be ready to take notes and complete your assignments on day one. Without a textbook you will be starting off on the "wrong foot". Do everything in your power to be a successful student. It is your responsibility to buy your books and supplies.
If you buy your books online, it takes a week to ten days to receive them and you do need to pay for shipping. Get the ISBN number of the book--it is located on the lower right corner on the back book cover. Be sure that you are buying the student copy and not the teacher's edition.
While you are waiting for your book to arrive, go to the college library. They have a copy of every book that is being used in the classes. You cannot check it out, but you can use it for a couple of hours. Once you are finished with the book, sell it back on school soup.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
For My Class
Remember that one of your first assignments was to email me to both of my email accounts. www.eandrews@dc.rr.com and www.emandrews@collegeofthedesert.edu . The purpose was to have your correct contact email in both my home and college computers.
The deadline is tonight at midnight. Please start off on the right foot. You don't want to get behind. The secret to this class, as well as all of your other classes, is to go to class on time and keep up with assignments.
The deadline is tonight at midnight. Please start off on the right foot. You don't want to get behind. The secret to this class, as well as all of your other classes, is to go to class on time and keep up with assignments.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Spring Semester is a New Beginning
California Community Colleges will be back in session tomorrow and classes start in three weeks.
As many times as I have returned to the college after the Xmas break, the start of a new semester always excites me. Although it will be an adjustment to return to getting up at 5:00 AM after the luxury of sleeping until 7:00 AM, I'm raring to go.
There are new projects to tackle and new ideas for running the Career Center. Of course, my scholarship class is always a source of pleasure. How can I make it better? Who can I invite to better motivate my students? Are there any new scholarships? How can I stay in contact with my previous students and continue to help them?
If you are a former student, please keep up your scholarship search and contact me if I can help you. To my new class, a warm welcome. I look forward to meeting you on January 27, 2009.
As many times as I have returned to the college after the Xmas break, the start of a new semester always excites me. Although it will be an adjustment to return to getting up at 5:00 AM after the luxury of sleeping until 7:00 AM, I'm raring to go.
There are new projects to tackle and new ideas for running the Career Center. Of course, my scholarship class is always a source of pleasure. How can I make it better? Who can I invite to better motivate my students? Are there any new scholarships? How can I stay in contact with my previous students and continue to help them?
If you are a former student, please keep up your scholarship search and contact me if I can help you. To my new class, a warm welcome. I look forward to meeting you on January 27, 2009.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Essentials to Happiness
"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."
__Jose Addison
__Jose Addison
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
