FAFSA

For those of you who haven't applied for FAFSA, please do so as soon as possible. Remember, even if you don't qualify, you need to apply. Most scholarship applications will want a copy of your SAR's report (student aid report) as part of your scholarship application.

Sallie Mae Resources

Please google SALLIE MAE SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH for potential scholarships. Become familiar with Sallie Mae and what it has to offer.

Letters of Recommendation

Please start working on your request for letters of recommedation. Here is a checklist:
1. Select at least three people.
2. Make requests in person. (Do you feel comfortable writing a wonderful letter in my behalf?)
3. Write a formal letter with the request. See sample in downloads on my website-- findingmoneyforcollege.com
4. Complete your personal data form--my website (downloads).
5. Complete your scholarship resume form--my website (downloads).
6. Printout a copy of "Guidelines for Writing Letter of Recommendation".
7. Once you have a personal essay, include it in the packet.
8. You'll need two white envelopes (8 1/2 X 11).
9. Give a deadline--two weeks is adequate.
10. Be prepared to frequently check on the status of your recommendation.
11. Once you receive your recommendation, send a thank you note or letter.
12. Go the extra step and include a bookmark, post-its or even a candy bar in your
thank you. Show your appreciation in some way, but don't go overboard.

Please stay on track and avoid being overwhelmed.

Real Simple Contest

How is your application for the contest coming along? Remember that September 15th is the deadline. If you haven't located it yet, please access through Google and type in Real Simple Magazine Contest. Be sure to keep a copy before you submit it. This is a great opportunity to win $3000. Good luck.

Portfolios

I got the sense yesterday that many students are interested in the hardcopy of the portfolio versus the electronic version. Since I held back on putting together portfolios for the bookstore, I will need to order the necessary supplies from Office Depot before three o’clock this afternoon. (I need a delivery from Office Depot tomorrow in order to assemble over the weekend.)

Please advise if you want to buy the portfolio alone and rent a book or buy the whole packet with the book. You’ll save money renting the book and buying the portfolio separately.

You have the option of putting your own portfolio together, but it must look exactly like the original. Directions are located in searchforscholarshipsportfolio.tk. You can also look in findingmoneyforcollege.com.

Look forward to seeing you in class tomorrow.

Welcome back!

Welcome to the first day of classes at the College of the Desert!!


Here are two money sources which apply to most students. One is a scholarship and the other a contest--start being alert to essays which are listed in many magazines. The good thing about contests is that you don’t need Letters of Recommendation, a good GPA nor financial need which means that more students are eligible.

The students in my scholarship class will be required to turn in one scholarship at each class meeting. I will need to see a printout of a scholarship for which you qualify. If you are serious about winning money for your education, you must be focused and spend a minimum of two hours a week searching for scholarships.

Please go to Google:
Scholarship: Short and Tweet Scholarship—the deadline is September 30, 2011
Essay: lifelessons@realsimple.com--deadline is September 15, 2011

There now, part of your assignment for this week has been done for you.

Welcome to the Fall 2011 Scholarship Classes

Hi, Once the fall semester starts, I will BLOG everyday with the exception of the weekends. Very important to check often. For those of you who are registered and on the waiting list for the Scholarship Classes, please start by purchasing your books--tomorrow I will post information on where to find your required materials at a reasonable price.

For now, check out my website (www.findingmoneyforcollege.com)and become familiar with what is available. Start finding 3 to 4 people (instructors, counselors, principal, boss) who will write Letters of Recommendation for you. On my website under downloads, you will find the Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Recommendation and a sample letter on Requesting a Letter of Recommendation.

A lot is happening during the first few weeks of class, you'll have a better chance of staying ahead of the game by taking care of your letters of recommendation.

Eve-Marie