The Benefits of Investing in Yourself and Allowing Others to Invest in You!

 Scholarships can play a vital role in your future. Learn more about the reasons why you should consider applying for scholarships for college and university study.

For most families, college is expensive. Although some colleges cost less to attend, generally speaking, they are still a big financial burden for the average family. Furthermore, from tuition, books, fees, and materials to housing, healthcare, and food, the costs of higher education keep rising.

Students with the drive, dream, and determination to attend college should not be limited from doing so on the basis of financial status.

Recent statistics from admissionaly.com show that 200,000 students received a full-ride scholarship in the past several years. At first glance, this number looks very large. However, there are an estimated 20 million students in college right now in the United States. This means that only 1 percent of students are offered the chance to attend college without incurring costs. The other 99 percent will likely have to take on college debt, unless they have other sources of income to provide for their education such as parental support or employment. Students saddled by student loans often suffer in their housing, job prospects, and recreational activities. Therefore, they should attempt to earn scholarships to reduce the need for student loans and better position them to focus on their academic studies.

Scholarships can also help students make new connections and network, which provide a greater level of support through the college years. If you are awarded a scholarship, you will likely be able to connect with other students who have also won that award. Moreover, you may meet people who are already in or are likely to be in your chosen career. These connections can help you in your career after graduation.

For instance, if you win a writing contest-style scholarship about the impact of teachers in education and you are considering a career as a teacher, you’ll be able to interact with people who have also been given that award. When the time comes to seek employment, you’ll already be in contact with individuals who may be able to provide insights, guidance, employment referrals, and friendship as you enter your teaching career.

Additionally, your resume will likely have a short list of work experiences and skills that you developed in school and in the workplace, and having achievements like winning scholarships can give you a competitive edge in employment.

Winning a scholarship can be challenging, as many of them are open to students around the world and can have hundreds or even thousands of applicants. Many scholarships have a philanthropic focus. When you win a scholarship, the organization or individual providing the financial award may hope that your approach to life will change and you may one day even be in a position to become philanthropic as well.

Indeed, there are benefits to earning scholarships beyond the financial gain. Invest in yourself and let others invest in you. Spend some time to investigate the scholarship opportunities available to you. Scholarships often have different criteria for selection. Many can be found here: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/school-year/high-school-senior

About ASC A+ Program:

The A+ Program at ASC English in Boston, Massachusetts, offers a variety of supplemental English & Math classes, and test preparation courses in a Saturday school format to help students build on the foundational skills learned from regular schools. The small class sizes at ASC allow our instructors to help each child develop according to their own level of abilities, skills, executive functioning, and unique goals.