Accessing tertiary education today has become very competitive, especially with its overwhelmingly high cost, therefore posing a problem to parents and students from low-income earning backgrounds. Added to that, with ever-increasing tuition fees, so many aspiring scholars look to scholarships to ease that financial burden.
Among many scholarships available, the “Because College is Expensive” scholarship has recently popularized itself due to its very simple approach and easy application process. The article will outline details of this scholarship that are, in turn, very informative in helping a student raise funds for his or her education.
What is the “Because College is Expensive” Scholarship?
The “Because College is Expensive” scholarship is one of the opportunities in higher education financing crafted by Cedar Education Lending to help students and their families ease the financial burden that comes with attending college. This scholarship has been framed with the consideration that higher education has become a huge financial burden for many people and their families.
The scholarship was formed to aid students with high potential in academics, leadership, and commitment to schooling. Cedar Education Lending hence makes an effort to offer an opportunity whereby more deserving students will have more easily accessible and affordable college educations across the United States.
Details of the Scholarship and Award Amount
Definitely one of the most appealing things about the “Because College is Expensive” scholarship is that it is really very easy. A person could win up to $500, which could be used for tuition, books, supplies, or any other college expense one may have. This may not suffice to get you through college, but it will definitely help tremendously with some of the expenses that go with it.
This scholarship is awarded quarterly, hence providing students with various options throughout the year to participate and hope for some financial aid in studies. It is run again unlike most scholarships which may be offered only once a year.
Eligibility Criteria
The following are the set eligibility criteria for selection of winners for the because college is expensive scholarship, they include the following:
1. Age: The applicant must be above 18 years of age when applying.
2. Citizenship: Any U.S citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America.
3. Academic Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled or have plans for enrollment in an accredited college, university, or trade school in the United States.
4. Academic Standing: While there isn’t a minimum GPA requirement, the applicant should maintain good academic standing from his or her current or most recent educational institution.
5. Financial need: This has not been stated, but it is envisaged that it would help some of those students who are handicapped in the realization of their academic dreams because of financial constraint.
Note that these conditions of eligibility are bound to change and applicants should check with the most recent ones on the official Web site of the scholarship as they apply.
Application Process
It is not an accident that the application process of “Because College is an Expensive Scholarship” is quite easy to apply for. Their sole aim is to reach out to as many students as possible, here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process of applying for this scholarship:
1. Visit Cedar Education Lending’s official website and then hit the scholarship application page.
2. After you have arrived at the home page, you can select the scholarship application form. Your details must be provided, with all the information required, which shall include personal information, educational background information, contact information.
3. In most cases, the scholarship application process may require an applicant to attach a short essay to their application, approximately 500 words, on a topic provided by the organizers. Indeed, different cycles of application usually have different prompts for the essay. Hence, ensure you go through the instructions carefully.
4. Ensure that all information provided is accurate, and that your essay has followed the guidelines given. Edit where necessary, then submit the application.
5. Once the entry period is complete, a scholarship committee will review all applications received and select a winner. Results will be notified through the email address provided by all applicants.
Tips to Be at an Advantage for the Selection of the “Because College is Expensive” Scholarship
Although the application process for the “Because College is Expensive” scholarship is really easy, there are still some ways to get the most out of your application form:
1. Start working on the application in advance, so that you have enough time to brainstorm, write, and then revise your essay.
2. There should not be any spelling or grammatical errors in your application. You can even have a teacher, counselor, or trusted friend proofread your essay.
3. Be honest about including actual experiences, views, and ambitions. It is an essay so you are allowed to voice yourself well and stand out from the bunch.
4. Make sure every guideline, from word count to writing format, is adhered to. Ignoring simple instructions is probably the easiest thing that could get you eliminated.
5. Showing need, even if not mentioned, stating your financial background and how this scholarship would impact your education could really help seal your application in stone.
6. There is no harm in quoting examples of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.
7. Mention your educational goals. You will have to state your academic and career objectives and explain how you feel this scholarship shall help achieve those objectives.
Final Thoughts
The “Because College is Expensive” scholarship henceforth arrives as an excellent opportunity to students looking forward to higher education with financial support. With ease in the process of application and awarding quarterly, and the prospect of bridging the gap between financial inability and a bright future of a student are the reasons which interest too many prospective scholars in it.
The bottom line one could derive from this is that a scholarship seeker should work hard and be persevering. If the application does not get through in the first cycle, then do not lose hope; rather, keep working on the application and apply again in successive cycles. Also, apply for this scholarship first and then look for other college scholarships that will help to reduce the overall burden of your education.
