UHS Students Should Search for Scholarships

Most Urbana High School Seniors have finished the process of applying to colleges and universities. But it is not time for a break, class of 2011. Now is the time to apply for scholarships to fund your eventual college education. To get the skinny on what students need to know, Echo Editor Mandy Facer talked to UHS Guidance Counselor Samuel Furrer. Read on for helpful hints and advice on how to earn scholarships that can finance your college tuition.

Mandy Facer: How can UHS students find scholarships?

Samuel Furrer: It’s a student’s responsibility to keep their eyes and ears open; listen to the announcements, read the student bulletin, look online. Sometimes places like Kohls or Target have posters at their stores advertising scholarships but they never reach us to tell you. The Guidance Office also publishes updates on it’s Facebook page with links to the scholarship bulletins.

MF: What online scholarship sites do you recommend?

SF: We have several sites listed on our website (Fastweb, Schoolsoup, etc.). I really suggest that students have specific emails for these sites because of all the mail these sites send.

*A Word of Caution: Don’t ever pay for a site or company that says they will get you financial aid- it is a scam. Talk to your counselor if you are confused.

MF: How can students make their scholarship applications stand out in a good way?

SF: Have good service, leadership, and community involvement…but the truth is you really need to have been doing these things all through high school. Students who are well-rounded and involved will do well.

MF: Why should students look for scholarships now rather than waiting till later?

SF: Look throughout Senior year- some scholarships are only available at certain times. Plus, when you get closer to graduation, the competition increases because everyone starts looking.

MF: Anything else about applying for scholarships that you think UHS students should know?

SF: Apply if you think you qualify. It sounds silly, but you won’t win any scholarships if you don’t try. Also, be sure to send in everything the scholarship asks for including grade transcripts.

Visit the UHS Guidance Office’s Facebook page or follow them on twitter: search “UHSCounselor”