Creating scholarship search engine profiles

Ever heard the phrase, “The early bird gets the worm.” Well, they are talking about applying for scholarships.

It is very confusing when, where, and how many scholarships a student should apply for. We say, more is more!

Regardless of the school you will be attending, it is always in the student’s best interest to have the least amount of debt when they leave school.

Scroll down and click the links below (in blue) to begin your search:

fastweb

scholarship.com

chegg

cappex

bigfuture.collegeboard

Click to begin your scholarship search: SCHOLARSHIPS

Click for your Friendly monthly reminder: DECEMBER

Combine all aid w/ FAFSA estimate for total aid using FA Assist calulator (virtual note pad)

Be sure to watch your grades. School and Federal aid is based on GPA and pace (stay on track) with completing program on time.

** State Grant applications and statuses

Did you know that there is a life-time limit on Federal Grants? Be sure to ONLY use once you know for certain your school choice? DO NOT waste your aid!

Follow up on applied scholarships and grants for any status updates.

Happy New year! Did you know that all Scholarships and grants are reset every year? Check to see if last year's are renewable? Apply for new one and keep track on Mining Spreadsheet.

Comparison charting for remaining balance - use excel spreadsheet

Did you know that there is no limit to how many shcolarships yopu can apply for?

Start searching for new scholarships and grants.

** Scholarship applications and statuses (clubs, memberships, churches) note pad

Click to review your budget and create a financial plan for the upcoming academic year: Budget

Student & Parent to use tax return for up coming school balance

Have your tax returns done? Great, this information will be used in October to apply early for FAFSA.

Prepare to submit Cal Grant application

Cal Grant deadline

Have you received your college acceptance letter? YES, remmber to calculate your remaining balance with th college Comparison Tool

Hopefully you submitted your state grant on time? Remember, use it or lose it.

Status of Summer internship application

You have been searching for scholarships now for 3 months, how much have you applied for? Any approvals yet? Keep searching, remeber you might only hear back from 10%

Click for your Friendly monthly reminder: APRIL

Check on status for any applied clubs, membership or church scholarships

Did you check to see if there were any scholarships with any clubs, churches or family membersip organizations? Unsure, ask to see

Click for your Friendly monthly reminder: MAY

Checklist for school, credit check, savings, cosigners

Time to review your college checklist: https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/college-prep-checklist.pdf

Goal: Get organized. Understand your rights. Start with purpose.

• Download & begin the Master Financial Aid Checklist PDF

• Review your Student Rights & Responsibilities

• Set up SMS Alerts

• Discuss FERPA access for parents, spouses, or supporters

• Begin building your study habit routine using the Level Up Study Guide PDF

Click for your Friendly monthly reminder: JUNE

Status on all grants and scholarship applications

Have you followed up on your state grant? Haven't heard anything? You need to call and follow up and check on your application.

Download & begin the Master Financial Aid Checklist PDF

• Review your Student Rights & Responsibilities

• Set up SMS Alerts

• Discuss FERPA access for parents, spouses, or supporters

• Begin building your study habit routine using the Level Up Study Guide PDF

Goal: Secure early credits, build academic momentum, involve supporters.

• Plan/schedule CLEP Exams

• Review Solicitation Letter strategy for financial supporters

• Parents: Visit the Parents Info page

• Use our Study Tools to level up learning habits

• Try active recall, Pomodoro, and spaced repetition from the Study Guide

Goal: Confirm everything early — aid, portal, and documents.

• Contact your school’s financial aid office to:

• Confirm FAFSA & state grant files

• Ask about missing documents or next steps

• Set up your student portal and billing tools

• Review:

• FAFSA Guide

• State Grant Status

• Financial Aid Overview

Goal: Get yourself physically and mentally ready for the move.

• Plan using:

• Student Travel Guide

• Holiday Travel Savings

• International Students: Check extra costs not covered by aid during school breaks

• Shop with Student Discounts on laptops & essentials

Goal: Max out all available funding paths.

• Continue applying using:

• Scholarship Search Tools

• Scholarship Guide

• Submit or follow up on Solicitation Letters

• Verify your FERPA access settings if you’re involving financial supporters

Click for your friendly monthly reminder: JULY

Contact financial aid office at chosen school for remaining steps

Click for your Friendly monthly reminder: JULY

Goal: Lock in your money plan before the spending begins.

• Build your budget with:

• Budgeting Tips

• Cost of Living Calculator

• List monthly expected expenses

• Confirm who is covering what (you, parents, scholarships, loans)

Goal: Make smart borrowing decisions.

• Check your credit: Credit Health Page

• Explore:

• Federal Loans (Direct, PLUS, Grad PLUS)

• Private Loans (if needed)

• Use the Loan Calculator to understand repayment

Goal: Be registered, aligned with your major, and career-focused.

• Confirm class schedule & orientation

• Explore or finalize Certificate Programs

• Use the Career Simulator to confirm major/career match

Make final preparations to cover balance

Goal: Start early on career-building.

• Build your resume:

• Resume Guide

• Resume Resources

• Explore Job Searching Tools

Goal: Save money, find help, and stretch your resources.

• Visit Student Resources

• Learn Ways to Save Money

• Double check student discount eligibility

Click for your Friendly monthly reminder: AUGUST

Before arriving to school, know your balance

Goal: Cross the finish line ready and confident.

• Review Student Application Checklist and complete Master Checklist PDF version.

• Re-confirm financial aid disbursement schedule

• Review class materials, textbooks, and ID cards

• Log into your student portal and school email