College financing is a quagmire right now. Those who are indebted are part of a $1 trillion tab that grows daily. Yet those entering college can still graduate debt free.

Every year, a parent asks me about how college financing can work in their favor. I believe that only in rare circumstances should one go deep into debt to finance a degree. Community and commuter colleges are one primary route. Scholarships and grants are another.

“The fact is, 1.7 million private scholarships and fellowships are available, estimated at more than $7.4 billion,” according to James Lewis, president of National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), based in Atlanta . “Unfortunately, too much of this sum is left on the table because students don’t think they qualify or simply don’t know these scholarships are available.”

PROMOTED

I asked Lewis how more students can obtain these grants, which don’t have to be paid back. He suggested the following:

·  Research, research, research. Most parents and students don't realize the breadth of scholarships available, regardless of academic merit, annual income, and more.

·  Don't assume you're not eligible. Countless private scholarships are available for athletics, minorities, STEM & STEAM, community service, music, and those from government and large corporations. And there are off-beat ones: Tall Clubs International offers financial aid to women taller than 5-foot-10 and men taller than 6-foot-2.

·  Do it right. National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) has a Your First Scholarship available to students who have not yet applied for or won one, and it walks applicants through the process. It also comes with "toolbox" for students to use in all their future applications. It stresses that there is no room for error – spelling and proper grammar are non-negotiable.

·  Apply early and often. Looking for a private scholarship requires research and time, so start early, even before senior year in high school, to kick-start the process of identifying and applying for scholarships. Most students don’t know that once they are in college they can continue to apply for grants and scholarships to help pay for sophomore, junior, and senior years as well.

To these tips, I would add that you need to search locally and nationally for scholarships. Community service clubs offer scholarships through local chapters and national offices. Both of my daughters received them.

While some scholarships may require essays, many do not. The variety of options is immense — from Burger King to underrepresented students. The key is to research and send out as many applications as you can, preferably when you know which colleges are on the top of your list.

Keep in mind that colleges rarely tell you all of the grant opportunities they offer internally. You have to press hard to find out. Don’t be shy about telling a preferred college that other aid offers are on the table from other institutions.

The internet is always a great place to start. There are several search engines that specialize in grants. Also keep in mind that above-average students automatically qualify for scholarships at most schools, often under the title of “Presidential Scholar” programs. And don’t forget that local businesses and chambers of commerce usually offer some kind of scholarships. But you need to apply for them.

Even if you’ve chosen a school, don’t think that all of your options are exhausted when your college of choice makes a financial aid “offer,” which often includes loans, which you don’t have to accept. Ask them if they have work-study or grant programs to avoid debt. Then do your own homework. It will pay off.

College financing is something that will impact the rest of your life, so regard it as a shrewd personal business decision. Be smart and tough. Negotiate!

By John F. Wasik

With finals rolling around, many students will be cramming their time to study and consume course information in the most efficient way possible. Students all over campus will be burying themselves in books, numbers and all kinds of symbols to finish off their semester triumphantly. 

But what are the most optimal ways to study?

Make a study schedule

Procrastination is a big factor in limiting a student’s potential. Planning a schedule for studying ahead of time can help prevent questions like ‘should I study right now, or later?’ 

Give yourself a reward

Something as small as buying a cup of coffee or allowing an episode from a comfort show can be rewarding and could promote productivity. A reward waiting for you can be a great motivator to get the hard work done.

Try out different methods

Simply reading notes from a lecture might not be enough for some people. Try engaging your brain by using flashcards or taking a practice test. 

Study before sleep

Studying right before bedtime can help promote better memory of the learned subject. It is a positive thing to rehearse any information that the student will find useful an hour prior to going to bed. 

Choose the right environment

Your environment is very important. Understanding where motivation and concentration are most productive is necessary. For some students, they may study well at busy coffee shops on campus, like Espresso Royale or Cafe Paradiso. For others, they may study best at the Main Library or at the Grainger Engineering Library.

Stay away from all-nighters

The most important factor is not how long someone studies, but how they use and structure their study time. Long study sessions can lead to a lack of concentration and retention of learning. Short yet productive study sessions that are spaced out could be more effective for students.

Study with others

Committing to a study group can help students stick to their study schedules. Having a commitment to a group of hardworking students holds them accountable and promotes an encouraging environment. 

Know the right material to study

Review the syllabus and listen to the instructor. Check up on emails that might contain updates or information about the upcoming exam. Have an idea of what will most likely be on the exam, and what might not be. 

Breaks before a breaking point

Study breaks could increase the quality of the study session. Breaks can not only reduce stress, but they can also prevent you from getting overwhelmed. 

Have confidence

Having confidence in your own abilities helps, even if it seems hard during these tough times. Believing and trusting in oneself helps to destress and focus on moving forward. by  KOUMAE ADAMS,