With Scholarships, School Doesn’t Break the Bank

Let's talk about money: free money.

Sending your savings account into the single digits shouldn’t be required to attend school. Nipissing University, like other schools, offers entrance scholarships to help students afford a quality education. Entrance scholarships cover some of the costs, but sometimes aren’t enough. Scholarships are out there to help you reach your goals; here are some basic tips to make those applications easier:

Demystify the Details. Maybe the first scholarship that popped up in your search had some lofty requirements hidden in those fancy buzzwords: community involvement, personal leadership, demonstrated financial need, strong academic record. Requirements help narrow the applicant list, but don’t be intimidated by them. If your expenses outweigh your income, you have financial need. If you volunteer, you have community involvement. Personal leadership can mean writing down your goals, or even describing your volunteer activities in an essay. Good marks mean a strong academic standing. Scholarship resumes can help you select the right details for each requirement.

Apply Anyway. Fancy lingo and a mile-long list of requirements can be discouraging; armed with some know-how and determination, you are ready to start earning some money. Some scholarships are not awarded because no one applies; don’t miss your chance because you think you do not qualify. Searching scholarships in your field is a good start; for instance, Nipissing’s Schulich Scholarship offers 100 $6,000 awards to high school students entering the education field; a 75% average with financial need or volunteer experience are all you need for a scholarship that could cover a year’s tuition. Applications are available until May 1 at Nipissing’s Financial Services.

Ask your guidance counselor about scholarships available in your school or community; many of these scholarships are just an application away. Find us on Facebook and Twitter or read our student blogs for more information.