Finding and Applying for Scholarships

There are many types of scholarships out there; you just have to find them. There are three main categories: state scholarships, student-specific scholarships, and unique scholarships. Here is a break down of each type of scholarship and ways in which you may be eligble.

State Scholarships
State scholarships can be both merit- and need-based. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who are at a high academic-level, which is based on a combination of GPA, standardized test scores, and other high school academic achievements. Need-based scholarships depend on financial need and your ability to pay for college.

Both merit-and need-based scholarships vary by state. Upon filling out the FAFSA and admission to a particular college, the amount of your scholarship will be determined. There are also many other state scholarships that require a special application and aren't given directly through a particular college.

Scholarships.com gives a breakdown of state scholarships and also gives a list of scholarships by state.

Student-specific Scholarships
Student-specific scholarships are based on a multitude of characteristics. Scholarships for minorities are the most common. Other student-specific scholarships can be based on anything from a desire to pursue community service to being the first member in your family to attend college.

College Scholarships gives many categories for student-specific scholarships as well as links to specific scholarships within each category.

It is suggested that you utilize your involvement, passions, and future interests when searching for scholarships. There is almost guaranteed to be one out there for you!


Unique Scholarships
There is a plethora of unique scholarships available to students who may have strange qualities, talents, or interests. As surprising as it may sound, there are scholarships for being left handed, duck calling, and a desire to create a new candy. So if you have a unique trait, search the internet and see if you may be eligible for a scholarship.

Check out the College Express list of 45 of the Weirdest College Scholarships.



***TIP: Never pay a website to find scholarships for you. If a scholarship search site is asking for your credit card or bank account number, it isn't a good sign.

To find scholarships, talk to the college's financial aid office, your high school counselor, or use reliable websites such as scholarships.com and collegescholarships.com.


Good luck on your search! If you have any questions, email us at ubou67@gmail.com or message us on Facebook!

Hidden College Costs and How to Manage Them

As if tuition isn't enough, there are some hidden expenses that come along with post-secondary education. Here are some of the most relevant, non-tuition related costs that college students pay and how you can better factor those into your budget.

• Books / Supplies
  Most incoming college students don't anticipate the high cost of textbooks because in high school they are free. Well, that's not the case anymore. In face, many college-level books sell for around $100-$200. Don't panic. There are many ways to lower these costs. One way is to buy used books online, which tend to be cheaper than book-store prices. Another way is to rent. If you know you won't need a particular book after you have taken the class, rent it rather than buying it. Rental prices can be almost half the price of a purchased book. Buying an older edition of the book is also cheaper than buying the newest version. Just make sure there are no big differences between the editions and double check the class syllabus to make sure you don't need a particular edition.
  You can also sell your books back to vendors on campus at the end of each semester.
  Amazon and Chegg also offer online buyback programs.
  Aside from books, some professors require other supplies for their classes. Some of these supplies may include interactive computer/phone applications, hand-held clickers (response devices), or subscriptions to newspapers/magazines.
  There are several scholarships available for textbooks and supplies. Some are offered through certain colleges/universities, while others are available through online contests.
  One yearly textbook scholarship contest is: The Akademos/TexbookX Textbook Scholarship Contest,
• Food
  Sticking to a meal plan can become difficult when you're hungry during hours when the dining hall is closed or if you run out of meal swipes by Saturday. If this is the case, you will probably end up making a trip to campus markets, a nearby grocery store, or restaurants on campus. The costs of food can really add up. My advice is to plan in advance and make a run to the grocery store at the beginning of each month. That way you can get some food to keep in your room at a much lower price than it would be to eat out.
• Laundry
  The price of laundry can be anywhere from $0.50 to $2.00 per wash or dry. At Ohio University, The price of one wash is $0.75 and one dry is $1.25. These prices can add up if you have multiple loads to do. The best advice I can give is to keep track of all of your quarters and to make sure you are only washing clothes that need to be cleaned (a lot of people tend to just throw clothes in the hamper after trying them on once, which leads to bigger loads and more money).
• Printing
  Some schools allow a certain amount of free printed pages per semester; however, other schools do charge small fees per printed page. Usually black and white prints are around 5 to 10 cents, whereas a color print will be around 10 to 20 cents. At OU, printing fees are billed directly to your student account, but at other schools printers may accept change. Also at OU, students are able to print for free in their college/major's computer lab. For example, communication studies majors are allowed to print in the Lasher computer lab for free!
• Transportation
  Transportation costs can fluctuate, depending on whether you commute or not, how far you live from school, and if you don't commute - how often you plan to go home. Also, if you decide to keep your car at school, you will most likely have to pay for a parking pass which can be a big chunk of money. Also look out for meters and correct parking locations. Parking violations result in hefty tickets.
  There are cheaper ways to get around campus without a car. Many students bike to and from class. Also, many schools offer bus systems that go to nearby grocery stores or plazas. Don't forget you can always carpool as well. 
• Dorm Necessities
  Twin XL bedding, bed-loft, mini fridge, microwave, carpet, and vacuum may be among your list of things to buy for your dorm room. While it is important to make your dorm room feel "homey" and to utilize space, you must be aware of the high prices of futons, TVs, coffee machines, and other items that you may not necessarily need. 
• Organization Fees
  Members of particular clubs and organizations have to pay fees to be considered "active." Sororities and fraternities tend to fall on the higher end of the cost-spectrum. Fees for sororities and fraternities vary greatly among different universities, but on average they range anywhere from $200-$1,000 a semester. Club sports also tend to be a bit expensive, but it depends on the school and the sport. Also, smaller clubs (i.e. communications club) have smaller fees like $30 a semester or $50 a year. 
• EntertainmentCollege isn't just all work and no play. There is always something fun going on around campus for students to hang out and get involved. There are sporting events, movies, plays, comedians, art shows, and so much more. Some of these events charge entrance fees, so keep that in mind.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at ubou67@gmail.com or message us on Facebook!

Understanding Financial Aid and FAFSA

Financial aid is any money that the government or other organizations give or lend to students to help them afford college. While the process may seem intimidating, it is well worth it in the end. Here we will discuss the basics of financial aid and how to go about applying. 

To begin, there are four different types of financial aid. They are:

• Scholarships
  Scholarships are a type of "gift aid," meaning that they do not have to be paid back. Scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded based on a multitude of things such as; high academic or athletic ability, volunteer work, religion or ethnicity, and many others.
  One example of a merit-based scholarship at Ohio University is the OHIO Achievement Scholarship, which is given to students based on high school performance and standardized tests.
  Another scholarship example is the OHIO Promise Scholarship, which is awarded to students from a variety of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Grants
  Another type of gift aid are grants. Grants are need-based, meaning are given to students who are in need of financial help. Grants are given either from federal, state, private, or institutional funds. The FAFSA (which we will discuss later) must be filled out to be eligible for grants.
  The Pell Grant is an example of a federal grant that is given to students based on financial need, school tuition, enrollment status, and whether the student attends school for a full year or not.
   
• Loans
  Unlike scholarships and grants, loans are money temporarily given to students that will later need to be paid back. Most loan repayments don't go into effect until after graduation; however all loans have interest rates, meaning the amount you pay back will be a bit more than the amount you borrowed in the first place.
  It is especially important to be cautious when taking out loans. Make sure to only borrow as much as you need. Loans can be seen as a quality investment as long as you are able to pay them off.
  There are two main types of loans: federal and private.
  Federal student loans are made by the federal government, which requires filling out the FAFSA.
  Private loans are made by lenders such as banks, schools, or state agencies.
  Check out this link to learn the many differences between federal and private student loans.
• Work-study/employment
  Work-study provides part-time jobs on or off campus to students with financial need. The program typically encourages work related to the student's focus of study. To find out if your school provides work-study programs and how to apply, stop into the financial aid office or look on the school’s website.
  Regular employment is typically available for all students, whether they are in need of financial assistance or not. 

Now let's talk about your outlet to financial aid: FAFSA (FREE Application for Federal Student Aid).

• Who
  Who can fill out the FAFSA? Anyone! In fact, if you don't fill out the FAFSA, you could potentially be missing out being eligible for financial aid.
  Check out this article, "Myths About Financial Aid" to get a better understanding of the realities of who receives financial aid.
• What
  What exactly is the FAFSA? It is a form that is used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine a family's need based on income, assets, and other information which you will provide on the form.
• Where
  Where do I go to fill out the FAFSA? The fastest way is online via www.fafsa.gov. You can also download the PDF and fill it out on paper or ask a financial aid adviser at school if they have paper copies. Don’t forget, it’s free to fill it out!
• When
  When do I need to fill it out by? FAFSA usually becomes available in early January each year. It's important to fill out the form as soon as possible so you don't run the risk on missing out on any aid. Typically schools begin making aid decisions in March, which means FAFSA should be done no later than the second or third week in February.
  To get an early estimate of your financial aid, check out the FAFSA4caster.

Federal Student Aid is also a great website that goes into detail about all of the different types of aid available to students and how to begin the application process. 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, email us at upwardbound@ohio.edu or message us on Facebook!

Getting Involved: Why it's Important and Where to Begin

Although going to class and studying each day may be enough to earn a degree, getting involved outside of the classroom can provide greater reward.

Here are 10 reasons why you should get involved on your college campus:

1. Pursue your interests
   Getting involved in clubs and organizations related to your academic interest can be a great way to narrow your focus and discover the direction you want to go in.
2. Gain new skills and experience
   Clubs and organizations provide a type of hands-on experience that you can't get inside of the classroom. For example, broadcasting on your school's radio or television station will allow you to directly practice any skills you may have learned in a broadcasting class.
3. Make connectionsThe people you meet are just as important as the skills you learn. Peers and staff who are involved in your organization can serve as mentors and they can also point you in a certain direction or connect you with different resources. 
4. Build a communityBeing a part of a group of people with a common interest can help students feel more acquainted with their peers and campus.
5. Develop self-confidenceIn clubs and organizations, you may be asked to step out of your comfort zone. This will benefit you in terms of gaining self-confidence.
6. Share your talentsWhether you have an article published in the newspaper or you just gave a speech at a student senate meeting, there is no feeling quite as rewarding as sharing your talents with your peers.
7. Explore leadership opportunitiesIf you enjoy your organization and want to push it one step further, consider applying for a leadership position. Being an editor-in-chief, secretary, or vice president of an organization can provide you with even more beneficial skills and experience.
8. Build your resumeFuture employers are looking for well-rounded individuals who took the initiative to get involved beyond the classroom. 
9. Learn to prioritizeHaving free time isn't always good. Learning to be on time, work out a schedule, and prioritize time are all things you will learn when becoming involved.
10. Have fun
    True happiness can be found in an organization that you are passionate about. Once you find something that interests you, it can make your perspective on your major and career much brighter. 

Now you're probably thinking, "That all sounds great, but how do I find a club or organization that is a good fit for me?"

Typically, schools hold campus involvement fairs for students to discover all of the clubs and organizations on campus. Big Future by College Board is also a great resource to find a general overview of activities at different colleges and universities. Once you have searched the name of the school, go to the Campus Life tab and then click on Activities for a general list. 

If you have any questions, please email us at ubou67@gmail.com or message us on Facebook!

College Fair: The January Workshop

Get excited for College Fair, the January workshop! This is your chance to explore different colleges, ask questions, and find out what each school can provide for you.

Want to get a head start? Here is a list of the 10 colleges that will be represented at the workshop. Feel free to read up on the basic information listed below and also explore the College Board and college website links to help you formulate any questions to ask during the workshop.

If you are unsure how to navigate the College Board website, check out some of the previous blog posts : The College Search: Step-By-Step and Digging Deeper into Big Future by College Board. These posts give a breakdown of the website's layout as well as the importance of certain college statistics.

1. Hocking College
   - 2-year public college
   - Located in Nelsonville, OH
   - About 4,000 undergraduate students
   - 100% of applicants admitted
   
   Hocking College Website
   College Board - Hocking College
2. Shawnee State University
   - 4-year public university
   - Located in Portsmouth, OH
   - About 4,000 undergraduate students
   - 83% of applicants admitted
   
   Shawnee State University Website
   College Board - Shawnee State University
3. Marshall University- 4-year public university
   - Located in Huntington, WV
   - About 10,000 undergraduate students
   - 79% of applicants admitted
   
   Marshall University Website
   College Board - Marshall University
4. Washington State Community College
   - 2-year public community college
   - Located in Marietta, OH
   - About 2,000 undergraduate students
   - 100% of applicants admitted
   
   Washington State Community College Website
   College Board - Washington State Community College
5. University of Rio Grande
   - 4-year private community college
   - Located in Rio Grande, OH
   - About 2,000 undergraduate students
   - 73% of applicants admitted
   
   University of Rio Grande Website
   College Board - University of Rio Grande
6. Marietta College- 4-year private college
   - Located in Marietta, OH
   - About 1,500 undergraduate students
   - 64% of applicants admitted
   
   Marietta College Website
   College Board - Marietta College
7. Ohio Valley University
   - 4-year private university
   - Located in Vienna, WV
   - About 500 undergraduate students
   - 38% of applicants admitted
   
   Ohio Valley University Website
   College Board - Ohio Valley University
8. Ohio Christian University- 4-year private university
   - Located in Circleville, OH
   - About 3,000 undergraduate students
   - 97% of applicants admitted
   
   Ohio Christian University Website
   College Board - Ohio Christian University
9. University of Cincinnati
   - 4-year public university
   - Located in Cincinnati, OH
   - About 24,000 undergraduate students
   - 73% of applicants admitted
   
   University of Cincinnati Website
   College Board - University of Cincinnati
10. Ohio University 
    - 4-year public university
    - Located in Athens, OH
    - About 24,000 undergraduate students
    - 73% of applicants admitted
    
    Ohio University Website
    College Board - Ohio University

If you have any questions, email us at ubou67@gmail.com or message us on Facebook!

Majors, Minors, Certificates and Your Path to a Career

The Basics

A major is a specific subject area that college students choose to specialize in, and it will help prepare students for their careers after college.

When applying to college, do not panic when it comes to selecting a major. Many students go into college undecided. At most four-year colleges, students have until the end of sophomore year to declare a major. This gives students plenty of time to take a range of classes to find an area of interest.
However, if you know what you would like to focus in, go ahead and declare your major, and if your mind changes later on, that's okay too. Most students switch their major during college.

There are two different general categories of majors; career-oriented and liberal arts.

Career-oriented majors:
Students in these majors are being prepared for a very specific career. Nursing is a great example of a career-oriented major. These students learn explicit skills needed to pass a licensing exam and to ultimately become a nurse.
Career-oriented majors typically have specific course requirements. Most classes will be related to the major.
Some other examples of career-oriented majors are:

• Culinary Arts
• Dental Hygiene
• Mechanical Engineering
• Commercial Art

Liberal arts majors:
Liberal arts is an umbrella term -- meaning that a wider variety of classes fall under the decided major. Students who choose liberal arts majors aren't necessarily on a narrow path to a specific career, rather they are open to more variation.
Some examples of liberal-arts majors and careers that they may lead to are:

• English: editor, writer, playwright
• History: museum registrar, researcher, archivist
• Political Science: consumer affairs, international relations, elected public official
• Psychology: counselor, laboratory assistant, psychologist

Career Center is a great website in which you can learn about the various careers that different liberal arts majors can lead to.

At most colleges, students have the opportunity to double-major, add a minor, create a new major, and earn a certificate.

Double-major
Taking on two majors is a lot of work, but has potential for a greater reward.
Students who choose to double-major must critically map out their four-year plan. Each class must be chosen wisely -- some classes may overlap and count for double credit. It is important to set up a meeting with an advisor to map out a precise schedule if you want to graduate on time.
** Do not declare a double-major if you are just unable to decide between two different majors. That's not the point.
A double major is meant to give students a broader base and a potential for a more competitive advantage when it comes to searching for jobs. Students who double-major tend to pick two majors that can work together for a desired career.

Minor
A minor is similar to a second major, but requires fewer classes. Some departments even require students to select a minor to go along with their major. Adding a minor is important if a student with a liberal arts major want an area of focus.
For example, a student with a dance major may want to consider a minor in business administration if he or she would like to start up a dance studio after college.
Some other examples of minors are:

• Film
• World Religions
• Business
• Applied Nutrition

Create your own major
This opportunity often goes unnoticed. If you really are passionate about something, but your college doesn't offer a major for it, see if you can create your own -- some colleges allow this, but some do not.
When creating a major, students have the freedom and responsibility of selecting a variety of classes that fit to the desired outcome.
**Creating a degree requires an application process -- this will vary depending on the school. Talk to an adviser or school official to see what is needed to be done.

Certificate Programs
Getting a certificate is not the same as getting a minor. College certificate programs are designed for students who are interested in learning a specific subject or skill in a short amount of time.
Some examples of certificates are:

• Diversity studies
• Political communication
• Entrepreneurship
• Global leadership

See how these are more specific than most majors/minors? Once you're accepted into a certificate program, you will be taking a few very specific classes that pertain to the certificate title.
**Some certificate programs require application.


When planning for the future, remember that it is important to truly enjoy what you do. Making a hefty salary is great, but what's not great is having to dread going to work every day.
Too many students pick a major based on the money and wind up working jobs that they wish they weren't. College is a time for you to explore -- take classes that interest you. You will know when you find the path that is meant for you.

Digging Deeper into Big Future by College Board

In the previous post, I gave a breakdown of the Big Future by College Board website. In this post I dig a bit deeper into the importance of student-to faculty ratio, costs, financial aid, and activities.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio - Although it is an extremely important number, it is often misinterpreted. Just because a university has a 9:1 student-faculty ratio doesn't mean students should expect to always be in a class of around 9 people. The ratio literally means the number of students at the school in comparison to the number of faculty.You will normally see these ratios in advanced classes, not development classes (first and second year).

Here are a few student-to-faculty ratios at nearby colleges and universities according to Big Future by College Board:

4 year
Ohio University (main) - 18:1
Ohio University Zanesville - 22:1
Ohio State University - 19:1
Kent State University - 17:1
Wittenberg University -  12:1
Miami University - 18:1

2 year
Hocking College - 16:1
Washington State - 15:1


Costs - Tuition isn't the only fee for college. There are other fees including: room and board, meal plans, books, and other personal/transportation expenses.

Here are two charts showing the breakdown of costs between a private and public university. These costs are for in-state students.

Public: Ohio University - Main (Athens, OH)

	On-Campus	Off-Campus	At Home
Tuition and Fees	$10,602	$10,602	$10,602
Room and Board	$10,478	$10,230	--
Books and Supplies	$916	$916	$916
Estimated personal expenses	$1,050	--	$1,140
Transportation	$1,768	--	$4,916
Estimated Total	$24,814	$21,748	$17,574

Private: Wittenberg Univerity - (Springfield, OH)

	On-Campus	Off-Campus	At Home
Tuition and Fees	$38,030	$38,030	$38,030
Room and Board	$9,932	$9,736	--
Books and Supplies	$1,000	$1,000	$1,000
Estimated personal expenses	$1,600	$1,600	$1,600
Transportation	$400	$400	$400
Estimated Total	$50,962	$50,766	$41,030

As you can see, the total estimated cost of Wittenberg University is over double that of Ohio University. Keep in mind, financial aid has not yet been factored in.

Financial Aid - The estimated costs listed in the charts above aren't what families pay for school. Most students receive financial aid, which reduces the total cost. Financial aid packages vary depending on individual circumstances.

Here is a chart showing the comparison of financial aid between the two universities. This chart breaks down the average first year financial aid package, the percentage of aid coming from scholarship/grants, percentage of aid coming from loans/jobs, percentage of freshmen with need who received financial aid, and percentage of need actually met for these students:

	Average Financial Aid	% Aid from scholarships/grants	% Aid from loans/jobs	% of freshmen with need who received aid	% of need met
Ohio University	$9,232	30%	70%	100%	53%
Wittenberg University	$31,935	73%	27%	100%	83%

Here are the total estimated costs after the average financial aid was subtracted from the original estimated totals.

	On-Campus	Off-Campus	At Home
Ohio University	$15,582	$12,516	$8,342
Wittenberg University	$19,027	$18,831	$9,095

After financial aid was calculated, the total cost of attending Wittenberg University dropped significantly. Often, private schools like Wittenberg offer more financial aid than public universities, which brings the cost to a more comparable number.

Another great website to compare cost breakdowns between schools is Consumer Finance. On this site, you can add three schools to compare. They will automatically calculate the estimated cost and then you fill in the amount of financial aid you have received. Then the site will show comparisons of first year costs, debt at graduation, graduation rates, and other important information.

Activities - Although education comes first, there is more to college than the classroom. Every school offers a multitude of opportunities for students to become involved. Getting involved can help students meet new people, discover new interests and build a sense of community. Getting involved in organizations that pertain to your major will also boost your resume.

If you're interested in something specific and your college doesn't offer any programs for it, you can create your own!

Check out the activities tab on Big Future by College Board when searching colleges to find lists of the activities offered.

All of the numbers given in this post were found via Big Future by College Board.
If you have any questions about navigating the Big Future by College Board website or about any of the information listed above, please feel free to contact us at ubou67@gmail.com or message us on Facebook!