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Four Steps to Financial Aid |
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<<< STEP 1: WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID?
Scholarships
Scholarships are monetary gifts awarded on the basis of academic performance or other exemplary achievements. Some
scholarships are based on financial need, while others are not. Scholarships may come from a community or professional
group, a business, labor union, religious organization, or national foundation. College financial aid offices are a source of information on all scholarships.
Community Organization-Sponsored Scholarships
Many civic and community groups (e.g., Rotary Club, Elks, American Legion, 4H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Chamber of
Commerce, PTA, etc.) offer scholarships and other financial assistance. Contact the various patriotic, civic, fraternal,
religious, ethnic, social, and professional organizations in your community for more information.
Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
Many private businesses and corporations offer scholarships or loans to employees' children or to students who live in the
community where the company is located. Others offer aid to students majoring in fields related to the company's
activities or interests. Personnel offices at some companies have application information and forms available. Check with
online sources and CollegeforTN.org scholarship search engine, as well as your local library for more information.
Professional, Career, and Trade Association Sponsored Scholarships
Libraries have directories of scholarships and loans offered by professional, career, and trade associations in your
proposed career or field of study. Also, ask your art or shop instructor, coach or bandmaster about schools and colleges
looking for students with your talents. Scholarship leads also may be listed in trade magazines related to your special
interests and skills.
National Merit Scholarships
The independent, nonprofit Merit Scholarship Corporation awards about 5,000 scholarships each year. Students compete on
the basis of test scores, academic and extracurricular achievements, and school recommendations. Taking the Preliminary
Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in the fall of your junior year in high
school will enter you in the competition.
Scholarship Search Assistance
SRN Express
is a free, Web version of the Scholarship Resource Network (SRN) database. The SRN database specializes in private-sector,
non-need-based aid.
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