Watch to learn the likely reason your teen was not offered a scholarship.

You've probably heard of the book, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'. But how do you win scholarships? Watch the video for a tip that makes your teen's application stand out!

Here are a few scholarship opportunities with May Deadlines! See if your student is eligible to apply! (Be your teen's Hero! Cracking the Code to Free College is the course that prepares you and your student to have applications that stand out above the rest and say, 'My student is AWESOME!') The course also have access to curated scholarships for every grade level through graduate school  

Let's get started!

May Deadline Scholarships:

Open to just about anyone:

 May 1st deadlines for U.S. Citizens and permanent residents, High school seniors, currently enrolled at or planning to attend a university or community college, graduate school program, distance-learning school program, vocational or trade school located in the continental US.:

Amount $1,000  Answer the question: "Who in your life has been your biggest influence and why?”(2021)
https://www.yourpace.com/Scholarship

Amount $1,000  Answer the question: "Describe how you have demonstrated...

(Missed the beginning? Go here for part 1. )

Middle school years are for trying something new. If the current sport or activity of choice is ‘nice’ but she’s not an exceptional athlete, or not receiving music, dance, or artistic accolades, from authentic strangers, it might be time to consider alternatives, or at least ask if there is an entrepreneurial or volunteer opportunity in which this skill can be used during high school.

Here are some thoughts…

If your child has been in sports, try different sports during middle school to find the one he is most passionate about and has the most skill. Unless he’ll be MVP in all sports (and few athletes are) he’ll want to focus on one sport or become a little league coach or assistant coach.

If your child has been in Boy Scouts of America, is he loving it? Loving the awards? Do you see him attaining the rank of Eagle Scout before high school graduation? If so, then have a PLAN to ensure this happens....

(Missed the beginning? Go here for part 1. )

Have you thought about volunteer or community service activities?

During the middle school years, there should be some amount of volunteer work. It doesn’t have to be much. Twice a year is good enough between 6th and 8th grades. Example: Boxing canned goods at the local food bank or being a helper for your church Awana or Vacation Bible School program. If your child has participated as a youngster he might want to volunteer to help with games, reading stories, distributing snacks, etc. Just ask! If you are willing to drop them off, the church will graciously accept the help! Again the goal is to find something he truly enjoys doing and might be able to do on a more regular basis in high school (weekly or monthly). Everything will go on their high school resume and be listed on the college application.

If your teen has found their passion, brainstorm ideas for volunteer activities that may be related. We are...

Most parents consider Middle School or Junior High as a ‘pass-through’ between grade school and high school. Sure, your child has a little maturing to do. But is that all there is? Should we allow them to continue, as usual, doing the typical after-school activities and playing with friends? …Not necessarily.

Those years between elementary school and high school have a purpose. From kindergarten through 5th grade, your child has mostly been playing with friends on the schoolyard and after school. Maybe she’s had opportunities like taking ballet, or music lessons or participating in community sports. That’s great! But now is the time to find what she is really passionate about, and not just continue the same old activities ‘just because we always have.’

You have 3 years, 6th, 7th and 8th grade, including summers, to offer opportunities for your child to explore NEW ideas and new activities. After my son’s 4th week-long summer camp one...

Many ways of finding money for college

During our travels over the last 4 years, we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying the talents of many street musicians. I always contribute a little to show my appreciation. But what goes through my mind is the real possibility that this young person could very well be paying off student loan debt. 

The average college student graduates with $30,000 in college debt.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Decisions made as a family as well as by the student are made LONG before college which either lead to school debt or freedom from debt. 

I agree that the sticker price of higher education is huge in many cases. The same state school I attended more than tripled over the 30 years between when I left and when my children began. 

As I was growing up, the conversation never began, ‘If you go to college’ it was always, ‘When you go to college.’ And all 4 of us kids graduated from either...