College/Essay/Prose and Financial Aid Info?

[sethp]

Hey fellow authors!

I need some help/tips and info please. I've posted a few other info threads and I am taking all of that into account but here's my new questions. All feedback is appreciated.

1. I've started a financial aid process. I've completed FAFSA and have the forms from the college. Should I look into other scholarship websites or organizations or will the college itself take care of finding as much money as they can?

2. Do pell grants still exist and is it easy to get one?

3. As part of the process I've been tasked to write an essay 350-500 words subject"if I was in charge of giving out scholarships what 3 criteria would be most important"

I just need some general guidlines as to how to write an essay and wht they are probably looking for.

4. Also as part of the process-they want 10 pages or prose. Does that mean they want 10 pages of a story either fiction or an actual event and what are they really looking for, grammer, spelling, perspective, plot, what else?

5. Are there any writing contests that are not part of LIT that anyone has entered and won?

6. best way to get a cheap laptop that works for college? ebay? craigs list? brand new from dell?

Thanks all!

Sethp

 

[sethp]

oh

can anyone also relate any personal experiences of the trials and tribulations of college admission and fiancial aid! ?

 

[sethp]

shameless, un patient bump.

 

[sethp]

bump again.

 

[Emperor_Nero]

Many, many questions ... but as the father of two girls attending college, I'll pass along what info I've garnered

1. I've started a financial aid process. I've completed FAFSA and have the forms from the college. Should I look into other scholarship websites or organizations or will the college itself take care of finding as much money as they can?

The college itself will only look at federal and state forms of aid as well as any programs run by the school itself. That would include any Pell Grant money, work-study, government guaranteed loan programs and the like. Beyond that you are on your own. I recommend fastweb.com (although there are several others out there), as they allow you to put in some basic information about yourself, where you are attending school, major and such and then find scholarship opportunities that apply to you.

2. Do pell grants still exist and is it easy to get one?

Yes, they still exist and are solely based on income levels. If you qualify, it will be handled by the financial aid office and listed on your award letter.

3. As part of the process I've been tasked to write an essay 350-500 words subject"if I was in charge of giving out scholarships what 3 criteria would be most important"

I just need some general guidlines as to how to write an essay and wht they are probably looking for.

Sorry, never had financial aid ask to write an essay, so don't know what exactly to say to this one.

4. Also as part of the process-they want 10 pages or prose. Does that mean they want 10 pages of a story either fiction or an actual event and what are they really looking for, grammer, spelling, perspective, plot, what else?

10 pages is quite a bit, so I would have to ask if it has to do with your major -- such as writing, English or something specific. If it is, it might be worth contacting someone in that department at the school to get an idea of what specifically they are looking for. If not, most times the university wants to see writing, they're just making sure you can coherently construct a sentence, use logical arguments or proof for your points and that you appear to know how to use spell check on your computer.

5. Are there any writing contests that are not part of LIT that anyone has entered and won?

There are plenty of writing contests that are not part of LIT, but none that I have personally won. Several of the scholarship opportunities at fastweb.com are writing based, so you might want to check those out.

6. best way to get a cheap laptop that works for college? ebay? craigs list? brand new from dell?

While the normal routes work, such as ebay and craig's list, don't forget to check out the college itself. Most colleges have discount deals worked out with the people that provide the computers for their on-campus computer labs and such -- meaning you can get anywhere from 5-25 percent knocked off the top of a new computer. Most campuses have deals with Apple and then one other company -- Dell and HP are two of the more common. The college bookstore probably has all the information you would need to get started, but if not, call the university IT department and check with them.

Hope that helps some

 

[sethp]

Many, many questions ... but as the father of two girls attending college, I'll pass along what info I've garnered

1. I've started a financial aid process. I've completed FAFSA and have the forms from the college. Should I look into other scholarship websites or organizations or will the college itself take care of finding as much money as they can?

The college itself will only look at federal and state forms of aid as well as any programs run by the school itself. That would include any Pell Grant money, work-study, government guaranteed loan programs and the like. Beyond that you are on your own. I recommend fastweb.com (although there are several others out there), as they allow you to put in some basic information about yourself, where you are attending school, major and such and then find scholarship opportunities that apply to you.

2. Do pell grants still exist and is it easy to get one?

Yes, they still exist and are solely based on income levels. If you qualify, it will be handled by the financial aid office and listed on your award letter.

3. As part of the process I've been tasked to write an essay 350-500 words subject"if I was in charge of giving out scholarships what 3 criteria would be most important"

I just need some general guidlines as to how to write an essay and wht they are probably looking for.

Sorry, never had financial aid ask to write an essay, so don't know what exactly to say to this one.

4. Also as part of the process-they want 10 pages or prose. Does that mean they want 10 pages of a story either fiction or an actual event and what are they really looking for, grammer, spelling, perspective, plot, what else?

10 pages is quite a bit, so I would have to ask if it has to do with your major -- such as writing, English or something specific. If it is, it might be worth contacting someone in that department at the school to get an idea of what specifically they are looking for. If not, most times the university wants to see writing, they're just making sure you can coherently construct a sentence, use logical arguments or proof for your points and that you appear to know how to use spell check on your computer.

5. Are there any writing contests that are not part of LIT that anyone has entered and won?

There are plenty of writing contests that are not part of LIT, but none that I have personally won. Several of the scholarship opportunities at fastweb.com are writing based, so you might want to check those out.

6. best way to get a cheap laptop that works for college? ebay? craigs list? brand new from dell?

While the normal routes work, such as ebay and craig's list, don't forget to check out the college itself. Most colleges have discount deals worked out with the people that provide the computers for their on-campus computer labs and such -- meaning you can get anywhere from 5-25 percent knocked off the top of a new computer. Most campuses have deals with Apple and then one other company -- Dell and HP are two of the more common. The college bookstore probably has all the information you would need to get started, but if not, call the university IT department and check with them.

Hope that helps some

Thank you! That helps more than you know.

 

[sethp]

bump for more responses!

 

[carsonshepherd]

Everything Emperor Nero said. You have to bust your own ass to get anything beyond what the school offers as financial aid. They do grants and federal loans and they have their own scholarships. Make sure you've turned in your school's scholarship package to them by the due date. Then start combing fastweb and other scholarship sites, as Nero said. Companies offer scholarships, as do some organizations, such as the American Legion ( like if you're the child of a deceased vet, or something.) Get on the net and start working at it.

Prose means something you have written that is not poetry. Check with your academic advisor to be more specific. Get someone to edit it for you - I wouldn't be against paying a professional, even.

The thing I would have to stress the most is, don't rely on anyone else to get college money for you. Be proactive and work hard at it. The money could be out there, just put in the effort to look for it.

Oh, and get top grades once you get there, and join a few organizations.

(Now.... I just need to take my own advice... I haven't even turned in my FAFSA yet. *ashamed*)

 

[sweetness6280]

1. I've started a financial aid process. I've completed FAFSA and have the forms from the college. Should I look into other scholarship websites or organizations or will the college itself take care of finding as much money as they can?

As we talked about before, you should look for other sites. Nero is correct, fastweb is the best. Take the time to fill out the profile, and they will match you with scholarships. Most scholarships have a deadline of March 1 or April 1 for fall, so you may be waiting for the next award cycle. There are a few that have June/July deadlines, so watch this closely.

It's your responsibility to get your funds, watch the deadlines, etc. The financial aid department will do what they can, but they will not hold your hand and lead you through the process.


2. Do pell grants still exist and is it easy to get one?

Read what Nero said. If you have an EFC of 0, and you met the priority deadline of your university, you should be eligible.

Different criteria apply if this is a grad program.

3. As part of the process I've been tasked to write an essay 350-500 words subject"if I was in charge of giving out scholarships what 3 criteria would be most important"

I just need some general guidlines as to how to write an essay and wht they are probably looking for.

Without more information... write it in a "5 paragraph theme" format. Intro, your 3 criteria, conclusion. Check, double check, and triple check your grammar and spelling. Have someone else proofread it.

4. Also as part of the process-they want 10 pages or prose. Does that mean they want 10 pages of a story either fiction or an actual event and what are they really looking for, grammer, spelling, perspective, plot, what else?

Is this for undergraduate admissions? This is an unusually large portfolio for an undergrad program.

If you are applying for the creative writing department, use a short story (or excerpt from one). They are looking for everything. This is your time to show them your style and talent. Choose your sample carefully and triple check it for grammar and spelling errors. If you are not sure, ask the them what they want in a writing sample.

Again, a lot depends upon the type of program you for which you are applying. With more information, I could be more specific.


5. Are there any writing contests that are not part of LIT that anyone has entered and won?

Nero's answer works.

6. best way to get a cheap laptop that works for college? ebay? craigs list? brand new from dell?

Cheap is relative. What you need to consider is how long you want the computer to last, and what you want it to do for you. You could buy a cheap computer with no support, and then be in a mess if it breaks down. Conversely, you could purchase from Dell, spending a little more initially, but if there is a problem, you are covered by the service plan. This is a decision only you can make. There are many places to purchase a computer now.

 

[sethp]

Thanks again everyone. This is good information.

Do Pell Grants ever cover everything if your EFC is 0? or is more needed?

 

[sweetness6280]

Thanks again everyone. This is good information.

Do Pell Grants ever cover everything if your EFC is 0? or is more needed?

The current Pell limit is $4310 per year (if you receive a full award). This will not cover everything.

 

[sethp]

The current Pell limit is $4310 per year (if you receive a full award). This will not cover everything.

hmmm got ya.. so there really is no such thing as going to college for free unless you can fight and get some good little scholarships? and even then it's almost impossible?

 

[Emperor_Nero]

Thanks again everyone. This is good information.

Do Pell Grants ever cover everything if your EFC is 0? or is more needed?

Pell Grants won't even come close to covering everything ... I think the maximum possible award for the upcoming school year is somewhere between $4700 or $4800 per academic year.

 

[sethp]

Pell Grants won't even come close to covering everything ... I think the maximum possible award for the upcoming school year is somewhere between $4700 or $4800 per academic year.

hmmm ok ok..trying to stay clear of school loans. might have to either give it up or go there though..

i'm not giving up though until they lock me out! lol I wonder if it wouldn't be better to take community college classes then.

 

[carsonshepherd]

hmmm ok ok..trying to stay clear of school loans. might have to either give it up or go there though..

i'm not giving up though until they lock me out! lol I wonder if it wouldn't be better to take community college classes then.

that's what I'm doing now. Pell covered all my classes and state grant paid for my books. This fall I'm going to state university though...

 

[sethp]

that's what I'm doing now. Pell covered all my classes and state grant paid for my books. This fall I'm going to state university though...

ah..ok maybe I set my sites too high!

 

[sweetness6280]

ah..ok maybe I set my sites too high!

It is very difficult to get through college without some form of loans, especially on your own. I have student loan debt that I will be paying off for a number of years, but my perspective is that it is an investment in my future. I have carefully avoided any and all other types of debt, so my student loans are all that I owe. IMHO, borrowing money for my education is a much better choice than borrowing for a car or something that will depreciate in value. Of course that means I drive a POS car, but hey, it has character.;

If you don't want to take out loans, you could try the university's work-study program. The money is usually paid weekly. The amount does count against your annual "budget", so make sure that it will not endanger any grants or scholarships.

 

[sethp]

It is very difficult to get through college without some form of loans, especially on your own. I have student loan debt that I will be paying off for a number of years, but my perspective is that it is an investment in my future. I have carefully avoided any and all other types of debt, so my student loans are all that I owe. IMHO, borrowing money for my education is a much better choice than borrowing for a car or something that will depreciate in value. Of course that means I drive a POS car, but hey, it has character.;

If you don't want to take out loans, you could try the university's work-study program. The money is usually paid weekly. The amount does count against your annual "budget", so make sure that it will not endanger any grants or scholarships.

I will definately look into that. thank you!