The new school year has either started or is about to,
depending upon where you live. There’s one thing you can do the first two weeks
of school which will significantly increase your chances of winning more
scholarship money for college. It’s so easy, it might seem insignificant, but
it isn’t. In my study, I found all students who earned full-ride scholarships
to the college of their choice had learned the name of their high school
counselor and the expert on all things college during the first few weeks of
their freshman year. They also followed through, and made friends with these very important people.
If you’re a freshman pay attention to find out the name
of your counselor immediately. It’s easy. Just look at your registration materials.
The name is probably written there. If it isn’t, ask someone in the office. No
one will mind. They answer questions like this all the time. It’s part of their
job description. Then ask someone who has been on the campus at least a year (a
sophomore, junior or teacher) the name of the resident college expert at your
high school. You may be lucky, and she’s your counselor. If not, no problem.
The next step is to find a way to meet these people. If
one or both of them visit one of your classes the first week of school, then
you’re in business. Before they leave, walk up and introduce yourself. Just
smile, tell them your name and that you’re interested in learning how to earn
lots of scholarships for college. He will be happy you did this, and smile back
at you. If he sticks out his hand, take it and smile while you shake it. This
is how you make a great impression and enlist help.
If you’re not a freshman, and you didn’t do this when
you were, then you’re behind all those students who knew to make this a
priority. They have already earned a place in the mind of their counselor for a
positive reason. Counselors deal with many students for negative reasons.
Someone did something wrong, and they have to deal with it. It makes a counselor’s day when they have a
positive interaction with a student. Be that student.
Make an appointment to see your counselor and the
expert on all things college at your school. You won’t need much time. You can
see one or both of them for a few minutes after or before school. Introduce
yourself. Tell them you are planning on going to college and need their help.
You want to take the courses which will help you be accepted to college and earn lots of
scholarship money. Tell them you'll do whatever it takes, because your family
isn’t rich, and you don’t want to take out student loans.
You’ll be surprised at the results. If you smile and
say hi (be sure to mention his/her name), whenever you pass by your counselor
in the halls, he will be reminded of your goals. Pay attention to any
announcements about college or scholarships in the school’s bulletin or
newsletter. See your counselor if and when you need help. Meet all deadlines,
and you’ll find your counselor is your knowledgeable partner on your road to
free college.
You are reading from the blog, RoadtoFreeCollege.com, where we empower families with knowledge to navigate the path to higher education without the burden of excessive loans.
For more information, you’ll want my book, Free College, CLICK HERE. It teaches families how to help their kids become more successful in school, college, and life.
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