When Is The Best Time To Look For Merit Scholarships?

As our children consider applying to college, our thoughts usually turn to the thousands of dollars that an undergraduate education will cost.  Add the cost of a Graduate degree to the cost of a Bachelor’s and we could be talking about half a million dollars!!!

With that in mind, we all would like to save a few dollars when possible, right?  But you’re thinking… “My child has average grades. He just did ok on his ACT and SAT.  She didn’t take many AP courses this year.”

It’s still possible for your child to be awarded Merit Scholarships (that have nothing to do with financial need)!!!  And the best time to look is before your child even applies to college Senior Year! Yes, that is correct!  You will not qualify for merit scholarships if you do not apply to the schools that are offering them. So then what???

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During junior year of high school through to the time you submit your college applications, your job is to look for the money!  Merit Scholarships from the college you attend will likely be the largest source for college savings. The key is finding those schools that will want you and offer you large savings!  Perhaps you are in the top 25% of their applicants in terms of grades or test scores. Perhaps you are coming from a geographic location and they are enticing students outside of their locale to come to their school.  Perhaps, your chosen major is one in which a university is trying to promote and fill spots.

Colleges are businesses.  They have x number of seats to fill.  They have goals to meet in terms of bettering their student body as well as filling those seats.  You want to be the candidate that the school wants! You want to be offered Merit money that is FREE Money as part of a financial aid package.

Now, I am a firm believer that a chosen college or university has to be the right academic, social and financial fit.  It’s not all strictly just about finances. But, by looking for the money, you may find schools that were not initially on your radar.  Schools with good programs that you are currently unaware of. So keep your eyes and ears open. Use the internet. But start early. After the applications go out is too late.

Don’t leave money “on the table”.  It is important to explore all avenues for college savings!    Make sure to apply to find the merit money. For more information from College Financial Prep, continue to read our Blog. 

This article was written by Vicki Vollweiler of College Financial Prep.  If you need help with Finding Merit Scholarships, Financial Aid, Student Loans, Appeals and divorce and other extenuating circumstances, Vicki may be contacted by email at CollegeFinancialPrep@gmail.com or by phone 516-225-5224.

Vicki Vollweiler, founder of College Financial Prep, strategically helps families save money on the costs of college.  Her passion extends to helping families of varying levels of need to ensure that all families are fully informed so that each may make the best decision for their family.  She loves helping people save money on the cost of college as well as working with families to make smart financial decisions.  Vicki helps her clients find their best university that will have the perfect academic, social and financial fit that fulfills their needs.