If I qualify for scholarships now, will I be able to use them later on a few years later?
Question:
Answer:
Generally no. Scholarships are usually good only for the year they are awarded and can't be held over for subsequent years. Keeping college costs down is a challenge. Picking the right school is part of the equation. Some students do a couple of years at a community college and then transfer for their junior and senior years to the university they want to graduate from. This results in quite a large cost savings, but may compromise quality. It will also only work if the university you want to attend will allow you to transfer in the credit hours you've accumulated at the community college.
Attending a state school with in-state tuition is another cost saving device. There are a number of very good state schools to choose from, and most states allow you to qualify for in-state tuition after a year's residence.
Work study is sometimes possible to enhance whatever scholarship package you are able to put together. Or you may be able to get a better paying job outside the university. The nice thing about university jobs is that they usually aren't too demanding. My position on working while in college is not shared by everyone. Some believe that students should focus all their attention on their studies, and there is something to be said for this. But I favor trying to assemble as much of a scholarship package as possible without loans. Going to college costs so much, and you can wind up with enormous debt if you borrow the money. If working can help keep down the amount that has to be borrowed, I vote for working. With a little discipline, one can go to school and work (and have a social life!)
The only other tuition tip I can think of is to apply for every scholarship that you hear about, and be diligent in seeking out information about what scholarships are available.
After tuition, room and board is the next big expense. Living at home saves the most money. If that isn't a possiblity, sharing with a roommate(s) helps cut down costs.
Finally, buy gently used books and keep them in good enough condition to sell them back at the end of each semester. It is rare in life that you will ever want to consult a college textbook after you are through using it for a class.
Good luck!
We have applied for my daughter for a scholarship which would if she got it pay for the entire 5 years at college.I think they would expect you to use the scholarship money straight away rather than further down the track as things can change.
I had something slightly related happen to me while I was graduating high school.
My situation was getting more scholarships than I could immediately use though. So, what I did was ask the organizations that gave me the "extra" scholarships if they could hold onto them for me until I needed them, which ended up being my 3rd year of college. They did just that for me, but there's no guarantee that it will happen for you.
My other suggestions are to apply for financial aid, buy used books at the college bookstore or if there's a used college bookstore across the street, get a job on campus that'll work with your class schedule, that sort of thing. Also, try going to a junior or community college first, and then transfer to a university. Usually the units are cheaper at the community college. You can get your undergraduate requirements knocked out there, and then transfer the units over, just make sure they transfer! Talk to a guidance counselor, they'll be able to help you. Good luck!
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