5 answers
Isaac
Student
Boise, Idaho
1
Question
Asked
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How would I pay for college if I cannot get enough scholarship money?
I am a student athlete that doesn't have enough time to work a job outside of school and sports and therefore can't get money to pay for college. I applied for scholarships but I'm afraid that I won't have enough by the time the tuition, room, and board are due. I want to take as little student loans so that I can have as little debt as possible by the time I get to graduate school.
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1061
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I am a big advocate of what are called Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters for potential student athletes, because sometimes, we may not be recruited or noticed by coaches or recruited by the athletic staff of a college or university. So, we need to go to them and advocate for our skills, abilities and inquire about athletic programs and financial aid opportunities.
The athletes at these institutions receive financial aid through need-based grants, merit-based scholarships (for academics and other achievements), and federal aid like Pell Grants, or full or partial scholarships that are funded through the schools.
To maximize their financial aid, student-athletes should apply for aid using forms like the FAFSA, focus on strong academics and extracurriculars to qualify for merit aid, and research each institution's specific financial policies and find the most advantageous and generous financial aid packages. I worked with several athletes, who were interested in attending NCAA and NAIA schools, and the coaches, at these colleges, and athletic staff were very helpful in coming up with helpful solutions to this issue, and assisted the athletes in finding the financial aid that they qualified for.
To help assist the staff (and yourself), I would create something called an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, to send to the coaches of the colleges and universities you are interested in attending.
It is exactly what it sounds like, and is much like a Job Resume and Cover Letter. Except with a Job Resume and Cover Letter, you will be trying out for a job, but with the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, you will be applying and trying out for the college or university sports team.
There are many examples of these Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters found online. Basically you will be emphasizing to the coach all about your athletic abilities, strengths, positions you played, school and state accomplishments and successes, athletic awards, future goals, and your future academic plans. Introduce the resume, and yourself, to the coach by utilizing the cover letter.
When you complete the Resume and Cover Letter, send it to the various college and university coaches, via postal service letter, directly to their office on the college campus. You see they literally receive thousands of emails each week, but if you contact them via a written letter, it will land directly on their desk, and they are most likely going to respond and send you information on their program and about athletics and academic and financial aid possibilities on their campus.
College coaches do seem to enjoy getting a personal letter in the regular mail, than getting an email. It shows you are serious and are willing to make an effort in continuing your athletic career. I hope this has been helpful, Good luck in achieving your future athletic and academic goals.
The athletes at these institutions receive financial aid through need-based grants, merit-based scholarships (for academics and other achievements), and federal aid like Pell Grants, or full or partial scholarships that are funded through the schools.
To maximize their financial aid, student-athletes should apply for aid using forms like the FAFSA, focus on strong academics and extracurriculars to qualify for merit aid, and research each institution's specific financial policies and find the most advantageous and generous financial aid packages. I worked with several athletes, who were interested in attending NCAA and NAIA schools, and the coaches, at these colleges, and athletic staff were very helpful in coming up with helpful solutions to this issue, and assisted the athletes in finding the financial aid that they qualified for.
To help assist the staff (and yourself), I would create something called an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, to send to the coaches of the colleges and universities you are interested in attending.
It is exactly what it sounds like, and is much like a Job Resume and Cover Letter. Except with a Job Resume and Cover Letter, you will be trying out for a job, but with the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, you will be applying and trying out for the college or university sports team.
There are many examples of these Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters found online. Basically you will be emphasizing to the coach all about your athletic abilities, strengths, positions you played, school and state accomplishments and successes, athletic awards, future goals, and your future academic plans. Introduce the resume, and yourself, to the coach by utilizing the cover letter.
When you complete the Resume and Cover Letter, send it to the various college and university coaches, via postal service letter, directly to their office on the college campus. You see they literally receive thousands of emails each week, but if you contact them via a written letter, it will land directly on their desk, and they are most likely going to respond and send you information on their program and about athletics and academic and financial aid possibilities on their campus.
College coaches do seem to enjoy getting a personal letter in the regular mail, than getting an email. It shows you are serious and are willing to make an effort in continuing your athletic career. I hope this has been helpful, Good luck in achieving your future athletic and academic goals.
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
185
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Isaac,
Here are a few things you can do!
Keep looking for scholarships all throughout college. There are many you can apply to even during college. Local scholarships, scholarship sites, and scholarships at your college.
You could possibly become a resident advisor (RA) depending on your college's rules about athletes. Being that it is an on-campus job they will work with you around your classes and athletic schedule. Typically, being an RA covers the cost of room and board.
You can also look for other on-campus jobs. I was a student-athlete, and I worked on campus because it was the only job that worked with me around my classes and athletics.
Be smart with other school expenses like books- buy used books or make a friend in class you can share a book with (sometimes you really dont need the book)
Work in the summertime- there are places you can work part-time that give education benefits (tuition reimbursement, scholarships) like Taco Bell, McDoland's, Papa John's, Chipotle
I hope this helps!
Here are a few things you can do!
Keep looking for scholarships all throughout college. There are many you can apply to even during college. Local scholarships, scholarship sites, and scholarships at your college.
You could possibly become a resident advisor (RA) depending on your college's rules about athletes. Being that it is an on-campus job they will work with you around your classes and athletic schedule. Typically, being an RA covers the cost of room and board.
You can also look for other on-campus jobs. I was a student-athlete, and I worked on campus because it was the only job that worked with me around my classes and athletics.
Be smart with other school expenses like books- buy used books or make a friend in class you can share a book with (sometimes you really dont need the book)
Work in the summertime- there are places you can work part-time that give education benefits (tuition reimbursement, scholarships) like Taco Bell, McDoland's, Papa John's, Chipotle
I hope this helps!
Thanks for the advice.
Isaac
Douglas Ray, CMR, AMR
Sales, consulting, and marketing
55
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Douglas’s Answer
Hey Isaac, I like the answers you have already received, so I’ll be brief. Part of your college experience is time and budget management. You’ll need to make a decision about the value of your athletic endeavors in terms of how much time you commit to it and the career benefits of your participation like becoming a professional athlete upon graduation. College extracurricular activities are abundantly available, but it’s important that they not interfere with your ability to pay for your education or impede upon your study time. All the best in your journey
Sharon Clemons, MSM
11
Answers
West Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
If your financial aid doesn't cover all your school costs, don't worry! There are plenty of options to help you out. You can try getting a part-time job, like through the Federal Work-Study program. Also, consider applying for more grants or scholarships. You've got this!
I appreciate your support, Sharon
Isaac
Suzanna Hoang
Education Consultant
12
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Suzanna’s Answer
Talk to the financial aid office (in person, if you can). Explain your circumstances, how you're committed to attending, and ask if they could reevaluate your financial aid package. Negotiating your financial aid is more common than most students know. Also, reach out to student accounting if you need to; you can usually buy yourself a month or so if you need to delay payment for whatever reason.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thanks for the advice.
Isaac