2 answers
Darcie
Student
Greenville, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to leave college with very little debt I am paying for my education not my parents so as an 18 year old how do it do it? #Spring25?
I am going USC Upstate, and am doing all 4 years, I want to graduate with little debt, I am willing to work really hard and have a good budget!
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2 answers
Pat Golden-Romero
Teach Hospitality/ Culinary Arts, College Admissions
24
Answers
Santa Cruz, California
Updated
Pat’s Answer
Hi Darcie, it's good to plan early ! I recommend using some of the following strategies for discovering lesser-known scholarships, and how you can make your applications stand out to scholarship committees.
1) Lesser known private scholarships: Fastweb.com & scholarships. com ( this one is becoming more popular) Apply to scholarships you may not think you qualify for as I hear repeatedly the Fastweb has scholarships that otherwise aren't awarded. Have a well written essay/ application which clearly states your career / academic field of interest, goals. Share your motivation for that career. If you have some personal family strive/challenge that you've overcome- share it ! If scholarship is for a specific industry/ career, then tailor your essay accordingly. If you've had some internship experience in field- share it. Check spelling & grammar!
Writing a strong personal statements or gathering recommendation letters that can make a real difference. LOR should come from school counselors or teachers that really know you. Ask multiple people, as teachers get asked a lot & it may take time. If you've won any awards or been recognized for some achievement- ask the person who nominated you!
Keep your GPA high & you may get in to a honors program - you could become a paid tutor at USC. There is no limit to the number /$ amount of scholarships! The university should have a scholarship page, keep applying to new scholarhips each year in your degree program. Ask the director/ chair / dean - they will know about additional scholarships if you are a standout student. Also, get a paid internships thru the student services office. Good Luck
1) Lesser known private scholarships: Fastweb.com & scholarships. com ( this one is becoming more popular) Apply to scholarships you may not think you qualify for as I hear repeatedly the Fastweb has scholarships that otherwise aren't awarded. Have a well written essay/ application which clearly states your career / academic field of interest, goals. Share your motivation for that career. If you have some personal family strive/challenge that you've overcome- share it ! If scholarship is for a specific industry/ career, then tailor your essay accordingly. If you've had some internship experience in field- share it. Check spelling & grammar!
Writing a strong personal statements or gathering recommendation letters that can make a real difference. LOR should come from school counselors or teachers that really know you. Ask multiple people, as teachers get asked a lot & it may take time. If you've won any awards or been recognized for some achievement- ask the person who nominated you!
Keep your GPA high & you may get in to a honors program - you could become a paid tutor at USC. There is no limit to the number /$ amount of scholarships! The university should have a scholarship page, keep applying to new scholarhips each year in your degree program. Ask the director/ chair / dean - they will know about additional scholarships if you are a standout student. Also, get a paid internships thru the student services office. Good Luck
George Katsinis Jr. - AFC®
Personal Financial Counselor
47
Answers
Salem, Oregon
Updated
George’s Answer
Start at a Community College!
It will save you THOUSANDS. You will get the same classes/credits. You will likely have smaller class sizes and more teacher assistance.
It will save you THOUSANDS. You will get the same classes/credits. You will likely have smaller class sizes and more teacher assistance.