Answers to Your Scholarship Questions
By Kim Stezala

The COMPASS Guide website provides an online listing of $3 million in local scholarships. It also offers advice and tips on winning scholarships. Here are some of the most common questions we hear about scholarships and our responses.

Q: Is it true that only straight A students get scholarships?
A: No! Many scholarships were created specifically to help "average" students. COMPASS Guide lists 85 scholarships that you can apply for if you have a 2.5 - 2.9 GPA. Students with B or C averages still have a chance to go to college and get scholarships.

Q: I've heard about some scholarships going unused. Does that really happen?
A: Yes! I didn't believe this until I started working with COMPASS Guide. Sometimes students think that they don't have a chance so they don't apply. Another reason is that sponsors don't reach the right students who might qualify. For a variety of reasons, no one applies. This is like free money going to waste. APPLY!

Q: Where do I get the actual scholarship applications?
A: Check with your guidance department at your high school or financial aid office at your college. In some cases, you can contact the scholarship provider directly. On our website, look at the name listed on the scholarship under "Contact" and call, mail or email them to get a copy of the current application. COMPASS Guide does provide some applications on our website.

Q: The deadline is passed, should I still apply?
A: Probably not. Unless your guidance counselor or financial aid officer is aware that the deadline has been extended, you should focus your attention and energy on other scholarships with upcoming deadlines.

Q: What should I do once I get a scholarship?
A: Celebrate...and make sure that you return any forms or sign any papers that are required. Tell your guidance counselor, teacher, advisor, or anyone who helped you with the application. It is also nice to send a thank you letter to the organization or company who chose you for the scholarship...after all, they just gave you free money to go to college!

To view scholarship tips and search the FREE scholarship database, visit www.compassguide.org