Hope everyone is recovering, or at least coping, after Sandy and Athena. [We are keeping an eye out here on Long Island for the locust, which we presume will be coming our way any day now. :-)]

Just wanted to remind you to apply for the monthly, No Essay Required, $2000 Scholarship at College Prowler. http://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/scholarships/159911-college-prowler-2000-no-essay-scholarship

This is truly a no-brainer, and, as those who use the services of COLLEGE CONNECTION know, we had several students win $2000 each last year simply by entering what amounts to a sweepstakes. Not bad for 5 minutes of effort. [And great work if you can get it! :-)]

There are literally dozens of scholarship contests like this, requiring little more than filling out a short form, at scholarship search engines such as fastweb.com, meritaid.com, collegeprowler.com, zinch.com. [There are also college-specific scholarships to seek out and apply for.] But again, to have to be in it to win it!!!

Search. Review. Apply. The more scholarships you apply for, the better the chances of getting money for college.

And speaking of money for college, ALL schools require the submission of FAFSA (on or after January 1), with SOME schools requiring the submission of the CSS Profile IN ADDITION to FAFSA. [The CSS Profile should be completed and submitted as soon as possible after submission of your applications to the colleges that require its submission.]

NOTE: To receive institutional aid of any kind, including need-based and merit scholarships, you MUST submit FAFSA and, as required, CSS Profile. Be aware, as well, that some schools have their own financial aid forms -- and their own deadlines for submission.

It is imperative that these applications for financial aid be completed accurately, submitted timely and prepared in a manner that will put you in the best possible position to receive the maximum financial aid award.

Remember, the likelihood that Ed McMahon (as if high school students would even know who he was) will show up at your door with a check from Publishers Clearing House is zero to nil. To get money to pay for college, whether institutional (from the colleges) or from outside sources, need-based or merit, you have to know where to look, how to mine the best prospects, and actually apply.

So, don't just hope to get money to pay for college. Go out there and get it!

Plan. Prepare. Prevail!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of The College Whisperer™.

Who knows what peril lurks in the college application and admissions process? The College Whisperer™ knows. . .
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The College Whisperer™ is the Trademark of COLLEGE CONNECTION, Official Sponsor of College Admission Success. The road to college begins at COLLEGE CONNECTION! Whether you are applying to college, planning for college, paying for college or simply thinking about college, COLLEGE CONNECTION can help! Call TODAY for a FREE telephone consultation. 516-345-8766

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