Blue Gills, Bass and Scholarships-No Joke

There are two kinds of fishing families and two kindsof families wanting college scholarships. And, thereare amazing similarities between them.Weekend fishing families do not spend time researchingopportunities. They grab the kids, jump into the car, and race to the nearest bait shop. “Where is a good place totake the kids? Are the fish biting? Thanks! We'll take three dozen worms, please.”Then, they head for the lake. They catch a few bluegills, have a picnic and go home.The weekend scholarship family's search habits aresporadic. They spend no time thinking about scholarshippossibilities until the junior or senior year. Theybelieve their family income may be too high. They'reconvinced that t! heir student's GPA may be a little onthe low side. "We don't believe that a C+ or B- is goodenough to win." They have never contacted the guidanceoffice about scholarship opportunities, and they areready to settle for government-backed loans. "Loan-aid”can run from $50,000 to a $100,000 and more! Who needsit?This haphazard scholarships family falls for two majorfallacies: Students of families with lower incomes getthe scholarships. Yes, 80% of all scholarships are givento students who have a financial need, but almost 20% go to students on a meritorious or otherwise basis.Another falsehood: Only "A" students get the bucks.Again, many winners have "A" GPA’s. But, winners alsohave GPA’s ranging from C to B+. And the federalgovernment has sponsored some in the "D" category.Since the scholarship pie totals billions of dollars,there is enough money for those who prepare for it.The planning fishing family knows where the fish are.They discover a lake that produces big bass. Theywait for the right weather. The boat is gassed up. Thefish locator is working properly. They have a varietyof baits. And one morning, a car, boat and trailer canbe seen pulling out of the driveway. That lake is theirdestination. The boat trolls the edges of the lakecatching many good-sized bass. This family finishesearly before it gets too hot. They conducted researchand were rewarded for their efforts.The serious scholarship family starts early, finds sources andnotifies the guidance office.Perhaps your family has college-bound students. Willyou be like the family who didn't care about whathappened, expecting small results with fish andscholarships, or will you be like the family whoplanned their outing and scholarship searches andexperienced huge financial success?Will you settle for bluegills and accept loans or fishfor bass and plan for scholarship gold?Always remember, the scholarship effort is truly afamily affair.My newsletter is full of tips and ideas. No cost.Mail To: signup@scholarshipdoctor.com ©2005 The Scholarship Doctor, Dale Clifton - AllRights Reserved - Dale is an educational consultantand expert at helping families win collegescholarships. To learn more about planning to winscholarships, visit http://scholarshipdoctor.com