Printable Healthy and Money saving school lunch List

Free Tips for making healthy school lunch

This is my 4rth blog on back to school saving and ideas. In this blog you will see some cool ideas for healthy and money saving school lunches list. Please print this list for daily use…

Studies have shown that children who eat a well-balanced lunch often do better in school and are more alert. It can be difficult enough to get your child to eat right when you're there to monitor what he or she eats. But in the cafeteria, where the temptations of pizza, vending machines and other unhealthy snacks await, you have to up your game to get kids to actually eat what you've packed.

Another good trick to let your kids weigh in on what they want to pack in their lunches, and offer them a few healthy choices so they feel like they're in control.

Avoid packaged stuff

Though you might be tempted by their convenience and kid-friendly sizes, avoid pre-packaged, processed foods for your kids' lunches. They're expensive and loaded with sodium and preservatives.

Use Last night leftovers stuff

Think outside the lunchbox. Did your kids love last night's roasted chicken and vegetables? Pack some in a thermos to eat the next day. Pack leftover meatballs into a whole-grain hotdog bun for a lunchtime sandwich. Mix leftover rice and vegetables and top with chunks of pork or chicken.

Try tasting plate of chicken chunks or deli turkey

There's no rule that lunch has to include a sandwich, chips and a cookie. Try a tasting plate of chicken chunks or deli turkey roll-ups with a handful of grapes, and carrots with a small container of low-fat dressing. Finger foods are usually a hit with kids.

Use reusable ice-pack

Be safe. Pack lunches properly to ensure food safety and freshness. Invest in a reusable ice-pack, a thermos to hold warm foods and a variety of different sized containers. Include a cloth napkin and reusable utensils to cut down on waste. Remind your child to always wash her hands before she eats.

How to make sure they are getting a well-balanced meal

Well-balanced meal will include mix of Whole grains, fruits, dairy, protein and vegetables. So let us see how they will get this in their lunches.

 

Fruit

Use what fresh and in season. Seasonal fruit tastes better and is also cheaper.

Make fruit easy for kids to eat. Segment oranges and core apples and pears (use lemon juice to keep them from turning brown). Cut up large pieces of fruit into smaller pieces.

Offer dried fruit like raisins, cherries or cranberries.

Buy 100% real fruit leathers or roll-ups.

When buying canned fruit, make sure it's packed in 100% fruit juice rather than syrup.

Instead of jams and jellies, make a peanut butter sandwich with banana slices, raisins or berries.

Offer a handful of seedless grapes in a bag with a wet paper towel for sticky hands. (The wet paper towel also comes in handy after eating an orange.)

Make a fruit smoothie and store it in a thermos. Add a handful of spinach for an extra serving of veggies. Your kids will never know. (Make the smoothie at night and freeze. It will be nice and slushy by lunchtime.)

 

Vegetables

Cut raw veggies into bite size pieces and serve them with a dip. In addition to ranch, try peanut butter or another nut butter, pesto, salsa, hummus or guacamole--whatever you kids will eat.

Add shredded vegetables to sandwiches and soup.

Try mixing chopped broccoli or cauliflower with brown rice and a bit of cheese for a healthy casserole.

 

Whole grains

Always choose whole-grain or whole-wheat bread. If your kids won't eat the crusts, that's OK--trim them off. It's more important that they're eating the sandwich.

Toss air-popped popcorn with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat or sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese. It's a great whole-grain snack.

Spread brown-rice cakes with peanut butter, all-fruit spread or light cream cheese.

Whole-grain crackers that are low in fat and high in fiber are a good substitute for bread for little mouths. Kids love the crunch. Send a few pieces of cheese so kids can create their own mini sandwiches.

Make whole-wheat versions of your family's favorite quick breads and muffins.

Make large batches of cookies--oatmeal raisin is a good choice--and freeze them. You can take one from the freezer and put it in a lunch box. It will thaw by lunchtime.

Instead of bread, try a whole-wheat tortilla for a sandwich. Roll one up with low-sodium deli meat, cheese and honey mustard.

Whole-wheat pretzel sticks are crunchy and fun for kids. Make sure the version you buy lists "whole wheat flour" as a primary ingredient.

Dairy

Either provide money for your child to buy milk or include a small carton of shelf-stable milk in every lunch.

String cheese or a few cubes of cheese are a great way for kids to get calcium and protein.

Freeze a small container of cottage cheese or yogurt. Add it to his lunchbox and it will be thawed by lunch.

Instead of paying for flavored yogurt, add your kids' favorite all-fruit spread, chopped fruit or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the yogurt.

Try topping cottage cheese with chopped tomatoes or pineapple chunks.

If your child will only drink chocolate milk, allow it. It's better than drinking no milk at all.

 

Protein

If your child isn't a fan of meat, that's OK. There are plenty of ways to get protein into his or her lunch. It's very important to include protein, because it will help keep your child fuller longer. As long as your child is old enough to eat nuts and there are no allergen concerns, experiment with various forms of nut butter. Beyond peanut, there's cashew, almond, sunflower, soynut and even hazelnut butter.

Eggs are another great source of protein. Include a hard-boiled egg (peel it first) or a couple of deviled eggs (made with low-fat mayo).

If your kids are fans of tuna, egg or chicken salad, sneak some veggies into it. Minced carrots, celery, zucchini and even cucumbers mix well. In addition to regular sandwiches, these salads make great dippers for whole-grain crackers and raw veggies.

Hummus or black bean dip is full of filling fiber and protein. Like the salads mentioned above, it's great in sandwiches or as a dip.

Disguise protein as a treat by mixing nuts with dried fruit and just a few chocolate chips for an easy trail mix.

Easy to make Lunches for School Going Kids

Make lunch-planning easy with these 27 easy, healthy ideas for everything from soups and sandwiches to sweets and salads. Here are some ideas which I am using for my kids lunches

1. Whole wheat bagels with either crème cheese

2. Celery stuffed with cream cheese.

3. Apples with Carmel dip

4. Fill a piece of Tupperware with a scoop of hummus, veggie sticks, and pita strips.

5. Clementine’s are great for school lunches. Good Source for vitamin C.

6. Small pizzas-.Slice hard rolls, bagels, or English muffins in half. Top with tomato sauce seasoned with Italian seasoning. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and pizza toppings. Broil until cheese melts.

7. Cold-cut roll ups (lean, low-fat turkey, ham, or roast beef with low-fat cheese on whole wheat tortillas)

8. Cracker sandwiches (whole-grain crackers filled with low-fat cream cheese or peanut butter and jelly)

9. Cut carrots, cucumber, and cabbage in small pieces. Add a small spoon of olive oil, salt

10. Chicken nuggets are good choice

11. Cook fun pasta noodles and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

12. Vanilla yogurt topped with fresh fruit and cookies

13. Pitas stuffed with cheese and raw veggies

14. Veggie sticks with low-fat dip or dressing

15. Tortilla wraps filled with leftover stir-fry and rice

16. Spinach salad with different berries

17. Mangoe fruit smoothie

18. Orange fruit smoothie

19. Parmesan Pita Crisps- Give your kids a healthy alternative to potato chips. Baked crisps have the entire crunch without the fat.

20. Give your kids a healthy alternative to potato chips. Baked crisps have the entire crunch without the fat.

21. Bean salad with lime dressing topped with cheese

22. Brown bread slice topped with cheese spread

23. Tuna or salmon salad (great healthy brain and heart food) spooned onto whole grain crackers.

24. Broccoli with dressing topped with walnuts

25. Applesauce sprinkled with cinnamon

26. Raw veggies on the side with salsa

27. Grapes dipped in chocolate.

Know more about Best Sports Scholarships

 

Best Sports Scholarships blog

This is my third blog on scholarships. In the first blog we saw how to get Free College Scholarship? The potential of winning a free college scholarship should be attainable for anyone who has the motivation to attend college, but needs financial aid. In the second blog we learn lowdown on college scholarships, grants, fellowships, loans and financial.

What are Sports Scholarships?

Traditional athletic scholarships are more competitive than other categories, and it isn’t easy to be recruited as the first-string quarterback at the college you’ve been following all your life. The level of competition varies dramatically by sport, with the more high-visibility fields like football and basketball being harder to break into and land a full ride. But for those willing to do a little more research, there are resources outside of approaching your intended college where you might find you’re eligible for a generous amount of funding.

Serious Athlete-top performer

Athletes pay the most attention to scholarships offered by their intended college, which are the most generous if you’re playing at a high enough level and are desirable enough to the school. These students should be actively contacting coaches at the schools they’re interested in, as even the best athletes can be overlooked if they don’t market themselves well. Make yourself a portfolio, or your own highlight reel. If there are newspaper clippings of your coups on the field, send those in. The easiest way to get organized is to make a list of schools you’re interested in and start with a college search; don’t sell yourself short, but be open to possibilities at smaller schools and those outside of the top tier Division I athletics. Be mindful also of what’s expected of you to be eligible for those top prizes. Scholarships offered by colleges will be run by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics(NAIA) or the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), all of which require minimum GPAs of their players before doling out funding to student athletes. NCAA scholarships and internships in particular are the most well-known and sought after opportunities. You’ll also need to maintain a decent GPA to keep your award and your spot on the team, so your work isn’t over even if you do score a coveted place on your dream team.

For less serious athletes

Landing an athletic scholarship isn’t all about being the best basketball player, wrestler or bowler on your high school team anymore. There are many awards available for athletes who play not to make a career of a sport, but because they enjoy the game. Local leagues and organizations in sports like baseball and golf, for example, offer many scholarships just for playing on a team, no matter how good you are. Sure, it helps to be talented in a given area, but if you’re not cut out for the lifestyle required to make you a marketable athlete at the top level of play, don’t be discouraged. You don’t even have to play on your college’s team. Many rewards out there require only an interest in a sport and your intention to continue playing it when you go to college, even it’s on a club or intramural team.



In this blog you will find basic info about these scholarships. For detail info please check each scholarship websites

SLU NCAA Division 1 Grant-in-Aid

Application Deadlines: Varies



Consideration for the SLU NCAA Division 1 Grant-in-Aid is given to new freshman, transfer and renewal students who will be participating in one of Saint Louis University's NCAA Division I sports. Contact the Department of Athletics for sport-specific scholarship application procedures.

Hood Sportsmanship Scholarship

Application Deadlines: March 01, Annually

For more than 160 years, Hood has been committed to supporting families and communities across New England. Hood is proud to be able to give 18 student athletes an opportunity to win a $5,000 college scholarship. To be eligible, high school seniors must have proven their ability to put the spirit of competition above winning while participating in a varsity sport.

RTNDA Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship

Application Deadlines: May 31, Annually

Louis F. Prato has dedicated more than 30 years to RTDNA and RTDNF. Lou served as secretary of the RTDNF Board of Trustees, and for more than 20 years he was treasurer of the RTDNA Board of Directors. Lou has worked as a news director, a journalism professor, a consultant, and Director of the Penn State All Sports Museum. Lou and his wife Carole live near his alma mater, Penn State University.

Davis Law Group Scholar Athlete Program

Application Deadlines: Varies

Scholar Athlete Program recognizes exceptional student athletes that are performing well in the classroom and on the field. To register for the scholarship, students need to apply online or be nominated by a coach, teacher, parent or friend. Students must be a senior in high school, currently attend a Washington State High School, have a 3.0 GPA or higher and participate in a sport.

Furman University Athletic Scholarships

Application Deadlines: Varies

The Furman University Athletic Scholarships are partial to full scholarships awarded in 17 men's and women's intercollegiate sports. For more information, contact the director of athletics or the head coach in the sport in which you are interested in .

William Woods University Athletic Scholarships

Application Deadlines: March 01, Annually

The William Woods University Athletic Scholarships are available to students who demonstrate talent and skills in the areas of basketball, baseball, cross country, track and field, golf, soccer and women's

Free and Printable SAT test Sample Questions with Answers (1-200)

This is 14th part of my blog for doing excellent in SAT exam. You can prepare for this exam by testing some free test questions. Make sure you first print the answers. In this part of blog you will see SAT Practice Questions from 184-193 in English.

New AND Free SAT English practice test- 184-193

Good Luck to all................

Choose the appropriate words to complete the sentences

Q 184

The students are not allowed to use this room as it is ---- for teachers.



A) exclusively

B) thoughtfully

C) correctly

D) improperly

E) frankly





Q 185

I cannot wait to learn the result of the interview as it is ---- important for me.



A) rarely

B) flexibly

C) interestingly

D) vitally

E) voluntarily



Q 186

I could have voted for this candidate if he had spoken more ----.



A) sensibly

B) slightly

C) previously

D) bitterly

E) closely



Q 187

I won't be able to buy a house as the prices have risen ----.



A) classically

B) faintly

C) enormously

D) mainly

E) distantly.







Q 188

I can ---- remember what he said but I think it was something about his past.



A) vaguely

B) illegibly

C) promptly

D) clumsily

E) evenly



Q 189

The dog broke away from the garden as it was ---- tied to the tree.



A) forcefully

B) tightly

C) essentially

D) loosely

E) firmly



Q 190

The prime minister dismisses criticism that he has ---- neglected the economy and social issues.



A) indifferently

B) constantly

C) habitually

D) attentively

E) nastily



Q 191

Infants are ---- dependent on their parents to meet their physical needs.



A) joyfully

B) generously

C) vulnerably

D) uncommonly

E) softly



Q 192

When I called to have an appointment with my doctor, I was told that he had to leave ---- for personal reasons and would not be available the whole afternoon.



A) urgently

B) faithfully

C) partially

D) indirectly

E) decisively



Q 193

Had the authorities concerned acted ---- and promptly in the past, perhaps hundreds of thousands of people would have been saved from the tsunami disaster.



A) faintly

B) merely

C) roughly

D) inconsiderately

E) vigilantly

Answers-New AND Free SAT English practice test- 184-193

184. A

185. D

186. A

187. C

188. A

189. D

190. B

191. C

192. A

193. E

Try some new mantra for saving money and eating healthy

We all think that eating healthy will cost more but truth is different…

You can save money and still have quality. If you’ve been using cost as an excuse to eating junk, you can kiss that excuse goodbye! With a little organization and creativity, you can have the proverbial champagne when cooking on a beer budget.



There’s no magic formula to cooking on a budget. Like anything else worthwhile in life, it takes a little planning, creativity, and work. But if you think of the rewards—better health and more money—you’ll find it’s worth the effort. To start, here’s a quick review of basic tips of healthy eating. Here are some tips to do this:

1. Advance planning your meal

Make sure you plan a head for making your grocery list, and shopping—tasks that are most often shortchanged in food prep. Think about the time of day, day of week, and even week in the month that you shop. Generally, the grocery is the least busy early in the morning, in the middle of the week, and on any day but the first day or two of the month.

2. Buy no name/brand stuff

Look high and low (literally) to find the less expensive generic or store brands on grocery shelves, often very similar to higher-priced brand names though packaged under different labels. Stores deliberately place the highest-priced brand-name items at eye level, but if you compare the cost per unit, you’ll be able to figure out the most cost-effective purchase. You can even try your own taste tests— blind, of course— to see where you can save money without sacrificing flavor.

3. Buying Less Salty and sugary stuff

Limit salty and sugary foods

4. Fatty Food

Avoid eating and buying many foods that are high in saturated fats.

5. Variety eating

Make “variety” the watchword of your eating

6. No Junk food

Limit your buying junk food and alcohol. This way you will save lot of money saving and have no junk in house.

7. Check web for good deals

Don’t be afraid to surf the internet for recipes that use specific ingredients (plug the ingredient in as a keyword of your search), since you can often get good buys on breads, meats, and other items marked for quick sale before they go bad.

8. Eat more Beans and lentils

Both are good for nutritious, hearty soups, and can be a main course with the addition of fresh vegetables or rice.

9. Brown Rice

Brown Rice is a great addition to leftover meat and veggies. Although brown rice is slightly more expensive than white, the nutritional payoff is well worth it.

10. Eat more Millet

This is very easy to mix grain and is best when bought fresh. Simply rinse and toast before using it in recipes.

11. Make Healthy Pasta

This is quick and easy to prepare, and can be paired with veggies, meat, or a fresh salad. You can use whole-wheat pasta whenever available.

12 Try some Healthy Soups

Soups can’t be beat for nutrition and convenience, especially since you can use canned or packet soups as your base, then add your own veggies and leftover meat.

13 Fresh vegetables and fruit

They should be bought at least once or twice each week, preferably in season, to ensure optimal taste and nutrition. You can also rely on canned/frozen varieties as handy additions to last-minute meals. Veggies make great stir-fries and vegetable patties, while fruit is good for a quick nutritious snack.

14. Meat and fish

They can be kept on hand also for last-minute meals— try the newer tuna and salmon pouches, and shop for inexpensive cuts of meat that work well in stews and casseroles.

15. Condiments

They add flavor and interest to your dishes. Keep a selection of dried herbs, spices, curry powder, marinades, vinegars, tomato and soy sauces, along with stock cubes, in your cupboard.

16. Big meal saving

When cooking a big meal, make extra to freeze, or use later in the week for lunches or quick suppers. Double recipes, then freeze half.

17. Vegetable trimmings

Save them to make your own vegetable stock. Not only do you save money, but vegetable stock also makes a nutritious base for casseroles, soups, and cooking.

18. Bulk buying

Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper; you can freeze perishable items (such as meat, milk, and even bread) in smaller portions to use as needed. It’s always a good idea to buy non-perishable items in bulk (canned foods, dried beans and grains, etc.).

19. Sales items

Always check the flier for sale stuff.

20. Meats cuts

Use less expensive cuts of meat for casseroles that you slow cook; add extra vegetables and beans to make the meal go further.

21. one-pot dishes

Capitalize on one-pot dishes, which generally save prep time, money, and dishwashing, and often make great leftovers.

22. Buy no name stuff all the time

Look high and low (literally) to find the less expensive generic or store brands on grocery shelves, often very similar to higher-priced brand names though packaged under different labels. Stores deliberately place the highest-priced brand-name items at eye level, but if you compare the cost per unit, you’ll be able to figure out the most cost-effective purchase. You can even try your own taste tests— blind, of course— to see where you can save money without sacrificing flavor.

23. Water

Drink lots of water (at least 8 cups a day).

24. Specials

Take advantage of specials on common food such as broth, soups, pasta, rice, canned veggies, even bread and meat. Many of these items have a long shelf life or can be frozen for short periods of time.

25. Dinning out

Limit your dining out, especially when it comes to fast food, since you’ll find yourself spending unnecessarily on items that are high in fat, salt, and calories, which short-change you in the nutrition department.

Free and Printable TOEFL test Sample Questions for 2013 Part XV (Other Eng. Exams)

Free and New TOEFL test Sample Questions for 2013-14

This is 15th part blog on Free TOEFL test Sample Practice Questions for 2013. In this part you will see questions related completing the sentences. These questions can be practice for other English related Practice Exams too.

Good luck to all....

Free TOEFL test Sample Practice Questions: Q 144-153

Choose the appropriate options to complete the sentences

Q 144

Tom was so busy ---- for the exam that he didn't have time ---- with his friends.

A) to study / to spend

B) having studied / spending

C) to be studying / being spent

D) being studied / spending

E) studying / to spend

Q 145

I never forget ---- my temper when my wife shouted at me, although now i regret ---- so.

A) to lose / doing

B) losing / having done

C) having lost / to do

D) to have lost / to have done

E) being lost / having been done

Q 146

The guitar is an instrument that ---- around since the 1500s, but it ---- several big transformations during its history.

A) had been / has undergone

B) was / underwent

C) has been / has undergone

D) would be / was undergoing

E) has been / undergoes

Q 147

When the tower ---- to the public a decade ago, officials said it ---- open again in just a few years.

A) closed / had been

B) was closed / has been

C) would be closed / would be

D) was closing / was

E) was closed / would be

Q 148

The notion of the state and the notion of war are said ---- in ancient Sumer and later Egypt.

A) to be emerged

B) to have emerged

C) having been emerged

D) being emerged

E) to emerge

Q 149

---- smoking can reduce the risk of ---- many smoking related illnesses.

A) To give up / being contracted

B) Giving up / contracting

C) To be given up / contracting

D) Giving up / to contract

E) Being given up / being contracted

Q 150

Heavy metal had its peak popularity in the 1980s, ---- many of the now existing sub-genres first evolved.

A) why

B) at which

C) where

D) that

E) during which

Q 151

Women's Aid is a UK charity ---- aim is to end domestic violence against women and children.

A) who

B) whose

C) which

D) what

E) whom

Q 152

You ---- what you heard as it was highly confidential.

A) must not have repeated

B) might not repeat

C) shouldn't have repeated

D) needn't be repeated

E) don't have to repeat

Q 153

Some people don't know ---- they're meeting their daily requirements through their diet.

A) which

B) why

C) where

D) whether or not

E) whatever

Answers key- Free TOEFL test Sample Practice Questions: Q 144-153

144. E

145. B

146. C

147. E

148 B

149. B

150. E

151. B

152. C

153. D

Lowdown on college scholarships, grants, fellowships, loans and financial

Know more about different financial aids for college education

This is my second blog on scholarships. In the first blog we saw how to get Free College Scholarship? The potential of winning a free college scholarship should be attainable for anyone who has the motivation to attend college, but needs financial aid.



Read this blog to know more about different money getting stream for college education.

 

What is a scholarship?

Scholarships are funds used to pay for higher education that do not have to be repaid to the provider. Scholarships may be awarded based on any number of criteria including academics, achievements, hobbies, talents, affiliations with various groups or career aspirations. They are available from federal and state governments, large corporations, local businesses, professional organizations, universities and individuals and each has its own requirements applicants must adhere to to be eligible for the award. Our scholarship search can match you with the scholarships for which you best qualify and have the best chance of winning.

How is a scholarship different from a grant?

Though the terms "scholarship" and "grant" are often used interchangeably, there are a few difference between them. They are both free money in that you never have to repay but in the majority of cases, scholarships are awarded to students who are planning to attend or are already enrolled in some form of postsecondary education. Awardees are often required to maintain specific grade point averages, participate in certain activities or take a certain amount of credits per semester to remain eligible for the scholarships they earned initially; failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in suspension or cancellation of the funding. Grant recipients, however, do not necessarily have to be attending or planning on attending college: They often need the funds to finance research projects (recipients are expected to create proposals and update the donors regularly to maintain funding) or, if they are entrepreneurs or victims of natural disasters, require capital to help start or rebuild their lives.

 

How is a scholarship different from a fellowship?

Like scholarships, fellowships are considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid but they are typically only available for graduate students to help support their educations. Some fellowships include tuition waivers or payments to universities in lieu of tuition but most include a stipend to cover reasonable living expenses.

 

How do scholarships differ from loans?

The main difference between scholarships and loans is that while scholarships do not require repayment, loans do...with interest. Loans are awarded federally (Stafford, Perkins and PLUS) as well as privately (through banks and other lenders like Sallie Mae) and can be either subsidized (no payments must be made while in school) or unsubsidized (payments must be made while in school).

 

Will winning a scholarship impact my financial aid package?

It may. The government takes student awards into consideration when offering aid. However, students should not be deterred by this. The effects are not likely to be great. Many schools use student money to offset loan eligibility, not grant awards. Students who receive little aid can benefit greatly from scholarships. Contrary to beliefs of certain celebrities, more money equals fewer problems.

If I’m not eligible for financial aid, can I still receive a scholarship?

Yes, there are plenty of scholarships that aren’t based on financial need. Play to your strengths: If you have a high GPA, apply for academic scholarships, if you’re a great writer, apply for essay and poetry scholarships, if you’re creative, apply for art and design scholarships...the list goes on and on. You could have your entire tuition covered by scholarships if you do your due diligence, which means you’ll graduate with zero student loan debt.

Why should I apply for scholarships?

The real question here is why shouldn’t you apply for scholarships? A scholarship is free money for college, money you don’t have to worry about paying back so you can spend more time on your classes. You’re being awarded money for college for something you’re already good at – whether it’s your grades, athleticism, creative ability or tech savvy – so why not take advantage of it? So many students don’t want to apply for scholarships because they don’t think they stand a chance of winning but in reality, applying for scholarships that match your specific criteria (like the ones our scholarship search will match you with) increases the odds of receiving a scholarship award exponentially. Scholarships can paired with all kinds of financial aid to cover the cost of books, supplies, room and board, even entire tuitions but you will never know if that’s possible unless you apply.

What are the odds of winning a scholarship?

It depends on the scholarship you’re applying for. National scholarships will obviously have larger applicant pools than state- or major-specific scholarships but they are all judged on specific sets of requirements. If you follow the criteria, you will have a better chance of winning than someone who doesn’t; the same goes for students who observe deadlines versus students who submit their applications late. You won’t win a scholarship because of who you know; you’ll earn it based on how well you follow directions and the caliber of your responses.

 

Can I win multiple scholarships?

Yes, but typically not from the same scholarship provider during the same award year. If you’re applying to more than one scholarship, though, be sure to keep your applications and their unique requirements organized: Sending the wrong materials to the wrong scholarship committee can guarantee you won’t be receiving those funds for college.

 

Am I still eligible for scholarships if I am not a full-time student?

This varies from scholarship to scholarship. Some awards require students to be in school full-time, others are valid for students attending part-time and others are offered specifically to individuals who aren’t currently enrolled but plan to return to school in some capacity during the next semester.

 

Can I win scholarships if I attend an online school?

This depends on the school and scholarship provider. A great place to start your search is Scholarships.com, where our scholarship search presents awards meeting your exact criteria, or contact your school directly and inquire about scholarship opportunities available only to students (this smaller applicant pool will increase your odds of receiving the award).

 

Where can I find scholarships?

You’ve already found your way to Scholarships.com, where you can fill out a profile and have access to the 2.7 million scholarship awards in our database, so that’s a great start! For additional awards, speak to your guidance counselor, financial aid officer, volunteer coordinator, coach, employer or parents’ employers. Scholarships are distributed by large corporations like Google and local businesses alike – the latter of which you may have a better chance of winning since the recipient will be drawn from a smaller applicant pool.

 

I’m not a strong writer. Will I have to write an essay for every scholarship I’m applying to?

While the majority of scholarship application processes entail some kind of essay to assess applicants’ writing skills, not all providers require one. Keep in mind that scholarships that do not require essays can be more competitive or have additional guidelines to ensure the right students apply. If you’re having difficulty finding an essay-free scholarship, peruse our "Scholarships by Type" section for easy scholarships or increasingly popular video scholarships, where applicants produce short multimedia pieces instead of writing traditional essays.

 

Who should I ask to write me a letter of recommendation to accompany my scholarship application and when should I ask them?

Teachers, coaches, employers or volunteer supervisors are all excellent choices to pen recommendation letters because they can detail your strengths and achievements in ways that appeal to scholarship committees. Do not ask parents, relatives or friends close to your own age because even though they may know you better personally, these references will carry less weight than a professional source. As for when you should request their assistance, do so well before the application deadline. Chances are your letter isn’t the only one they’ll be writing so asking in a timely manner is not only appreciated but will likely yield a more thoughtful finished product.

 

When should I start applying for scholarships?

The sooner the better, of course! Eligibility requirements vary between awards – you must be a high school senior, you must be a college sophomore majoring in computer science, you must be under the age of 30, etc. – but one thing is for sure: You won’t receive a scholarship if you miss the deadline. Make sure your application packet is complete at least two weeks before the deadline; this way, if it gets lost in the mail or the website crashes, you will have enough time to resubmit your materials.

 

My schedule is packed. Can my parents apply for scholarships for me?

Your parents can certainly help you throughout the process but since you are the one the scholarship will be awarded to, you must be the one to fill out the application, write the essay, complete necessary supplements and sign the appropriate forms. Your parents can assist you in securing your transcripts and even stamping your envelope but if it’s determined that they did the bulk of the work for you, you will be ineligible to receive the award.

 

I have a question about the application process/award/requirements. Is it ok to contact the scholarship provider directly?

This should be detailed in the scholarship’s rules, regulations and guidelines. The scholarship provider may have the answer to your question but if they have a strict "no call" or "no e-mail" policy, don’t call or e-mail. Instead, speak to your guidance counselor or financial aid officer; they’ve probably encountered the same questions in past years and will be able to give you an answer...or point you in the right direction toward one.

Will I have to pay an application fee?

Scholarships.com does not list any scholarships that require any sort of application fee but there are some scholarships out there that might. It’s ultimately your decision whether or not you want to apply for a scholarship that charges you to do but use your best judgment: If the scholarship is for $500 and you must pay a $100 fee to submit your application, is the now-$400 award (which you aren’t even guaranteed to win) worth it to you?

How do I know if I’ve won a scholarship?

Someone from the scholarship committee should contact you directly via phone, e-mail or snail mail by a specific date so it’s essential to make yourself available as that time draws closer. The funds will then be sent to you or the school you will be attending during the next semester. If someone from a third-party organization claims they need personal information (Social Security number, bank account numbers, etc.) to complete the award process, it could be a scam; get as much information about the solicitor as possible without divulging your details and contact the scholarship provider directly to determine your next step.

Will I have to reapply for this award each year I’m in school, like the FAFSA?

Scholarships usually come in three varieties: one-time, renewable and renewable with stipulations. One-time awards are granted – you guessed it – only once while renewable scholarships are granted each year. Some are dispensed automatically each year after the initial award but most renewable awards call for the recipient to reapply or provide transcripts and progress reports to ensure they are still meeting the guidelines set by the scholarship committee. If you were awarded for your stellar grades or athletic achievement, a low GPA or nonparticipation on a university team could call for your award to be discontinued so check with your scholarship provider to determine what kind of award yours is and what you need to do to keep the funding coming.