How to Save Money In College

I applied for over 55 scholarships my senior year in high school - and ended up heading off to college without shelling out any money (my own or my parents).

Once I arrived on-campus, I diligently pursued ways to save and earn money - and my dedication paid off. I graduated two years later with no debt. That's a semi-extraordinary feat in today's world wherein "the average graduate owes $19,000" and many graduates have debt "exceeding $40,000" (Source: 2006 USA Today article).

My motto was (and still is) to avoid loans at (almost) all costs.

Here are a few fantastic ways to get through college debt-free:

1. Keep applying for scholarships. Just because you've set foot onto the college campus of your dreams doesn't mean you should give up on the scholarship quest. In fact, don't simply think of the "now." Think about how to get scholarships and grants for next year, the year after, and beyond.
   
2. Take more credit hours. Many universities charge you the same amount of money if you take 15 credit hours or if you take 25 credit hours. And students are notorious for not taking advantage of this.
   
3. Graduate in three years. Yes, it is possible. Most bachelors degree programs require about 120 credit hours. So, if you take 18 credit hours for six semester and 6 credits for two summers, you'll graduate in three years. And save yourself an entire year of college costs!
   
4. Apply to niche programs. Investigate your options - the Honors Program, the Pre-Med Club, the Education House, etc. Many academic clubs and programs offer scholarships.
   
5. Utilize the university library. Why pay hundreds of dollars for textbooks when you can just check them out at the university library? Really!
   
6. Work on-campus. Apply for FAFSA. If you qualify, take advantage of a work-study program on-campus. If possible, look for a job in your major or department so that you can establish connections in your field.
   
7. Don't take out loans. Loan companies will call you because they think you are vulnerable and naive. Other people in your life may encourage you to take out a loan. My advice: pursue ALL other avenues. Debt is dangerous and often it is the easy way out of working hard...

(Photo by: entropia)

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #10

Tip #10 Apply for scholarships and enter contests.

Why? Here's the countdown.

3. Winning scholarships is an incredible thing to put on your resume.
2. Many scholarships and contests offer more than just money. They offer an experience (...like an all-expense-paid trip, an internship, or a laptop computer.)
1. Of course, the biggest benefit of all is a free college education.

Entering and exiting college without debt will put you one big step ahead in the path to success so don't miss your chance. Apply and apply often...

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #9

Tip #9 Get a job (maybe).

Getting a job in high school can be a good thing for many students. It's a great way to learn about responsibility and money management.

That said, if you have implemented all of the other tips (get good grades, play sports, volunteer, join a club or two, etc.), your schedule is probably pretty full. So it might be a good idea to put off the part-time job thing until college. Going overseas during the summer, volunteering at a children's shelter, and shooting for straight A's will benefit you much more than flipping burgers for minimum wage.

Note: if you are in the position where you need to get a job to pay for gas, car insurance, or even food/clothes, do try to get a job in a reputable place. If possible, avoid fast food. Ask your parents or your friend's parents for referrals. Stop in at local offices that interest you and just ask.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #8

Tip #8 Take a foreign language.

Knowing a foreign language is a major asset in our increasingly global world. Why not begin in high school? If possible, take a foreign language all four years. If you can't fit it in your schedule, try taking your foreign language the last two years of high school as opposed to the first two years so that the language is fresh in your mind when you head to college.

Need a few great reasons to study a foreign language? Knowing a fl is linked to better test scores (think: SAT/ACT) and you will have better job opportunities in the future.

Which language should you study? Any will do, but consider that Spanish is the second language of our nation and that Chinese is the most widely spoken language according to many reports. That said, if you know a lesser known language, you will be in high demand for high profile jobs. Plus, it's pretty cool to speak, say, Arabic or Russian.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #6

Tip #6 Volunteer/Get Involved.

Whatever you do, don't be passive during your high school years. Volunteer - serve at a soup kitchen, sort cans at a food bank, teach safety classes at your local Red Cross, perform your musical instrument at a nursing home, or build a house with Habitat for Humanity.

It's a very positive and important thing to get involved at your school and in your community. Do be involved in at least one club on-campus. Try one or two- National Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, Mock Trial/Debate, the Optimist Club, Key Club, Media Productions, JROTC, or Newspaper/Journalism. If there's not a club that interests you, start up a chapter with the guidance of one of your teachers.

The point of this tip is to be proactive and passionate when it comes to your free time. Don't get stuck in a rut.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #5

Tip #5 Go overseas.

International travel will open up your eyes to the world. It will help you to see things more globally and to be more grateful for the things in your life.

You can plan a trip with your family or venture out on your own with a reputable student organization like People-to-People, Explorica or the American Institute for Foreign Study. Better yet, go serve in a country overseas with Teen Missions or Teen Mania.

Traveling to another country will give you a new outlook on life - and will also mature you. Plus, it's a very impressive thing to mention on resumes, in job interviews, or to family & friends - "I went to Romania to help in an orphanage this past summer." How cool is that?

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #4

Tip #4 Play sports and take P.E.

Regular exercise is linked to many positive outcomes...

• reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and obesity
• helps relieve stress and anxiety
• increases energy and endurance
• helps you sleep better
• boosts your IQ
  

These are well-known benefits, but did you know that thinner people make more money? Yep, the facts don't lie.

Plus, I can attest from personal experience that many CEO's and successful leaders work out regularly. It seems to be one of the secrets of the inner circle. The people in the boardroom are swimmers, hikers, and marathon runners.

What better way to foster a good habit than to play sports in high school? Pick a sport and try out. Soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf, track, cross-country - just play.

Making the Most out of High School, Tip #3

Tip #3 Appreciate your teachers.

It's important that your teachers know you, like you, and want you to succeed. And, believe me, that doesn't happen by chance. Your attitude and your actions have everything to do with it. So...

Greet your teacher when you walk into class. Say "good-bye" on your way out. Say "thank you" if your teacher helps you, stays after school to answer your question, or gives a particularly inspiring lecture. Nominate your teacher for an award. Send your teacher a thank-you note. Give your teacher a gift or card at the end of the year. Bake a cake and put it in the teacher's lounge.

If you take the time to build relationships with your teachers, it will pay off in a big way in future years. They may write stunning letters of recommendation for you, nominate you for awards and scholarships, or refer you to your first big job.

Making the Most Out of High School, Tip #2

Tip #2 Be college-prep ready.

Although requirements vary from university to university, most of them require a core set of classes that looks something like this:

• 4 years of English
• 3-4 years of math
• 3 years of science
• 2 years of social studies
• 2 years of foreign language

To be on the safe side, you should also take at least one full year of a fine arts class (drama, choir, art, painting, etc.). Additionally, you should strive to have a 3.0 GPA at minimum (that means getting a "B" average)...but the higher your GPA, the better off you will be in terms of getting admitted and getting scholarships.

Throw in a few honors and AP courses for good measure and you'll be on your way to success.

Making the Most Out of High School

Attention all soon-to-be-9th graders! Here's a blogbook on how to have an incredible high school experience. I'll unveil one tip every day for ten days.

Tip #1 Get good grades.
How? It's actually a relatively simple formula.

A. Make a good first impression. Be sure to stand out on the first few days of class. Be prepared with a notepad, writing utensils, and any required books or equipment. Sit near the front of the class. Make good eye contact, smile, nod your head, take notes. Introduce yourself to the teacher at the end of the first class session. Say something simple like, "Hi. I'm Anna and I'm really looking forward to your class."

B. Exceed your teacher's expectations. If the assignment is to read chapters 1-3, read a little bit ahead. If you're studying about Asia, bring in an authentic Asian food for your teacher or the whole class (with your teacher's permission). If you have to give a presentation, dress up, use PowerPoint, and have a related visual aid. Go above-and-beyond. Do more - and you'll score!

C. Always submit your homework on-time. If you don't know how to do a set of math problems or if you just don't get how to write an essay in a specified format, don't go to class empty-handed. Try. Fill in every blank. Answer every question. Turn your work in anyway. Prompt and complete homework will automatically set you "above the pack."

D. Study for tests. Do spend some time studying. Make flash cards, do the study guide, quiz yourself, create a sample exam, look back over your homework - do what works for you, but do something.

E. Learn to love to learn. Don't just go to class and do your homework out of obligation. Find something in every subject area to get excited about.

F. Ask for help, when needed. Go to tutoring. Stay after school. Call your extra-smart Uncle Dave.

There you have it! Straight A's are on the way!