Find Scholarships for Nursing Students?

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Scholarships are free money awards that are given to selected individuals. Like grant money, scholarships do not have to be repaid. The myths that only valedictorians or someone high on the academic cloud may receive this money is not true. There are many opportunities for nursing students to receive these awards that can literally knock thousands of dollars off of your tuition. Knowing how to go about finding and receiving these awards can greatly reduce your financial burden.

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Begin your search

Ask the guidance counselor at your high school to help you search for scholarships at the local and state level. There are many scholarships available for special practice degrees like nursing;

Conduct an online search from trusted scholarship services such as the HRSA, Discover Nursing and Fastweb websites;

Look for places that have links to trusted sites like the National Student Nurse Association;

Check with the financial aide office of the college you are enrolling to see if they are offering any scholarships in the nursing field;

Be sure to check the deadline dates on all awards you are applying for. Some search engines may still post expired scholarships.

Put it in writing

Almost all nursing scholarships will require you to write an essay to turn in with your application;

Make it personal. Most essays are personal stories about you that have significance to whom you are and your goals. Why do you want to become a nurse? Has someone been sick or injured and you had helped them? Do you currently have some nursing experience? Explain your passion and why you are pursuing a nursing career;

Make it matter. Your subject will make or break your essay. Brainstorm for a few days or weeks before you begin. The more ideas you have to begin with will make it easier to come up with a great selling story. Examples: Something life changing that happened to you and why it is significant; unique skills you may have that will stand out from others; difficult times that you overcame with personal gain;

Find sample essays. You can look at the site for essay edge to see free samples;

Be passionate and truthful about what you have to say. Take your time writing so you can really get your meaning across to make your essay stand out from the others;

The award goes to...

Hard work, dedication and organization will help you eventually receive an award. Scholarships are not just handed out - you have to work a little bit to receive them;

Keep your application clean in appearance. Check for typos or misspelled words;

Meet the deadlines. All awards have deadlines for when the essays and applications are due. Late arrivals will more than likely land in the garbage can;

Make copies of all your essays and store them in folders marked with the scholarship name and due date;

Follow up with all of your applications. If for some reason they are not received you can quickly send them another copy;

Apply for more than one scholarship. The more you apply for the better chance you have of receiving some. Even if you only receive one, all of your hard work and determination will have paid off;

Beware of companies guaranteeing you a scholarship for a fee. No matter how small the fee. No one can guarantee an award.

Seek assistance in the financial aid sector of your enrolling college for local, state and federal awards;

Plan your essay to be meaningful. A personal heart felt essay could be the winner;

Beware if offers look too good with minimal work; it is probably a false hope;

Stay focused and organized. Searches may be time consuming. Remember they are a learn-as-you-go experience, and the more organized you are, the greater your chances for success;

Apply, Apply, Apply. The more you try, the better your results.

Nurses are in great demand. Millions of dollars are out there, waiting for you. You have nothing to lose but a chunk of your tuition.

Http://bhpr.hrsa/gov/nursing/scholarship

Www.discoveringnursing.com

Www.nursingsociety.org/career/scholarships_opps.httn

Www.nsna.org/fooundation/scholarships

Www.fastweb.com