Both. Throughout the course, I speak to both parents and students almost interchangeably, because this roadmap works best when a family works as a team. There are some things that only the student can do (participation in extra-curricular activities, writing essays, completing applications) but there are plenty of ways parents can help, too.
8th Grade: If it were me personally, I would get the course during spring of my student's 8th grade year. I know that sounds early! But, that is the ideal time to develop a scholarship mindset.
9-10th Grade: If you have a freshman or sophomore, this is still an optimal time to work through the course. It will give your family direction, time to plan and develop skills, and work through the scholarship process unhurried and without stress.
11th Grade: You found Your Scholarship Map just in time! I have helped many juniors through this critical year as they prepare for college apps and scholarships. The strategies in this course are all very doable for juniors.
12th Grade: It's not too late! My strategies for resumes, essays, and applications can be put to use right away. I also have a lesson filled with tips for interacting with college admissions counselors that will help you maximize institutional aid. Plus, there's a special bonus lesson JUST for you called "Help! I have a senior!" You're in the right place.
It's not too late! My strategies for resumes, essays, and applications can be put to use right away. I also have a lesson filled with tips for interacting with college admissions counselors that will help you maximize institutional aid. Plus, there's a special bonus lesson JUST for you called "Help! I have a senior!" You're in the right place.
You get:
Free lesson: The 5 Biggest Mistakes Families Make (and What to Do Instead)
Lesson 1: Scholarship Mindset
Lesson 2: Timeline - Freshman & Sophomore Years
Lesson 3: Timeline - Junior & Senior Years
Lesson 4: Unlocking College-Funded Scholarships
Lesson 5: Finding Scholarships That Fit
Lesson 6: Building a Standout Resume and Application
Lesson 7: Creating a Compelling Essay - 3 Questions
Lesson 8: Creating a Compelling Essay - Writing & Editing
Bonus Lesson: Help! I Have a Senior!
Video Tutorial: Essay Organization
Template: Scholarship Spreadsheet
Printable: 4-Year Timeline
Printable: Sample Schedule for a Weekend Scholarship Quickstart
3 Essay Brainstorming Worksheets
All lessons are prerecorded. You will be able to watch them at your own pace.
The course includes a 30-minute free lesson, 8 lessons totaling over 4 hours of content, a bonus 20-minute lesson, and a short video tutorial. That's almost 5 hours of video content. The longest lesson is roughly 40 minutes, so each of them is about the length of a TV episode.
This course is a GREAT option for families with unmotivated students. I have led workshops for parents and students, and often have students coming in dragging their feet. By the end of the session, they catch the vision. They understand the goal and also believe that they can do it.
After this course, your student will have clear action steps to help them on the scholarship journey. Let me be the one to give them the to-do list!
Absolutely! In fact, the strategies outlined in the course are sometimes easier for homeschoolers. Why? Because you have flexibility and time. You can structure your day to include scholarship application work. You have the flexibility to invest in opportunities to lead and serve. While some scholarships require the applicant to attend a public school, plenty of others are specifically for homeschool students.
Yes! I have seen students who aren't on the honor roll win scholarships. There are scholarships available for all types of students. The key is to tell your story in a way that is compelling and memorable.
There are no guarantees. I'm not going to sugarcoat it: this takes WORK. While I've taken all the guesswork out, there's still work to be done. However, the more strategies from the course that you use consistently, the higher the likelihood of winning significant money.