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The Red Kite team knows that financial aid delays have made the college process in 2024 more stressful than ever. To provide support during this challenging year, we are offering Red Kite Premium to everyone at no charge through the end of 2024.

Red Kite Premium provides more resources for your scholarship search, including (but not limited to):

·        Enhanced search capabilities

·        Advanced notice of new scholarships

·        Alerts about “Easy” and “No Essay” scholarships

·        Early notifications for approaching deadlines

If you sign up for Red Kite – or if you already have an existing Red Kite account – you will be able to use Red Kite Premium until December 31, 2024.

There’s no two ways to put it: this was an extremely difficult year for families seeking financial aid. Red Kite is here to help, and we want to give you just one more tool to find money for college.

To better understand the benefits of Red Kite Premium, please visit www.myredkite.com/sign-up .

It’s summer, y’all, so we’re taking a break this week. I’m relaxing by the pool with my IZZE, and I’m gonna pass the blog reigns to everybody’s newest best friend: ChatGPT.

The vibes I get when AI tries to be funny is probably how my 14-year-old cousin feels when I show her my Dobby from Harry Potter impression. It’s, like, sort of there, but not quite… and maybe it’s best left to the professionals, anyway.

But don’t get me wrong – I’m probably one of 3 people who are actually excited about AI. A tool that can instantly write fanfiction about Beyoncé adopting me into her family? One hundo P on board.

And I know that the more specific your prompt is, the better the delivered product, but I just went with a simple one to see what would happen. Spoiler alert: if AI is coming for my job, it ain’t anytime soon. *Sips IZZE*

Also, as a little treat, I also had an AI generate the photos for this blog. We’ll be analyzing those, too, because… well, you’ll see.

Prompt: Write a funny yet informative article about scholarships. This will be for a company called Red Kite, which offers access to over $25 BILLION in financial aid opportunities.

How to Catch a Red Kite: A Humorous Guide to Scholarships

I’m sorry, but I can’t let her get away with this title. You don’t need to catch Red Kite, bestie. Red Kite is yours for the taking! The point of us offering access to financial aid is to make applying to scholarships easier.

Also, if you tell someone something’s funny, it’s… not. ChatGPT needs to remmeber the age-old writing rule: “show instead of telling.” The fact that we’re already starting out with “A Humorous Guide to Scholarships” is hurting my back.

Welcome, scholarship hunters!

😐Kitelings. Kitelings.

Have you ever tried catching a Red Kite? No, not the bird—I’m talking about the treasure trove of financial aid opportunities worth over $25 billion. Yes, BILLION with a ‘B’.

Another golden writing rule broken: you never start a piece of writing with a reference to the title, people. That’s like titling a blog “How to Candle” and the first sentence is, “Have you ever tried to candle?”

If you’re feeling like Scrooge McDuck diving into his vault, you’re not far off. So grab your butterfly nets, folks, because we’re about to embark on a whimsical journey through the wondrous world of scholarships, courtesy of your friendly financial aid experts at Red Kite.

Not Scrooge McDuck 😭😭😭What are we even talking about? Why is the metaphor “catching” scholarships? Even if “Red Kite” referred to the bird (which it does not), why is your first instinct to catch such a beautifully majestic creature?

And “a whimsical journey through the wondrous world of scholarships” is giving that one teacher who’s, like super pumped about chloroplasts at 8 AM on a Thursday. We just can’t relate.

The Scholarship Safari

Imagine the scholarship hunt as a safari. Your terrain? The vast savannah of the internet. Your prey? Scholarships of all shapes and sizes. Some are majestic and elusive, like the rare “Full-Ride Rhinos,” while others are more common but still valuable, like the “Small-Grant Gazelles.” The key to a successful safari is knowing where to look and being prepared for anything.

My face after reading that:

I mean… I guess the spirit is there? But the whole metaphor of financial aid being an animal you need to hunt doesn’t align with our Red Kite mission. Scholarships are more like a tasty dessert that we want to bring to you on a plate!

Our goal is to make financial aid easier and less stressful, so you don’t have to feel like you’re in the middle of a crazy, scary jungle. We walk you through every step of the process, from applying to keeping track of deadlines, and we keep you informed so that you can make the smartest choices.

Sorry, I started taking over the blog, and I’m trying to tan, here… continue, please, Miss GPT.

First things first: pack your essentials. You’ll need:

1. A killer application essay (think of it as your camouflage).
2. Stellar grades (your binoculars to spot opportunities from afar).
3. Extracurricular activities (your bait to lure the scholarship committee).

But where are the GIGGLES? Comparing grades to binoculars isn’t exactly open-mic material. Nobody’s laughing, girl.

The Species of Scholarships

There are many different types of scholarships in the wild. Here’s a quick field guide:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: These are the lions of the scholarship savannah, awarded based on your academic prowess, talents, or special skills. They’re majestic but competitive. Only the strongest applications survive.

Hmm… that last line is a little dramatic. Grades aren’t everything these days, as my own college scholarship proved. And while merit-based scholarships are definitely GPA-centered, it would be incorrect to say that only high-scoring students survive, just like the idea that you won’t automatically be eaten if you see a lion on a safari.

2. Need-Based Scholarships: These gentle giants are awarded based on financial need. They’re like the elephants, supportive and available to those who need them most.
3. Athletic Scholarships: The cheetahs of the bunch, these are for those who run faster, jump higher, or score more points. They require not just skill but also stamina and dedication.
4. Creative Scholarships: These colorful peacocks are for the artists, musicians, and writers among us. Show off your creative plumage and dazzle the judges.
5. Unusual Scholarships: The platypuses of the scholarship world. From left-handed scholarships to awards for duck-calling skills, these quirky scholarships prove that there’s something out there for everyone.

If anyone ever tells you to “show off your creative plumage,” your first call should be to the police. I gotta give the AI some credit here, because the metaphor is consistent and makes sense. And the safari is growing on me – especially with the next section – but I still think the whole idea’s rotten to the core.

The point of scholarships is to make college more affordable, whereas a safari is just an experience. For a lot of people, financial aid makes the difference on whether they can go to college or not. It’s important, so if we’re going with the “scholarships on a plate” thing I mentioned earlier, you might think of it like a restaurant that everybody needs to pass through while driving to college.

Even if you’re set on tuition for one year, scholarships don’t always roll over, and I know that my college costs increased by thousands of dollars each year. So you need to keep stopping by the Red Kite restaurant, where our waiters will take good care of you! (Don’t make it weird.)

The Red Kite Advantage

Now, why should you choose Red Kite as your safari guide? Simple. Red Kite is the seasoned ranger with the map to the biggest herd of scholarships. They offer access to over $25 billion in financial aid opportunities. That’s like having a GPS for your scholarship safari.

Here’s how Red Kite can transform your scholarship hunt:

1. Personalized Matches: Red Kite uses sophisticated algorithms to match you with scholarships tailored to your unique profile. No more wandering aimlessly through the scholarship jungle.
2. Comprehensive Database: With access to such a vast array of scholarships, Red Kite ensures you won’t miss out on any potential opportunities. It’s like having a treasure map with all the X marks.
3. Application Assistance: Red Kite offers tips and resources to help you craft the perfect application. Think of it as having a guide to help you set the perfect trap for your scholarship prey.

Why are we hunting? Can’t we just take a selfie with a cheetah and leave? The idea of need-based scholarships as an elephant that needs to be trapped is depressing.

Y’all, an estimated $100 million in scholarship money is wasted every year. These organizations want to help you get the college funds you need. I don’t think any of these animals want to be caught and hauled out of the “scholarship savannah.”

Tips for a Successful Hunt

1. Start Early: The early bird catches the worm, and the early applicant catches the scholarship. Don’t wait until the last minute to start your search.
2. Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, requirements, and materials needed for each application. A good hunter always has their gear in order.

…Red Kite helps you keep track of your deadlines for you. Research, Miss GPT! Research!

3. Tailor Your Applications: One size does not fit all. Customize your essays and applications to fit the specific scholarship criteria.
4. Never Give Up: The scholarship hunt can be tough, but persistence pays off. Keep applying, and eventually, you’ll land your prize.

I guess that’s a good note to end on. The college application sphere is competitive, but there are billions of dollars worth of scholarships for the taking. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land a scholarship right away.

Conclusion

So there you have it, scholarship hunters! With Red Kite as your guide, you’re well-equipped to navigate the wild and wonderful world of financial aid. Remember, the scholarship safari is not just about catching the big game but also about the thrill of the hunt. Happy hunting, and may your nets be full of scholarships!

Apparently, AI is a big hunting afficionado, but overall, I’d give this blog post a solid F. Maybe an F-, because that Scrooge McDuck reference made me cringe out of my skull.

Anyways, I’ll be back next week, so don’t worry, my Kitelings. We’ll leave the AI to the Beyoncé fanfiction.

And as always, be sure to check out myredkite.com for all your scholarship needs! Over $25 billion in financial aid opportunities are waiting for you! As ChatGPT said: that’s “billion” with a “B!”

By Jane Cooper

In Part 1, Red Kite took an in-depth look at Lesley Bello’s identity as a first-generation college student. We explored her undergraduate journey, the unique challenges she faced, and how her background as a Mexican-American shaped her educational experience.

Now, as a graduate student, we’re interviewing Lesley on insights into her personal background, her academic interests, and the cultural dynamics of her immigrant family.

This week, we asked her to think back on another critical aspect of her college experience: the process of applying for financial aid. She shares her experiences navigating the complexities of the FAFSA application, various obstacles she encountered, and the support systems that helped her along the way.

How did your family prepare you to go to college? Did they help you navigate the application/financial aid process?
They did not prepare me, nor did they help me at all. They had no way to guide me, so I had to figure it out on my own. And going to college was kind of just expected of me.

How has your experience been similar or different to other first-gen students?
Almost all of my friends or mutuals had to deal with imposter syndrome,* financial issues, identity crises, and/or the enmeshment of our families. The only difference I noticed was in the severity of them. Many people had someone to help them in their immediate family – I think I was the only one who didn’t, or was struggling a bit more with that. It just looks different for everyone.

As a first-gen student, were there special resources available to you?
Yes. Thankfully, our university had a free program called Summer Bridge. They hosted incoming first-generation college students for a week and did a play-by-play of what college would entail; socially, academically, and professionally.

They also offered an additional class called STEP (Students Together Empowering Peers) that was a continuation of that summer program. This entailed first-gen mentorships, resources, etc.

There was also a BLP (Book Lending Program) that helped us with getting textbooks for courses. However, not many people knew of any of these programs, and so many people fell through the cracks. They did not have the support they could have had.

Were there first-gen clubs, Mexican culture classes, etc available to you on campus?
Aside from STEP, there was a First-Gen Family Club, but I wasn’t involved in it, because it was just student-led and made. I know we did have events here and there for Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month and stuff like that – things that involved all cultures. But nothing to help guide us through the financial sphere specifically.

Our university had all of its first-generation students stand at graduation (I think it was something like 30% of our class). How did that make you feel? Were you proud, embarrassed, or a mix?
Honestly, at that point in my college journey, I was so over it, I didn’t care a lot. So I guess it was a mix. They profited off of us so much, and they just did that so the university looked good. They didn’t do it because they cared for us – they did it for THEM. They stated they were a Hispanic-serving institution, but they didn’t financially help us or offer other financial support or resources.

Did you have a college counselor? How did that benefit you or frustrate you?
I had several different college counselors. It wasn’t until my senior year that I had a solid college counselor who helped me navigate the last year and now grad school. Before him, it was just frustrating because no one would be helpful at all and once again, I had to figure it out on my own.

What did you wish you had known before applying to college?

I wish I had known how to take care of my mental health. Resources for how to cope with the stress. So many expectations, so many goals, pressures from other people… that just drained me. That’s the one thing I wish I’d known before.

Now that you’re a grad student, are you living on-campus?
Yes, in graduate housing apartments.

Are you working?
Yes, 3 jobs.

How was applying to graduate school different than undergrad?
I was in a preliminary teaching credential and Master’s program before I went into the program that I am now in (Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling). The process was actually not that bad. Since it was the same school, I just had to change programs I was in. Definitely not as stressful as other programs, but this
was the only program I applied to, so it was a make-or-break thing.

How is your brother experiencing being first-gen?
My younger sibling is studying Computer Science. He is also a first-generation college student, but despite me going through the process first, he still has to deal with a lot of what I did as a first-generation student. The public school system is different than a private school, and the education/financial aid system is changing yearly.

Did you receive any scholarships or financial aid? If so, please tell me what that process was like, how much you received, etc.

The process of getting financial aid through the school was okay. My tuition was paid off completely – I just had to pay the difference, because it increased every year. I only attended this school because of that, especially because it is a private school.

Without the financial aid, I would not have been able to afford it. During high school and my undergrad years, I received scholarships that would then cover my tuition difference and make it more manageable. Receiving these helped so much. The only thing I had to pay for was my housing.

Red Kite helps connect students to scholarships so that they can avoid falling into educational debt. Do you have any debt?

No, I don’t have any debt. But I wish I had known about them before. It would’ve been so much easier.

What difficulties did you have with the FAFSA?
This process was so, so incredibly difficult. I almost didn’t receive any FAFSA, because I could not finish my application my first year. Because my parents did not have a social security number, I had to fill out the application differently, since they couldn’t sign it.

I had to print it out and MAIL it to them. I HAD TO DO THAT EVERY YEAR. But the first year I applied I did not know that. AND NO ONE KNEW WHAT TO DO. Not even my AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teachers!

Thinking about it now, years later, I don’t know why they couldn’t help me. I don’t know how they never got a student with parents like mine. I remember that as a high school senior I would spend my days stressed out and worried about how I would pay for school. We couldn’t afford it. A family friend mentioned opening up a GoFundMe for me, but I was embarrassed and said no.

I was determined to figure it out, and eventually I did. But every year something was always wrong. I always had to speak to someone to help me with my application. Most people ask their parents or family members, but I couldn’t. I had to figure it out on my own. Even now as a grad student, I still struggle.

Lesley’s story exemplifies the resilience and determination that many first-gen students embody. Despite facing a multitude of challenges – from navigating the complex financial aid process without familial guidance, to dealing with the emotional toll of imposter syndrome – Lesley persevered and found the crucial support she needed.

Her experiences also sheds light on the systemic issues within higher education that can hinder the success of first-gen students. Insufficient institutional support is the biggest contributor to why some first-gen students fail to graduate college. Yet, some universities also highlight the power of community and the importance of resources specifically tailored for first-gen students.

As Lesley continues her academic journey in graduate school, resources like Red Kite are dedicated to minimizing the cost of college. But private institutions must do more than simply acknowledge the presence of first-gen students and capitalize off of that population for diversity purposes.

Colleges must actively provide comprehensive support to ensure first-gen success. As Lesley’s story shows, the triumphs of overcoming such obstacles are profound and deeply impactful.

Lesley is the most hard-working person I know, and I am honored to call her my closest friend. I only hope that this article series captured part of this first-gen powerhouse.

* ”Imposter syndrome” is defined as “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own effort or skills.”

By Jane Cooper

Welcome back! This is a continuation of my Essay Analysis blog series. Last time around, we took an in-depth look at my personal college essay. I highlighted the strategies I used, why they worked, and how they could’ve been stronger. My essay won me a cumulative $406,000 in scholarships (💅).

I wanted to put together a list of highlights from that analysis in order to form a general article of things to keep in mind while writing your own personal college essay. This is part one of two, so there’s more tips to come!

And I know that your brain is bursting from information overload at this point – there’s so many stressful variables to encounter while applying to college. For this reason, I chose to break up this article with cute photos of my cat. Her government name is Mrs. Kisses, but you can address her as Her Majesty The Queen Sovereign.

Let’s hit the highlights!

1. You are selling the idea of yourself.

This is the number one thing to keep in mind. Everybody’s a marketing major in their college essay, but the good news is that you’ve got the easiest thing in the world to sell: you!

And of course, we’ve all seen those scammy ads where somebody’s trying to convince you that you can get paid to play mobile games. So when you’re selling yourself, you don’t want to come off as dishonest or otherwise shady. That’s why the other nonnegotiable strategy for your essay is:

2. Tell the truth.

Mom Jane is stepping in for a sec to tell you this: if you go through life honestly, you’ll have nothing to reproach yourself about, even if the worst comes to pass.

For example, when it comes to your college essay, you might feel the urge to stretch the truth and say that you’ve got more experience than you actually have. Because when you’re the product that you’re trying to sell, you’ll naturally want to gas yourself up.

But you must remember that admissions staff sit at their desks and read hundreds of college essays. They know that you’re not superhuman, so if you pretend that’s the case, they’ll know you’re being dishonest.

Now, this is the key: you need to be honest, but don’t overshare. We’ll cover this a bit more in my “anti-pity-party” bullet point (#13 in part 2), but if you waltz in like, “I have no idea what I’m doing, but I really want to join your college!”… that’s a strike against yourself (or an “ick”).

Because you do know what you’re doing, whether you believe that or not. You’ve had 12 years of school to prepare yourself for college. Be confident, and be genuine!

3. Talk to them like people.

I know you’ve written a research essay where you feel like you’re speaking to a robot. “The American Civil War took place in the 6th decade of the 19th century.” (Yes, I had to Google that.)

You’re trying to meet word counts; you’re bored to tears; you hate writing essays. And I know this because even I hate writing essays, even though I’m an English Major who reads a book a week (and obviously writes blogs for a living). The difference is in the passion. I’m passionate about your success, not the Civil War, so let me give you a surefire way into admission: write to a human, because you are.

There is a real person reading this college essay that you’re writing. And they’re not this scary decision-maker who holds your future in your hands, either, even though it feels that way! It’s some caffeine-addicted employee who’s looking at your essay in between twenty others, and you know what they’ll appreciate? Your honesty and consideration.

“PLEASE LET ME INTO YOUR PROGRAM BESTIE I’M SO COOL AND I KNOW YOU’RE SO SMART-” let me stop you right there, because that’s not what I meant. There’s a way to be both professional and thoughtful. All the best bosses are like that: they know how to get stuff done, and they’re also considerate of their employees.

So when you’re writing with the person in the admissions office in mind, you want to be that boss. You’re respectful of your reader’s time while also being firmly confident in yourself and your accomplishments. “This is a good product, and you want this product at your school.”

4. Hook ’em like a fish.

That all being said, it’s time to capture the admission office’s attention. And you can’t do that with the ole “When I was in first grade, I decided to become a doctor.” Be bold! Slap them in the face! (Metaphorically, of course…) Take the best line in your essay, and stick it right at the top.

And because this is a personal essay, I can’t give you an exact formula for a compelling opening, because that’ll be specific to you. Your hook sets up the rest of your essay, so it has to be relevant and encompassing. By that, I mean that you can’t just say: “I murdered three people. Just kidding! Here are five reasons why I want to study birds in college.”

Let’s go back to the first line of my own essay as an example. Not to say that this is the greatest opener in the history of time and space, but objectively, there’s a lot to unpack here:

While I was creating each of my novels, I had to think to myself, “how do I make people who don’t know me care about my work, even if they have no reason to?”

This is about my accomplishments (my novels), my anxieties (how, even if they have no reason to?), my goals (to make people care), my passion (I had to think to myself), and my purpose (writing)… all wrapped into one sentence.

Now, that’s a pretty ambitious task to ask of any 17-year-old, even one with a lot of writing experience. So I’ll just say this – the best hooks in any piece of writing have to be:

• Engaging
• Condensed (no word salad or filler)
• Comprehensive
• Unique and personal (there you are, you beautiful individual!)

I’ll give you another example of a fantastic essay hook I’ve seen, so you don’t just have my (random Southern gal) first line for your strategy:

From “Threatened By ISIS” by an anonymous author:

In 8th grade while doing a school project I Googled my dad’s name and it came up in US military documents posted on the Snowden/NSA documents on WikiLeaks.

Me after reading that:

Now, because this is an anonymous author, I couldn’t find out whether or not this was actually written by a real college student for a real college essay. You gotta verify your sources, people!

Regardless, I don’t care: that’s a punch in the gut right there, baby! That line crams in so much information. After reading that first line, you want to keep reading, and that’s the key.

5. Craft your essay around your goal.

Alright, my Kitelings. You’ve got your strategy, and you’re brainstorming an opening hook that’s so strong, it’ll knock me out of my cubicle. What next? Your outline, of course! (Unless you’re a pantser, like me, in which case your outline becomes part of your internal process. But you need an outline regardless. 🤪)

What school are you applying to? What major do you have in mind? If you don’t have an answer to either of these questions, that’s totally fine, which I expand further upon in #9. But even if you’re writing a general Common App essay, a personal paper can get sidetracked if it doesn’t have an end goal.

Part of having confidence in your essay is having direction. Your essay is about how much you want to get into college, point blank period, and it’s also about why. Who are you? Why are you at my doorstep? And why should I let you in – to college, specifically?

And now, for those of you that do have a direction, your end goal needs to be more refined and clear, whether it be about your passion for theater, AI technology, business management, or birds.¹ I think I about covered all the existing majors right there.

Anyways, your essay needs to be not only about why you deserve to go to college, but also about how you’ll be an asset to your field. Where did your passion come from, and what steps have you made towards pursuing it?

6. You are you, and nobody else.

Here’s the biggest advantage you have over your fellow applicants. It’s time to capitalize off your individuality and emphasize your uniqueness. This is not along the vein of “I’m so quirky and different”, but more so about how you being you will benefit your college.

And you don’t have to put down your competition, either. Being yourself is enough, as cheesy as it sounds – why waste words on why you’re better than everybody else? That’s not the team-player mentality that admissions offices are looking for, because college is not about competing (I’m obviously not referring to sports, clubs, or betting your bestie that you can eat more mini Doritos than her). Everybody in your class can get an A.

Also, you want to be specific about your you-ness. You’ve got distinctive qualities that come together to paint a vivid picture of your gorgeous ethic. So none of that “I am a very nice person :)”, and you don’t even want to jazz it up: “I have often been regarded as possessing a most amiable disposition.” You want to indirectly brag about how great you are via the age-old writing rule: “Don’t tell it to us, show it to us.”

That is not to say that you can’t be confident – remember how my own essay ended with “I know my future is full of greatness”? (By the way, I was fully convinced otherwise, but I faked it ’til I made it!) But I felt like the rest of my essay had set itself up to earn that line by showing my capabilities.

7. You don’t have to start from the very beginning.

As I mentioned in the analysis of my own essay, the overwhelming majority of applicants will structure their college essay in chronological order. Now, this isn’t a dealbreaker; maybe when you were born, you had 10 legs, and that’s why you wanna study squids, or something. I don’t know. But seriously, if you want to be different, throw your audience right into the excitement!

Remember our friend who Googled his father’s name and Wikileaks came up? That’s the good stuff, and it came from a memory in 8th grade. If you’re trying to meet the word count by describing the plants that grew on your childhood lawn (unless, of course, you’re a botany major), the admissions office will smell that kind of filler from a mile away.

What’s the most impactful thing that’s ever happened to you? How did it shape the person you are today, and how did it affect your decision to go to college? Don’t reach for it – there should be a clear line between that event and your college career. So if one memory doesn’t work, try something else. Then after that, you can go back – or jump forward – to another relevant period of your life. Play around with time in your essay. Passion is nonlinear, so why should your essay be?

8. Keep your audience invested in the idea of your success.

By highlighting your uniqueness, you’re now well on your way to convincing your audience to care about you. You need your reader to be invested in you and your success, and thereby, you must keep them interested.

College campuses are made up of open-minded individuals who have worked hard to get there. Prove that you can fit in to a community like that by explaining why you deserve to succeed, and how that success can only be achieved through college.

9. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out.

Breathe! If you’ve got no idea what you’re doing or where you’re going, and all you know is that you want to go to college, you’re not alone. It’s a big ask to have anyone decide which direction to take their future in, let alone a high schooler (or even a grad student… heyyyyy).

Being undecided can be a strength, because it means you’re open and flexible. College is about evolving minds and preparing people for a bright future, and it may take you a while longer to discover what you’re interested in. One common denominator of all successful applicants is that they’re hard working.

Show the admissions office that whatever direction you’ll be going in, you’ll work hard at it. The best way to do that? ↓↓↓↓↓

10. Be committed and responsible.

Clearly, the common denominator of all of these strategies is that regardless of who you are and what you want to study, you want to write about your commitment. Whether it’s taking care of your siblings, volunteering at a local animal shelter, or working at the mall to pay for your car, your life is your responsibility.

Let’s be honest, nothing screams “college-ready” than being a little all over the place, but you made it this far, and that’s more than a lot of people can say. (I mean, you read a whole blog alternating between scarily-philosophical advice, cat photos, and bird-related tangents, and that’s something to be proud of in itself.) In Texas, 1 of every 5 students fail to graduate, so in the words of my guru Kris Jenner:

When you’re writing your essay, it’s crucial to show that you take your commitments seriously and that you can be trusted to handle the challenges that come with higher education. After all, college isn’t just about hitting the books—it’s about managing your time, your tasks, and occasionally, the tendency to binge-watch 4 seasons of Ted Lasso.

The point is, you are more than just bullet points on a resume—you are a story, and a story is made up of characters. (I am not about to say that this essay is your main character moment, although it’s on the tip of my tongue). Your true self is enough to get you into college. Now you’ve just got to sell it.

Here you’ve got a few key strategies to keep in mind for your application. Your future college self will thank you for it—probably while juggling three Hydro Flasks of coffee, your laptop, and an overflowing laundry basket.

I say this at the end of part 2, but just remember, the only tip you need for your college essay is to believe in yourself. That goes for life, too!

¹”Birds” will be Mrs. Kisses’s major – of course, she decided to attend higher ed after finding a scholarship on Red Kite! Right now, she’s only two years old.

Kite Writer Jane Cooper interviews Lesley Ann Bello, a first-generation college student who balances working three jobs with attending graduate school. This is part one of two.

A Love Letter to Lesley Ann

There’s someone out in California who knows what I ate for breakfast this morning. She’s on her way to class in her heather-gray Nissan, blasting the new Zayn album at top volume. As a grad student working three jobs, her schedule’s pretty packed, but she still manages to find time to drive 20 miles to visit her mom in Fontana. She also bakes – blondies and brownies are her specialty.

Lesley Ann Bello and I met in a Class of 2023 group chat that was created the summer before our freshman year. And when the COVID-19 pandemic hit when we were sophomores, our online friendship was solidified. As seniors, we roomed together in the dorms – our University requires its undergraduates to live on-campus for all 4 years – and we often talk about that year as if we spent it abroad in Paris, instead of a 200-square-foot closet.

“If only we could go back,” I texted one day.

“Going to call the University and ask them to rent the dorm out to us for 10 years,” she responded.

I wanted to sit down and interview her about what it was like to be a first-generation student at our university. Neither of Lesley’s parents attended college, and coming from a Mexican immigrant family, she faced struggles and pressures unique only to first-gens.

In Part 2 of this article, we explore her experience applying to scholarships and financial aid, including FAFSA difficulty, her transition into graduate school, and the college application process that left her with little guidance.

For now, let’s get to know Lesley Ann Bello, the hardest worker I know.

“Ann is not my middle name,” she clarifies. “I have two first names and one last name. Lesley Ann… Bello.”

Introduction

Where are you from?
I’m from San Bernadino, California.

Where are your parents from?
My parents are from Veracruz, Mexico.

When did they move to the US?
In 1998, so about 26 years ago.

How long did it take to get their citizenship?
They do not have their citizenship.

How many siblings did your parents have?
My mom had four siblings, and my dad had 7.

Did your parents attend college?
They did not attend college. My mom has a middle school education level, and my dad has a high school education level. However, in Mexico they have their version of a vocational/trade school, and my mom received an informational secretary education. My dad graduated high school on track to be an engineer.

How many siblings do you have? Are they in college?
I have a younger brother (19), who is studying Computer Science at a Californian university.

What degree(s) did you graduate with?
I graduated with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Studio Art.

The First-Gen Experience

What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student? How has that affected your time in college?
I realized early on that I had to stand up for myself, because no one else would; especially in the education system that sets POC (people of color) up to fail. Being first-gen means being an advocate for both myself and those coming after me. I want to set an example that we are not just a statistic – we can do this, and we will be something in life.

First-gens are not just numbers or faces on a brochure. We have something to give to this world. It means we need to work harder than others, because we don’t have things handed to us. During college, this made me question if I could really do it. But I knew my family was relying on me to set the example for my younger brother and our family friends.

How closely is your culture tied to your identity?
This is something that I have been thinking about a lot more as an adult. It has taken me a long time to be comfortable with who I am and where I come from. Growing up, I would say my culture was not tied to my identity. If anything, I tried to stay away from my culture. I didn’t really want to be associated with that. I hated my brown, tan skin.

I didn’t want to engage/participate in Mexican related activities. Like being in Folklorico dance classes, or wearing Mexican-related attire. I don’t know where that came from, because I grew up in a primarily Hispanic-dominant town. I didn’t have many white friends or relationships. But being Mexican-American was all I knew.

Now, as an adult, I try really hard to incorporate it into my life and my identity. I take pride in my culture. Not many people can say that their Mexican parents made a life of their own here, all by themselves. So this is a mixed-feelings response.

What struggles did you have because you’re a first-gen college student?
I had no support system that could help or guide me when navigating college, both as an undergraduate and now as a grad student. I relied heavily on the support system I created on campus. Without that, I would have probably dropped out.

I would not be who I am today without my mentors, who helped me tremendously – and still do. They assisted me with so much – doing professional interviews, helping me with applications, etc. I didn’t know how to do any of that. I didn’t even know what to expect, and they prepared me for that. None of my family or family friends have attended college, so I was/am on my own for the majority of this journey.

Privilege was something I did not have to witness until I attended college and was exposed to different things. As the oldest in a Mexican household, I did everything on my own. I had to become independent very early on. But to see other students with so much privilege was astonishing.

I had to remind people so often that things were different for me; that I couldn’t do everything they did. I didn’t have the financial stability many had. Having to explain that was so difficult and repetitive. It was annoying. It made me frustrated with who I was, and why this had to be my life. I wanted what other people had, and it was a feeling that stuck with me for so long.

I also still had the responsibility of my family, even if I was living on campus. I was still tied to my parents. Most of the time, I had to be the parent. Not everyone understood that. Eventually I realized this was called imposter syndrome, which is something common among many first-gen students.

family, and work?
Yes. I started off with one job during college, but then ended up with 2 jobs during my junior year all the way until I graduated. I definitely struggled more than I would like to say with balancing work, school, and family. No one taught me how to have a balance, so it was unhealthy.

I still am learning how to have a healthy balance. I had a lot of sleepless nights, because I didn’t prioritize and I procrastinated a lot. I definitely used work as an excuse as to why I would fall behind, when all I needed was better organizational and scheduling skills.

What does your family think about you going to college? How do they support you or
make things more difficult?
Oof. I think my mom is proud – she doesn’t really say that, so I will speak for her. However, she is supportive in her own ways. It has taken me a while to realize that. My brother is in school, so he knows that education is important. I hope this makes him go to graduate school as well. However, they sometimes do make this journey difficult.

Boundaries is something they struggle with, so it makes it hard to concentrate on school when I also need to be present with family. My dad views this as just me going to school so I can receive a bigger check when I start my career. He doesn’t realize that I am in this to help other people and to assist those who need it. That’s the major difference in the support I get from my parents. My mom understands the importance of what I want to do, but my dad doesn’t.

Do you feel that some universities capitalize off of their first-generation students for marketing/diversity purposes?
It is so frustrating. Like, yes, it’s great that we get exposure, but also… not. Half the time, it isn’t even that diverse – it’s just a lie. The funny part is that when the photographers are around, they go looking for the POC first-gen kids. It’s like they can smell you. We would always stay away from them.

What elements of your culture did you bring to school?
My mom’s cooking. Almost everyone would eat it or know about it. It was nice to have that aspect of my culture on campus. Especially seeing my friends eat it, or when I would bring them home. I would also teach some friends certain sayings in Spanish. Sometimes our cultures would overlap, or they would be curious and I would teach them something about my traditions. That was always fun.

Is there anything else you’ve learned from your experiences and/or from other
first-gen students?
Having a support system and community is so important, and I am so thankful for mine. Without this, I would not have survived college. I have learned that being first-gen can mean many different things, and that we need to come together rather than trying to be better than each other. All we really want is to belong and, to feel wanted, heard, and welcomed. We are stronger and bigger than what people think.

Stay tuned for Part 2, in which we explore Lesley’s perspective on the first-gen financial aid process.

By Jane Cooper

Bestie gang, it’s summer season, which means my brain has officially left the building. But the grind doesn’t stop! I’m on the waitlist for grad school, doing research for Red Kite, and figuring out how to budget. Surprise, surprise: the world is expensive these days.

But this is the absolute best time to start applying to scholarships. We all need to go into our next year of school with a little extra cash, so I’ve complied a list of some fun, easy scholarships that made me giggle.

If you’re reading this after June, be sure to check to see if these scholarships are annual/recurring, because there’s always a chance of applying next time. And get this: some of them are open to high school students, too!

1. Ice Cream Scholarship – $1,500

Link: https://myredkite.com/finaid/flavor-of-the-month-scholarship

Y’all know that this scholarship had to be my #1. Also, July is apparently National Ice Cream Month, as if that isn’t every month… Anyways, say hello to the Flavor of the Month Scholarship!

Now, when I first came across this scholarship, I assumed that they wanted me to create a new type of ice cream, which felt a little daunting. Baskin-Robins has 31… like, how many more can there be? Turns out, it’s even easier than that!

All you have to do is write about your favorite flavor, and why it reflects your personality. $1500 to ramble about my obsession with birthday cake ice cream? Say less. (Is it because my love language is gift giving?)

Deadline: July 31

Age requirement: 14+

2. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship – $2,000

Link: https://myredkite.com/finaid/zombie-apocalypse-scholarship

Picture me waking up in bed, gasping for air. Immediate call to the boyfriend.

“What happened?” he asked.

“I had a dream,” I said, breathless. “I was in the dorms, and the lights went out, and then zombies came in through the windows, and-”

“Jane, it’s 6 AM.”

True story. And now, here’s an opportunity to yap for cash. All you have to do is imagine what would happen to your school or college if zombies suddenly started running amok. Class is cancelled: the apocalypse is here, and people want to hear your survival plan!

P.S. If there’s a Target near your campus, you’re set. And you’ve got cute succulents.

Deadline: October 31

Age requirement: 14+

3. Taylor Swift Scholarship – $1,989

Link: https://myredkite.com/finaid/1989-taylors-version

I’ve mentioned Beyonce in almost every blog post on this website, but I’ve gotta look out for my Swifties, too!

This scholarship offers funds to one diehard fan that writes 400-600 words about a song from Taylor Swift’s album “1989 (Taylor’s Version).” I literally wrote a 30-page journal entry after Cowboy Carter dropped, so if y’all are anything like me, I know you’ll knock this one out of the park.

Deadline: July 1

Education level: Any

4. Comedian Scholarship – $1,500

Link: https://myredkite.com/finaid/make-me-laugh-scholarship

The Make Me Laugh Scholarship is targeted at anyone who’s got a funny story to share. Even if you can’t think of anything that happened to you personally, maybe your friends or family can come in clutch!

I used to work in a suit store, and one time, I was helping a Spanish-speaking customer find a new shirt. I wanted to tell him that he needed a bigger collar size, right? Unfortunately, my Spanish brain chose that exact moment to exit the building, and this is what I told a real person directly to his face: “Your neck is upstairs.”

Now, that horrifying moment no longer has to live just in my mind! (I facepalm at least twice a day over it.) This is your chance to put your standup-worthy moments onto paper.

Deadline: August 31

Age Requirement: 14+

5. Potato Scholarship – $10,000

Link: https://myredkite.com/finaid/potato-industry-scholarship

If you’re still considering which graduate path to pursue, consider this: potato.

I had to throw this one in for my fellow grad students. First of all, I had no idea The National Potato Council was even a thing. Second of all, based on the amount of Jack-in-the-Box curly fries I eat every week, how do I run for chairwoman?

They’re offering an annual scholarship to a grad student “conducting research for the benefit of the potato industry.” I mean, this is an industry that everybody’s passionate about, people.

Deadline: June 14

Age requirement: Graduate student

6. Rodeo Scholarship – $500

Link: https://myredkite.com/finaid/rodeo-ticket-student-scholarship

Yeehaw! Whether you grew up in the rodeo life or you’ve only ever been to one rodeo, all you have to do is write a short essay breaking down your experience.

Saddle up, partners, because the Rodeo Ticket Scholarship wants to hear from you. Did you try to ride a bull and realize you should probably stick to mechanical ones at the county fair? Did you fall in love with a cowboy from afar and write 3 follow-up journal entries about him? (Just me? Okay…)

Apart from the obvious $500 to help with college expenses, this scholarship is a fantastic opportunity to share your unique rodeo story with a wider audience. At the Texas Rodeo, I ate a table-sized turkey leg off the bone and got to pet some alpacas. There’s no easier way to this ole Southern gal’s heart than that. Time to dust off your boots and get to work!

Deadline: August 15

Age requirement: College-enrolled

7. Scholarship for Sewers/Knitters/Crocheters/Felters/Designers

Link: https://myredkite.com/finaid/national-make-it-with-wool

Ever dreamt of weaving your way to the top? (Sorry.) The National Make It With Wool competition is held annually by the American Sheep Industry.

And this is serious business, besties. There are several divisions – including college students – and most US States have their own local competition. So, the deadlines and cash prizes vary, but if you’re a designer that can work with wool, this one’s for you!

Do I run to my mom every time a button falls off my pants? Maybe. But I’m sure we’ve got some crafty Kitelings in need of funds for their wool-based passion.

8. Science Fiction/Fantasy Art Scholarship – $5,000

Link: https://myredkite.com/finaid/l-ron-hubbard-s-illustrators-of-the-future-contes

And for my amateur artists that dabble in sketching dragons and spaceships, you could win $500 for the Illustrators of the Future quarterly contest. After that, you’re automatically enrolled in their grand prize contest, with a first-place award of $5,000… rich.

But the best part is that you get to have your art judged by professional artists. This is the ultimate opportunity to make a name for yourself within the highly-competitive art industry! I mean, I’m already making fanart of Legolas from The Lord of the Rings in my spare time anyway, so why not get paid for it? (I’m kidding – your work needs to be original. Not about the Legolas part. That’s very meaningful to me.)

Deadline: June 30, 2024

Age requirement: Any

So there’s a few fun, goofy scholarships to kick off your summer 2024 search. While you’re here, be sure to submit your scholarship-winning essays to our Essay Analysis blog series.

And for more about Red Kite’s $25 BILLION in financial aid opportunities, you can sign up to our site (www.myredkite.com).

Follow our socials for more Jane content! I’m off to write about some zombies, and I hope to see you there!

We explain the different types of targeted scholarships and how you can find and apply for them using Red Kite.

Financial aid awards occupy a diverse spectrum of specificity. General scholarships are open to a broad pool of applicants, and targeted scholarships are designed for students who meet certain criteria, including ethnicity, gender, field of study, location, or other unique circumstances. Targeted scholarships limit their eligibility requirements in order to support underrepresented or disadvantaged groups.

Like all other financial aid, targeted scholarships are offered by various sources, including government agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations, universities, and private foundations. They often cover tuition fees, books, living expenses, or other educational costs, helping students pursue higher education in order to achieve their academic and career goals.

Types of Targeted Scholarships

1. Minority Scholarships

Minority scholarships are aimed at students from racial and ethnic minority groups. These include individuals from African American descent, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and more.

They may also include scholarships for disabled students, LGBTQ+ POC (people of color), or other students belonging to marginalized communities.

The intention behind these scholarships is to promote on-campus diversity and inclusion. The Union University Minority Scholarship is available to students who are Black, American Indian, Asian, or Hispanic, but this is just one scholarship for one particular university. There are many nationwide minority scholarships, such as the Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).

2. Gender-Based Scholarships

These scholarships focus on addressing gender imbalances in certain fields. Gender-based scholarships are financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting individuals of a particular gender, including and especially female-identifying and/or transgender students.

Such scholarships may be designed to address historical inequalities and underrepresentation, or to encourage more participation from a specific gender in certain academic disciplines and professions.

Gender-based targeted scholarships can encompass a wide range of criteria, including scholarships for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, which is traditionally a male-dominated sphere. One example is the Bradley University Women in Engineering Scholarship, which recognizes women who enroll in the Caterpillar College of Engineering and Technology.

We have also seen an explosion of scholarships for transgender or non-binary individuals, such as the LEAGUE Foundation Scholarship, which is a nationwide financial resource for LGBTQ+ students.

3. Field of Study Scholarships

Designed for students pursuing specific fields, Field of Study Scholarships encourage expertise and innovation in various disciplines. Whether it’s STEM, humanities, business, or the arts, these scholarships provide a pathway for individuals to pursue their academic aspirations with financial support.

Field of study scholarships fuel innovation by providing resources and support to budding researchers, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs. They enable students to delve deep into their chosen fields, pursue groundbreaking research, and develop solutions to complex challenges.

On the rise right now are AI-based scholarships, a new and evolving technology field. Spokeo (a search website) offers a $5,000 scholarship to a winning student who submits an essay on the topic of artificial intelligence.

4. Special Circumstances Scholarships

These scholarships cater to students with unique backgrounds or experiences, such as veterans, first-generation college students, or individuals with disabilities.

Diversity does not only encompass race, ethnicity, or gender. It also includes a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances. Special circumstances scholarships promote diversity and inclusion by recognizing the unique challenges faced by students from diverse backgrounds and providing targeted support to address their needs.

The Study.com Scholarship for First Generation Students and the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant are both excellent examples of special circumstances scholarships.

How to Find and Apply for Targeted Scholarships

1. Research Thoroughly: Start by exploring scholarship databases and online resources. Our website, www.myredkite.com, offers comprehensive, step-by-step assistance for connecting you to financial aid opportunities. Red Kite provides instant access to over $25 billion in financial aid.
2. Recommendations: Reach out to school counselors, community organizations, and professional associations related to your field of interest. They often have information about scholarships that might not be widely advertised, which is also our main goal here at Red Kite.
3. Tailor Your Application: Ensure that your application materials – including essays and recommendation letters -align with the specific criteria of the targeted scholarship. Highlight your unique qualifications and experiences that make you an ideal candidate. Our blog has an essay analysis series to help give you tips for writing your essays.
4. Seek Feedback: Before submitting your application, ask your mentors, teachers, or peers to review your essay. Constructive feedback can help increase your chances of success.

Targeted scholarships are a powerful tool in creating equitable educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. By helping our students understand the various types of targeted scholarships – and showing them how to find and apply for financial aid – Red Kite aims to help students unlock the support they need to pursue their academic dreams.

Last time around, I introduced you to my own college journey, including the fact that I didn’t have the best GPA at the end of my high school career. And yet, thanks to my college counselor taking advantage of services like Red Kite – in combination with my college essay – I was offered a cumulative $406,000 by three different universities (quick flex).

Now let’s take an up close and personal look at my essay, paragraph-by-paragraph. As a reminder, we’re going to be starting a series on this blog of analyzing successful college essays. That way, our applying students can form their own strategies and ideas.

Many kids aren’t as fortunate to have the support and resources that I did, let alone a second chance after a bum GPA in an ever-competitive world. Whether you’re navigating this process on your own, with your family, or otherwise, be sure to check out myredkite.com for access to our Red Kite Matching Engine, which compiles over $25 billion in scholarships and financial aid. Everybody likes free money!

Away we go!

While I was creating each of my novels, I had to think to myself, “how do I make people who don’t know me care about my work, even if they have no reason to?”

The same goes for personal essays like this. Anyone can talk up and down about all the things they had to overcome and their accomplishments in their life, but the difference is how it is told. The answer has unequivocally always been to embellish, exaggerate, and create sympathy. This is not what I plan to do here.

Instead, I would like to introduce the truth of my own story, as raw and unbiased as I can manage. I hope to symbolize the confidence I have that the truth alone is enough to set me apart from other essay writers, applicants, and authors.

I was born in Austin, Texas to a mother who earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism at the University of Texas and self-published a book of autobiographical columns. My father also dabbled in poetry, and we like to joke that I took their flairs for writing and multiplied them exponentially.

I wanted to be a writer before I could write. When I was two, I would scribble nonsense in notebooks, then read them out loud as if they were actual books. It has always been a deep passion ingrained within me to the point where it feels as natural as breathing or eating. During my childhood, I had so many ideas that I never ended up completing anything I wrote, because I would too quickly move on to the next one. Eventually, I had thousands of unfinished books, ranging from 2 to 250 pages.

After my family moved to New York when I was in elementary school, I faced abuse at the hands of teachers and family members, suicidal tendencies, and crippling anxiety that would go on to take almost a decade to overcome. I began to slow down, and I finished a 45 thousand word book when I was 12, my first ever novel. It allowed for the confidence that I was actually able to complete my ideas, but more than that, it set the tone for the next five books that I would go on to write.

This goes back to our vulnerability motif. You are not made up of a bunch of strengths, and it is actually your struggles that make you strong. If you go into your essay intending to emphasize your accomplishments as a selling point, your voice will be lost in what will be the most competitive applicant pool of all time.

Not to sound like a weird therapist mom, but from an objective strategy point, you can’t pretend to be bulletproof. Admissions offices read essays all day about capable, accomplished students just like you, but rarely will teenagers dare to open themselves up. They know you’re not perfect, because they aren’t, either. Nobody is, but you know that already from everything you’ve already had to overcome. And the fact that you overcame struggle at all is something to celebrate.

You’ll notice that my essay is a balanced mix of my mistakes and failures as well as my successes. It feels like a risk to not only admit that you have made mistakes, but to detail than explicitly. But if this is done right, your flawed history will highlight your bright future. You might picture this essay like a U shape: a confident hook, a vulnerable middle, and a triumphant end. You want to transition from one to the next smoothly, like the curve of a U.

I joined a website for writers in 2013. It took another 2 years, but eventually, my work began to take off on the site, and in 2018, I had over 100,000 followers, and I’d racked up above 70 million views across my various books. Because I was still a minor, the site placed advertisements on my work, and never paid me for them. Eventually, they deleted my profile and all of my writing over this money dispute, and I was back to square one. I had spent 4 years of my life creating on this site, and now had nothing to show for it except for screenshots and memories.

After moving back to Texas and going through 3 high schools in 3 years, I finally found God and began meditating, effectively curing the anxiety that had crippled me since my childhood. Now, I am a straight-A student about to publish a second novel to Amazon, and my comedy-based YouTube channel has almost 1,500 subscribers. I also volunteer at a local organization teaching creative writing to underprivileged 2nd graders once a week. It’s small compared to what I achieved on the writing site, but I’m proud of it, and most importantly, I’m happy.

Only a year ago I had lost so much, and although I’m still suffering from certain aftereffects of that loss, I now firmly know I am strong enough to face anything. Nobody and nothing can take away my potential, my determination, and my talent.

My name is Jane Cooper. It took some time for me to see it, but I know my future is full of greatness.

Friends, this is just one example of one college essay, and you need to structure your essay whichever way fits you best. You can’t expect to copy my essay and get the same results, because you’re a different person with a different background applying to different programs for different reasons. But if nothing else, I hope my essay gave you some ideas for your own.

We’ll be posting a recap with some general takeaways from this essay before we launch our new series. That way, you know who I am, and how I got to this point. And if you have a scholarship-winning essay you’d like analyzed, feel free to email it to us!

I’m not a college professor, nor an admissions expert. I’m just a kid from Texas who somehow still managed to go to college, despite my many mistakes and setbacks. But if you want my advice, be brave, be honest, and believe in yourself. 

We explore emerging trends in financial aid opportunities.

Technology is shaping the landscape of scholarships. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic – along with the recent rise of AI innovation – college applicants might feel overwhelmed by the enormous amount of available online resources.

However, through platforms like Red Kite, access to financial aid has been completely streamlined. We’re here to break down just a few ways the financial aid scene has developed, and how it may look in the future.

Utilizing online scholarship platforms like Red Kite.

Websites and mobile apps have been revolutionizing the scholarship search process for decades. It is now easier than ever for students to discover and apply for scholarships tailored to their interests, qualifications, and unique circumstances.

Red Kite’s Search Engine provides access to over $25 billion in available scholarships and financial aid. Our features include personalized recommendations based on students’ profiles, notifications for new scholarship opportunities, and career connection and advice.

Through our blog, we also explore tips for writing your college essay, and are launching an essay review series, where Kite Writer Jane Cooper will be analyzing successful, scholarship-winning essays. Our blog and social media are informationally diverse – we want to cover all aspects of preparing for college, including informative articles such as this one.

Alternative funding models (GoFundMe).

Crowdfunding platforms allow students to create campaigns to raise funds for their education, tapping into their social networks and beyond. One of the best-known companies is GoFundMe, where users create donation pages on behalf of their own personal causes.

But it’s important to remember that GoFundMe is a for-profit company. It applies a 2.9% payment-processing fee for each donation, and an additional 30 cents per donation. For example, if a campaign raises $1,000 through ten donations of $100 each, GoFundMe would collect approximately $32.

On the other hand, we have also seen a rise of employer-sponsored scholarships, which are offered by companies to support employees and their families. These provide opportunities for career advancement while pursuing higher education.

One specific example on Red Kite is the the Dependent Children of Texas A&M Employee Scholarship, which is designed to recognize the contributions of TAMU employees by rewarding their children based on need and academic achievement.

Then we have community-based initiatives. These involve collaborations between local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions to establish scholarship funds tailored to the needs of the community. Sticking to the Texan theme, the Brian Morris College Gateway Scholarship Fund assists graduating high school seniors from San Antonio, with preference to students who demonstrate good citizenship and community involvement.

Post-COVID impact and innovation

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated financial stresses for students and their families. Job losses, reduced income, and unexpected remote learning expenses have strained household budgets, making scholarships and financial aid more crucial than ever. Many students who might not have considered applying for financial aid before the pandemic now find themselves seeking assistance.

In response to the immediate economic distress caused by the pandemic, many institutions and organizations established emergency funds and relief grants. The HOPE In Action Scholarship was launched to target Louisianan students who have lost a parent or parents to COVID-19.

These days, we’re seeing a rise of non-tuition-related scholarships for this very same reason. The Triangle Community Foundation offers their Student Assistance Fund, which provides one-time cash assistance to eligible students to assist with needs that would otherwise hinder them from completing their academic program, such as dormitories, food pantries, and mental health services that they are unable to access.

Virtual scholarship fairs, online application portals, and remote interview processes have also become more common, allowing students to access scholarship opportunities from anywhere with an internet connection.

Continued focus on diversity and inclusion.

Scholarship programs are increasingly emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a growing number of awards targeting underrepresented minority groups. These include LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, first-generation college students, and much more.

These scholarships aim to address systemic barriers and provide equal access to education and opportunities for all students. The Minority Teaching Fellows Program, intended to encourage talented students to enter the teaching field in Tennessee, awards $5,000 per year for POC (people of color) who pursue a teacher certification at an eligible Tennessee college or university.

Regardless of what adversity or discrimination you may be facing, you can be a part of the most diverse college class of all time.

Future skills and career pathways

Red Kite now offers a comprehensive Career section, where our aim is to continue to assist students beyond college. We help you explore your dream career, discover employment opportunities, and even manage your deadlines.

Scholarships are also increasingly focused on preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. Fields such as STEM, healthcare, sustainability, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity are experiencing high demand for skilled professionals.

By embracing these future trends, the financial aid sphere is adapting to the evolving needs of students and the workforce, ensuring that education remains accessible and relevant in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Your future is bright, and Red Kite is here to help you navigate this complicated, ever-changing world. Students are the most invaluable resource for the world’s future. You don’t have to grow alone.

We break down common misconceptions about scholarships and financial aid.

Applying to college can feel complicated and overwhelming. Here at Red Kite, our goal is to simplify the process and streamline your access to financial aid.

Both students and parents alike have many understandable questions and concerns about scholarships. Here are just a few examples of widespread financial aid myths, and why your chances at college are much higher than you may realize.

Myth #1: You can’t afford college.

Many students don’t even apply to the university of their dreams because they know they won’t be able to afford the tuition. Additional fees also add up: living in the dorms, textbooks, meal plans… The average cost of college has more than doubled in the 21st century, with in-state tuition averaging at $9,678; out-of-state tuition averages $27,091.

Scholarships and financial aid help to alleviate this financial burden in a variety of ways. By offsetting college expenses, resources like Red Kite help students graduate with less or no debt. High levels of student loan debt can have long-term financial consequences, but small loans combined with scholarships mitigate these risks and help students start their post-graduation lives on stronger financial footing. Over 83% of full-time, first-time undergraduate students receive at least some form of financial aid to help make college more affordable.

Our Red Kite Search Engine provides instant access to the Red Kite Database, which complies over $25 billion in financial aid. These include no-essay scholarships, fun scholarships (like the Taylor Swift Fan Scholarship), and much more. Through financial aid, any college becomes more affordable, even if you don’t have the best GPA.

Myth #2: Scholarships are only for straight-A students.

While academic achievement can certainly help with your chances of receiving scholarships, many programs consider various factors beyond your grades. Extracurricular activities, community service, leadership roles, and unique talents or skills are all excellent advantages.

Scholarships are also intended to diversify the educational sphere and grant access to marginalized groups. There are plenty of targeted scholarships for underprivileged individuals, such as the Single Parent Household Scholarship, which targets exceptional students raised in a single-parent household, or students who are single parents themselves and pursuing a degree in education.

Kite Writer Jane Cooper had a 2.7 GPA at the beginning of her junior year of high school. By the end of her senior year, she had been offered a cumulative $406,000 in scholarships. A high GPA is far from the only route to scholarships and financial aid.

Myth #3: Scholarships are only for incoming freshmen.

While there are indeed many scholarships aimed at incoming freshmen, there are also scholarships available for current college students, graduate students, and even adult learners returning to school. It’s never too late to search for and apply to scholarships.

Myth #4: You have to be a U.S. citizen to receive financial aid.

While some federal financial aid programs require U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, many scholarships and state-funded financial aid programs are available to eligible noncitizen students, including DACA recipients and certain categories of undocumented immigrants. Additionally, some colleges offer institutional aid to international students.

Myth #5: Once you get a scholarship, you’re set for all four years of college.

Many scholarships are renewable, meaning you can receive them for multiple years, but they often come with conditions – such as maintaining a certain GPA or participating in specific activities. Additionally, some scholarships are one-time awards, so it’s essential to plan for funding for all four years of college.

Now that you have a more clear understanding of the financial aid process, be sure to check out myredkite.com to continue your college pursuit. We are here to help – and to debunk!