Your child doesn’t have to navigate the scholarship process alone. Parents play a vital role in helping students secure financial aid that can significantly reduce college costs.
Whether your child is just starting their scholarship search or already knee-deep in applications, your guidance and encouragement can make all the difference. Together, you can tackle scholarships like pros and unlock opportunities for a brighter academic future!
Here are just a few ways you can support your student:
1. Start Early
Encourage your child to begin researching scholarships as early as their freshman year of high school. Early preparation provides a head start in understanding eligibility and deadlines.
2. Create a Scholarship Calendar
Red Kite can help your child track scholarship deadlines by keeping everything in one place. Visit your dashboard to view submission dates, essay requirements, and any supporting documents still needed.
You should also motivate your child to set achievable goals for the number of scholarships they’ll apply to each month or quarter.
3. Research Together
Red Kite assists your scholarship search by sorting through over $25 billion in financial aid. We’ll match you to personalized recommendations based on your profile, so you can spend less time researching, and more time applying.
Be sure to check out our advanced filters to find opportunities that align with your child’s interests and personality.
4. Proofread Essays
Offer to review and edit your child’s scholarship essays. Look for grammar errors, clarity, and how well they answer the prompt.
If essays aren’t your strong suit, you might consider investing in a tutor, or an online proofreading service like Grammarly.
5. Teach Financial Literacy
Help your student fully understand the cost of college, so that they grasp the importance of scholarships. Be sure to include discussions about tuition, housing fees, textbooks, and other necessary expenses.
6. Practice Interview Skills
If a scholarship requires an interview, you can help your child prepare by conducting mock interviews.
Discuss your child’s talents, interests, academic history, and unique traits in order to practice their responses on a variety of subjects.
7. Keep an Eye on Scams
Teach your child to avoid scholarship scams, such as those asking for fees, Social Security numbers, or promising “guaranteed” awards. We offer several different guides and blogs to help you stay aware.
For example, consider reading our post on how to identify and avoid scholarship scams.
8. Assist with FAFSA
Help your child complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is often a requirement for need-based scholarships.
9. Get Involved Locally
Help your child look into scholarships from local businesses, civic groups, or religious organizations.
Encourage participation in clubs, sports, and volunteer activities early in high school to build a strong résumé for scholarship applications.
10. Stay Positive
Scholarship applications can be time-consuming, but remind your child that persistence pays off. Even a single scholarship can significantly offset college costs.
Be a source of encouragement. Rejection is part of the process, but your support can keep your child motivated.
Whether big or small, celebrate every scholarship your child wins to keep the momentum and excitement alive.
Helping your child with scholarships isn’t just about reducing college expenses – it’s about setting them up for success and showing them the value of hard work and perseverance.
By taking an active role in their scholarship journey, you can help them uncover opportunities they might not have found on their own and increase their chances of success.
Every little bit counts, and with your support, they’ll be better equipped to achieve their academic and financial goals.
Start applying these tips today, and watch your child’s college dreams come to life!
Sign up for Red Kite today: www.myredkite.com