Tag Archives: collegeprep

10 Ways Parents Can Help With Scholarships

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

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5 Best Questions to Ask During a College Visit

College tours are an exciting milestone for high school seniors. This is the perfect opportunity for students to experience campus life firsthand by getting a feel for the atmosphere and envisioning what college will be like.

Whether you’ve already been accepted or are simply exploring potential colleges, be sure to take advantage of local college tours – and/or out-of-state ones, if those are within your means.

It’s important to make the most of this experience by being well-prepared with questions for your tour guide. Here are just a few of the most essential things to ask during your college tour in order to ensure you’re making the most informed decision.

1. Academic Programs

One of the most critical aspects of your college experience is your academic program. During your tour, ask specific questions about the strengths and unique features of programs related to your intended major or major(s).

Even for undecided students, asking questions about specific programs is important, because the requirements for the same major can vary widely between schools. It also might give you a better sense of what you’d be interested in studying.

This information can give you a good sense of the academic support you’ll receive and how you can make the most of your studies.

  • Are there opportunities for research, study abroad, or collaborative projects?

  • What is the student-to-faculty ratio?

  • What is an average class size?

  • Are there any specialized resources or labs available within this program?

2. Housing/Living Arrangements

As a freshman, it’s crucial to understand what dorm situation you’re walking into, especially if you’ve never shared a room with another person before, or if you will be needing special accommodations.

This will help you determine if the college offers the kind of living environment that aligns with your needs.

And even though it’s a while off, you also should ask about housing availability for upperclassmen, so you can start to plan out your 4 years.

  • What are the housing options for freshmen?

    • Are there different choices, like single or double rooms, or residence halls for specific programs?

  • Do the dorms have hall bathrooms or suite bathrooms?

  • Is there off-campus housing assistance through the university?

3. Internships and Job Placement

Internships and job placement rates are a strong indicator of how well a college prepares its students for the professional world.

  • What internship opportunities are available to students in this major?

  • Are there partnerships with local companies, internships-for-credit programs, or resources within the college to help secure these experiences?

  • What are the job placement rate for graduates?

4. Campus Safety

Safety is essential when considering a college. You might consider asking your tour guide – who is usually a student themselves – about the college’s history with campus incidents and how issues are addressed.

Peace of mind is a big factor in creating a positive college experience, so don’t overlook this aspect of your campus visit.

  • What emergency alert systems are on campus?

  • Do the lights on campus stay on all night?

  • Are there escort services for students walking across campus at night?

  • Is there on-campus security?

  • Does the college offer an on-campus shuttle service?

5. Financial Aid: Understanding Your Options

College is a significant investment, and knowing your financial aid options can make a substantial difference. There are many different types of financial aid available, including scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.

Take advantage of Red Kite to broaden your scholarship search even further. Red Kite connects students with personalized scholarship opportunities and financial aid resources, helping you uncover funds that might not be listed by your college alone.

We also offer comprehensive, step-by-step guidance through every step of applying to scholarships, including our e-books and this blog. With tools like Red Kite, you can ensure you’re making the most of every financial aid opportunity.

  • What type of financial aid is available?

    • What is the application process like?

  • Are there scholarships specifically for students in my program?

College tours are more than just a walk through campus – they’re a way to see your potential future firsthand.

By asking the right questions, you can gather valuable insights that will help you make an informed decision. Remember, this is your future, so take the time to get the answers you need.

Make the most of your visit, and keep these questions top of mind to help you find the college that feels like home.

Be sure to sign up for Red Kite today!

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The Ultimate Scholarship Playlist: Songs to Motivate your Application

With the fall semester fast approaching, there’s still time to apply for scholarships!

Scholarship season is all year, y’all. Whether you’re a high school senior, a college student, or a grad school hopeful, there’s a ton of great financial aid opportunities waiting for you year round.

And let’s be real—finding the perfect scholarship can feel overwhelming. That’s where Red Kite comes in. Our platform is designed to help you personalize your financial aid search, making the process easier and more efficient.

So, if you’re still on the hunt for that ideal scholarship, be sure to sign up with Red Kite today and let us help you navigate your options!

Personally, there’s nothing that motivates me like good music. While applying to scholarships, you’ll have to tackle essays, recommendation letters, endless forms… I know that I never would’ve made it through without Beyoncé.

A good playlist sets the vibe, giving you the energy and focus you need to power through. Of course, everybody’s taste is different, which is why I’ve curated a list of songs across multiple genres.

I wanted to stick with the motivational theme, or else just high-energy songs to pump you up. Here’s a link to the full playlist on Spotify! (The clean version, of course…)

Whether you’re into pop, rock, hip-hop, or something more mellow, ya girl Jane has got you covered. Grab your headphones and let’s get to work!

Table of Contents:

Rock

Pop

R&B

Country

Hip-hop/Rap

K-pop

Music of Latin America

 

 

Rock

The song: The Beatles – “Hey Jude”

The reason: This one’s a classic, of course, but “Hey Jude” was also written for a very special reason. Paul McCartney wrote it to comfort his bandmate John Lennon’s young son during a stressful time. So if you’re feeling the pressures of applying to financial aid, remember the golden line: “Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders.”

If “Hey Jude” was a scholarship, I’d probably classify it as need-based. We all need a little help sometimes, and need-based scholarships help underprivileged students achieve their dreams!

The runner-ups:

  • Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
  • Elvis Presley – “Jailhouse Rock”
  • Rush – “Tom Sawyer”

 

Pop

The song: Beyoncé – “BREAK MY SOUL”

The reason: You knew this was coming. There are so many pop icons to choose from, but of course, our queen Bey is proficient across every genre (which is why she shows up on this list so often). If she was a type of scholarship, she’d be a “No Essay” scholarship – one that’s open to everyone!

(P.S. – with Red Kite Premium, you now have access to a curated list of active “No Essay” scholarships!)

And if, like me, you were also raised on Miley Cyrus and Rihanna, you know that pop music gets you grooving. Let’s not forget the greats: Madonna, The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, and Michael Jackson, to name a few. But if I had to pick just one song for your scholarship search, you can’t go wrong with music royalty.

“BREAK MY SOUL” has that classic beat that just makes me want to jump out of my cubicle and dance. I’ll be applying to graduate school soon, and this song has been getting me through the brainstorming process. It’s all about persevering through struggle!

The runner-ups:

  • Katy Perry – “Roar”
  • Lady Gaga – “The Edge of Glory”
  • Justin Bieber – “All in It”

 

R&B

The song: Alicia Keys – Underdog

The reason: I know the “blues” half of “rhythm and blues” doesn’t exactly scream “motivational.” But you’d be surprised at the wealth of positive, uplifting R&B songs that can accompany your scholarship journey!

If R&B was a scholarship, it’d be targeted at artsy, creative kids who balance their go-with-the-flow personality with their unique talents. That’s why I chose Alicia Keys, another brilliant artist who defies genres. Remember, don’t be afraid to take risks, because standing out of the crowd might just win you a scholarship!

The runner-ups:

  • Jordin Sparks – “One Step at a Time”
  • SZA – “Open Arms (feat. Travis Scott)”
  • Khalid – “Motion”

 

Country

The song: Morgan Wallen – “Cowgirls”

The reason: Morgan Wallen is a country GOAT, and this song never fails to pump me up! I wanted to look beyond all the great motivational country songs – like “I’m a Survivor” by Reba McEntire, for example – and turn my focus to modern country.

“Cowgirls” sets the vibe for the scholarships of the future. I’m picturing all the students interested in AI, robotics, and STEM, among others. The song blends sounds from multiple genres to create a toe-tapping bop that charted for weeks when it first came out.

The runner-ups:

  • Beyoncé – “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”
  • Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
  • Tim McGraw – “I Like It, I Love It”

 

 

Hip-hop/Rap

The song: Lil Wayne – “Good Morning”

The reason: Obviously, the classic “Lose Yourself” by Eminem gets everybody hyped, but I wanted to dig a little deeper. You need all the good vibes you can get while applying to scholarships, which is why I chose the song that I listen to every morning before work!

“Good Morning” helps me start the day on the right foot, which is why it’s for hard-working students applying for early action deadlines. For all my motivated Kitelings who get up and work on their college applications, you might find that this song gives you a little extra boost!

The runner-ups:

  • Mac Miller – “100 Grandkids”
  • JAY-Z, Kanye West – “Murder to Excellence”
  • Kendrick Lamar – “DNA”

 

K-pop

The song: BTS – “IDOL”

The reason: I know, I know, I’m basic. But when I first heard this song a few years ago, not only did it introduce me to the genre of K-pop, I also fell in love with the core message: “I love myself!”

“Idol” goes out to all the students applying for skills-based scholarships. It reminds me of all the dedicated athletes working hard to score financial aid from their favorite colleges. Iconic people need the proper background music to accompany their greatness!

The runner-ups:

  • BLACKPINK – “Shut Down”
  • IVE – 해야 (HEYA)
  • TAEYEON – “Heaven”

 

Music of Latin America

The song: Marc Anthony – “Vivir Mi Vida”

Like with the other genres, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone (Bad Bunny and Rosalía) by asking my Latino boyfriend for his recommendations. I told him I was looking for upbeat, positive songs to help our Kitelings to the finish line.

Most of what he referenced consisted of love songs, which I put as the runner-ups. But “Vivir Mi Vida” is a fantastic call-to-action for dancing your way through all the trials and tribulations of life. The song won a Grammy and made waves as an instant classic.

So, let’s close out this playlist with a song that reminds me of first-generation students! My college roommate was first-gen, and she is by far the hardest-working person I know. “Vivi Mi Vida” is for all the trailblazers looking for scholarship success not only for themselves, but for their families, too!

The runner-ups:

  • Grupo Marca Registrada – “La Guerita”
  • Santa Fe Klan – “Tu y Yo”
  • Chino & Nacho – “Nina Bonita”

 

 

Hopefully, you all found some inspiration for your college journey on this playlist. Scholarships come in many shapes and sizes, just like the diverse genres of music we enjoy. So, as you navigate the world of scholarships, remember to keep an open mind and explore every genre!

The process may seem daunting at times, but by staying open to different opportunities, you’ll discover scholarships that align with your unique goals and passions. With the right mix, you’ll find the perfect track that not only fits your style but also keeps you motivated and focused on your path to success.

Whether it’s a big award that covers all your needs or smaller grants that add up over time, there’s a scholarship out there that can help you turn your college dreams into reality. So keep exploring, stay persistent, and let your scholarship search play on!

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