10 Scholarship Websites

The Fall 2016 is almost over and a new semester will begin. If you haven't already looked into scholarships for alternative funding to loans, this is the best time to do so.  Below is a list of 10 websites in which you may benefit from.

1.  Chegg
2. Fast Web
3. Unigo
4. Peterson's
5. BigFuture by College Board
6. Scholarship Monkey
7. Niche
8. Scholarships
9. FinAid
10. YCL Scholarship

Keep Calm, You're a HS Senior!

Class is back in session and seniors will soon start to apply to colleges for the 2017-2018 school year. Endless questions will certainly over-flood their minds; Community College or University? Dorm or Commute? In state or Out of state? This all may seem very confusing and overwhelming.Although decisions still need to be made and  situations may get a little stressful, there are a few things you can do to make the experience  go a little smoother.

1. Visit your guidance counselor at the beginning of the year and frequently through out the the remainder of the school year. By doing this you prevent missing any critical deadlines for graduation and college applications.

2. Get a notebook and label it "College Process". Write down important deadlines for college applications, FAFSA and scholarships. Also include a check list of  things that you need to get done and update it regularly. You may also want include important websites and contacts that are crucial for your success during your college process.

3. Go check out a few college campuses (if accessible). Get a group to go and make it a fun trip to hang out with friends. Explore the different campuses, it may help you decide which college environment fits your needs best.

4. Begin asking for recommendation letters, ask for them to be generalized( if possible), and ask for a few copies. This will ensure that you have compatible letters for those last minute applications. 
 
5. Get familiar with websites such as College Board, Common Application, Petersons, Federal Student Aid, and  of course The Young Christian Leaders Scholarship.

This year is going to be a year of decisions but don't forget to enjoy all the pep rallies, senior activities and senior trips. Spend time with friends and make lasting memories. Congratulations on making it this far, make this year a year to remember!

Back To School Supplies

School is almost in session and its time to get prepared!Are you looking to get the most bang for your buck this school year? Whether its school supplies, dorm furniture or dorm accessories  this list of the  websites and stores will help you get all your back to school needs.

Online:

1. www.Amazon.com 

2. www.Groupon.com

3. www.Ebay.com

4. www.Ocm.com

5. www.Dormco.com

In Store:

1.Walmart

2.Target

3.Kohl's

4. Staple's

5.Dollar Tree

6. Five Below

7. Office Depot

8. Bed Bath & Beyond

9. Marshall's

10. TJ Maxx

If there are other great places to shop for back to school that you know of, please tell us in the comments below! 

     

Note: We are not affiliated with any of these companies.

 

Productive Summers

Summer vacation is almost here and most of us can’t wait to hit the beach. Although for college students or those soon to be, you may be thinking of how to make your summers more productive. Tanning, the beach and outdoor actives are great too but below are 5 ways to make the best of your summer and prepare for your future career.


#1. Take Classes

Taking summer classes can help, speed up your degree. The best part is you can choose to take them at a community college for less money. This also gives the advantage of take electives that may not be offered at your current college .Just make sure you check with your college to make sure the credits are transferable.

# 2. Intern:

Internships are a great way to be productive during summer months. They provide experience that will look great on your resume and also builds connections with the internship provider and people already in the industry you’re thinking of entering. Some even offer stipends through out, or at the end of completion so they might make you a few shekels. Opportunities like these can help establish an on going internship throughout the years and even potentially lead to a job when you graduate college.

#3. Get a Job:

Getting a summer job is a great way to gain experience. It is also a great way to save up for text books for the upcoming fall semester. Check your local camps, YMCA, civic, or municipalities for openings. These are great summer jobs since they only last through the summer months and can be an ongoing gig for the next few summers.

#4. Volunteer:

Volunteering is an easy way to gain experience. This is a great opportunity because you can volunteer at multiple places, experiencing different environment while testing out how you will enjoy working in potential work environments. So if you get bored easily and like to change things up this would be great for you. It is also a great way to help out and give back to your local community.



#5. Go on a Mission Trip:

If finances allow, meaningful mission trips are a great experience. If your future career doesn’t allow time for month long mission trips, this is the perfect time to do so. This gives you an opportunity to use and learn different skills to help those who need it the most. For example if you are great at woodwork, teaching, first aid, and innovation etc., this might be a great opportunity to use those skills.

Overall, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the warm days this summer, plan ahead and make the best of your time. Like they say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Visit the Campus Before You Choose!

      Choosing the college you’ll attend is a lot like buying a new house: it’s an expensive investment and it will be your home for the next few years. Surely you’d want to feel comfortable in a new home and be certain that it meets all your needs. The best way to do that would be to visit the house to check it out in person. If you’d do that for a new house, shouldn’t you also do it for your potential college?

      Of course, not everyone will have the opportunity to go to the college campus prior to enrolling. But if it’s within your means, you should certainly make a visit. Actually stepping foot on the campus before you submit your deposit will help make the decision a lot easier. You want to reduce the chances of enrolling in a college and not liking the environment there.

     By making a campus visit, you get a first-hand look at the campus, the classrooms, and the dorms – a college brochure or website can’t show you these things in detail. In addition, you’ll get the opportunity to talk to current students, professors, and admissions faculty, who can give you personal answers to important questions. Before you go, be sure to make a checklist of specific things to be looking for and questions to ask. By doing so, you give yourself the best chance to find the college of your dreams.

Getting Through Finals

The last few weeks of school are the most anticipated yet dreaded days to come ahead for college students. The excitement of finally getting a break after a long and hard year, gets seized by the nerve wrecking thoughts of taking final exams. It becomes even more gut wrenching when you realize that maybe taking on a heavy credit load was overestimating your mental capacity. Fortunately, you have come this far and the end is near. For that reason we have compiled a few tips on how to get through those last restless days so your long awaited break can begin.

Prioritize: There are some subjects that we struggle more with, begin studying with those first that way you have more time to prepare for the exam.

Rewrite notes: According to researchers, writing and rewriting your notes will help with remembering the information. So rewrite your notes from the semester to help you refresh your memory. Also, if your professor has handed out a study guide, you may also want to rewrite the entire guide with the answers.

Flashcards: Create flashcards where you write questions on the front and answers on the back. These are great because they incorporate writing notes to help memorize, they help you reinforce what you don’t know and can be used in groups.

Acronyms:  Do you remember “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas” (M.V.E.M.J.S.U.N.P)? Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Nine, Pluto. When you have a list that you need to remember, create a sentence that uses the first letter of each word. This will help you remember how many words you need to remember, what letter they start with and what order they belong in.

Verbalize: After you have all your notes gathered, grab a study partner and verbalize your notes as your partner confirms your accuracy. This will not only help you check where you need extra studying but will also reinforce what you already know.

Study Groups: Create a small study group of 2-5 people. It is best to keep it small so there aren’t excessive distractions. You will also want to study in a group that isn’t full of close friends. This will minimize distractions because friends tend to divert conversations and minimize the productivity of the group.

Seclude Yourself: If you study better on your own, go to a quiet place where you can study such as the library, school or local Park, coffee shops or your town’s waterfront area etc.

Stay Healthy: Although it may seem like an insignificant reminder, remember to stay hydrated and eat well. This will help your body and mind take on the stress, if not your body will wear out quickly. So drink plenty of water and don’t skip any meals due to studying. For the all-nighters, try to keep some healthy snack bars on hand instead of junk food, your body will thank you later.

Save BIG on Textbooks!

       

 

As a College student, one of the first things that catches your attention is the dreadfully high cost of textbooks. Quickly we begin to reminisce on our high school days when our teachers used to hand us our textbooks the first day of class with the only clause of returning it at the end of the year. As we slowly drift back to reality we can’t help but to think of how we could possibly afford such an expensive textbook when we have 4 more to buy.

Fortunately, there are alternative options to purchasing textbooks from your school bookstore. We asked college students their sources for college textbooks and compiled a list for you*. This way you can get back to reminiscing on the good ol’ days.

1. Amazon- A great place to find new and used books, and also there is the option to rent and even sell your books back.
2. Chegg- Known for their great renting prices but is also a great place to buy new and used books. They also give you the option to sell them back.
3. Knet Books- Rent and also sell books back but no purchasing options.
4. Half (Ebay)- They have a large stock of books sold by many vendors. You have the option to buy, rent or sell.
5. Valore Books- A newer site where you can also buy, rent and sell your textbooks, with very competitive prices
6. Barnes & Nobles- Not only are they a great site but have many store front location. They also have the option to purchase new or used books, rent or sell.
7. Text Book Rush- Great site that has rental, purchasing and sell back options.
8. Alibris- A lesser known site but with great prices on used and new books with the option to rent and sell.
9. School Bulletin- Most schools have bulletins where students will post their book for sale. This a great way to meet students and buy books for good prices.
10. Borrow from a friend- Ask a friend, they might have the book that you can borrow or buy, if not, they may know someone who does.

Remember, we are called to be good stewards of our finances, that includes everything college related. So choose your textbook source wisely and enjoy the rest of your semester.

*Please be aware we are not affiliated or endorsed by any of these vendors.

3 Ways to Be Productive During Spring Break

Time is flying by in 2015. With the weather being what it is, it's hard to think about spring break, yet it's already March! Here are some suggestions to help you have a productive spring break.

PLAN THE REST OF THE SEMESTER

Good news is that the spring semester is halfway done! The other news is well, you still have the other half left. Now would be a nice time to rest, recover, and recuperate in order to finish the school year strong. Take this time to organize your coursework and get your mind ready for the final push.

PLAN FOR THE SUMMER

Before you know it, it will be the summer. Take advantage of your spring break by getting a head start on plans for the summer. See what internships are available or if there are any summer job openings. You can also take this time to see if there are any classes you could take as well. Take this time to think ahead.

PLAN FINANCIALLY TO CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION

While college is expensive, there are tons of resources out there to help you find help. Spring break is a great time to research on scholarships that are available to help you financially. Check out our previous blog post on how to find a legit scholarship.

Overall, enjoy your time off! Hopefully the weather will warm up too.

Scholarship "Red Flags"

With rising costs for higher education, more and more families are looking to scholarships.  Fortunately, there are tons of amazing resources available that are ready and willing to help.  Yet at the same time different scams and frauds exist as pitfalls for students.  How can you tell which scholarhsips are legitimate and which ones are not?  Here are some scholarship "red flags" to be on  the lookout for that will be able to help you discern...

Request for Personal Information

Always be wary of a scholarship that demands personal information such as your Social Security number, credit card information, and bank account information in order to apply.

Need to Pay or Buy in Order to Qualify

If you have to pay a fee or buy something or attend anything in order to apply for the scholarship, that is a definite red flag.

Promises "Guaranteed" Results

If a scholarship is saying you already won without having done anything, that is very suspect. All scholarships have eligibility requirements and is based on merit, so if you do not have to do anything to win their money, be very cautious for no scholarship is ever "guaranteed".

Information about the Scholarship is Missing or Inconsistent

If there is no contact information available for the scholarship, then that is a red flag.  Also if information about this scholarship is not found anywhere else or mentioned anywhere else, that is a concern.  Another big red flag is if there is no history of any past winners.

Issues with Website

If the scholarship's website is filled with constant advertisements and pop-ups, that is a definite concern.

How to Maximize Your Winter Break

How to Maximize Your Winter Break

REST

After a long semester, it would be wise to take a breather or two.  The final stretch of non-stop studying, all-nighters, and finals, warrants a rest.  Sleep, enjoy home-cooked meals, and get yourself ready to maximize the next couple weeks during your winter break.

TAKE A CLASS

The thought of school might be the last thing on your mind, but taking a class this winter break might actually be beneficial.  Finding the right class can pay off in the long run.  It never hurts to get credits towards your degree.  It will help you stay ahead and even free up your time when the next semester rolls around.  Also by taking a class now, it can potentially save you money as well.

FIND WORK

During the holiday season, there will be plenty of places looking to hire for the season.  Look for opportunities that work best for you.  By getting a job during your winter break, you can make money, gain experience, and build relationships.  Who knows, what started off as a temporary job can yield openings to work there again in the future.

TRAVEL

Winter break is a reunion of sorts if you or your friends went to school out of state.  It is a time where you can reconnect and have fun.  Why not take this time to visit other friends or even go on an adventure.  If you’re into winter sports, you can travel nearby or far to go skiing or snowboarding.

VOLUNTEER

The holiday season is a time of celebration, family, and joy.  It is also a time to give back.  Take advantage of your winter break by partnering with a good cause.  Serving others and volunteering are some of the best uses of your time.  Winter is often the hardest time of the year for those in need.  Donate belongings, give, or volunteer your time to be a blessing to others.

GET READY FOR SPRING SEMESTER

Before you know it, winter break will fly right by.  Take some time to get ready for the new semester.  By now you should have your spring classes set so get a head start on course material, textbooks, and just mental preparedness.  Also this break can be a great time to research different scholarship opportunities to help you pay for school in the spring.

5 Books to Dive into This Summer

Often times the last thing you want to do during the summer is read, but it can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time.  For centuries the greatest leaders were always readers!  There are plenty of studies and statistics that show how beneficial reading truly is.  So why wait?  Before the semester begins again, here are 5 favorites to dive into this summer.

1) Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

A book packed with wisdom, life lessons, and emotions, Tuesdays with Morrie, has sold over 12 million copies since its release.  The author shares his last moments with a reconnected mentor, Morrie, who is dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease.  It’s a story of their journey together as they met regularly every Tuesday.  This book will be sure to inspire you as well as remind you of what matters most in life.

2) The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Ever wonder how trends start?  Whether it’s an idea or even fashion, certain things seem to just take off out of nowhere.  In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell examines and explains how things start to tip and then spread like wildfire.  This book will be sure to capture your imagination and stretch your thinking.  Gladwell’s book is informative, entertaining, and outside the box.

3) How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This book has endured the test of time and is a classic!  Decade after decade, this book has impacted millions of lives.  While many of the advice seem obvious, take them to heart and truly live them out.  If you do, they will be a definite asset to you no matter what situation you find yourself in.  A must read for everyone.

4) The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein

One of the most beloved books is the prequel to one of the greatest fiction series of all time, The Lord of the Rings.  Although this work of Tolkien’s has been turned into a movie, it can’t compare to the book.  It is filled with adventure, courage, risk, and humor found in its beloved characters and engaging plot.

5) The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Set in the South during the 1960s where great racial tension existed, this story journeys with three women who stand up for what’s right.  The author does a wonderful job of painting the picture of what that era was like and what it took to do the right thing.  Can’t recommend this book enough!

The SAT Is Changing: Here’s What It Means For You

Prior to entering college, the SAT Reasoning Test is probably the most important exam a student will take in their academic career. Administered by The College Board, the SAT is the most common standardized test required by college admissions committees. A student’s SAT score does not directly determine whether or not they get accepted, but it can often play a significant role in the decision.

Recently, The College Board announced that the SAT was being redesigned for Spring 2016. The changes aren’t drastic, but there are a few things potential test-takers should be aware of:

• The exam will be reverting to the 400- to 1600-point scale (as opposed to the 600-to 2400-point scale)

• There will be three sections to the exam: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math, and the Essay

• The length of the exam is approximately three hours, with 50 additional minutes to complete the essay

• There is no longer a penalty for wrong answers, meaning that students ought to answer every question on the exam

• The vocabulary portion will now focus on relative words in context. This will emphasize a proper understanding of more commonly used words, as opposed to lists of obscure terms.

Understanding these key changes is critical for any student hoping to master the exam and gain admission to a top school. Visit the College Board website (www.collegeboard.org) for additional information.

WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SUMMER - Summer Suggestions for Students

With school now over and summer just around the corner, you are now free!  Yet with freedom comes great responsibility.  Whether you are about to enter college or just finished the spring semester, you have a wonderful opportunity to maximize the long summer months to your advantage.  More than being busy for the sake of being busy, here are some ways to invest in yourself and your future this summer.

TAKE CLASSES

The next couple months can be the perfect opportunity to get some credits under your belt.  You can either take classes at a community college, which is very cost effective compared to regular classes at universities, or even take online classes towards your degree.  You can also take classes on subjects that you want to learn.  It can be a way you can cultivate a strength of yours or even turn a weakness into a strength.  Be proactive in your growth and education during the summer by taking some classes.

VOLUNTEER

One of the greatest ways to gain perspective in life is by volunteering and helping others.  The old adage goes that no one ever loses by giving.  Many students have volunteered at educational centers, soup kitchens, and hospitals.  You can also join a short-term missions trip locally or overseas.  So why not capitalize on your free time by looking for ways to volunteer this summer.

WORK

Getting a job this summer can benefit you in two ways.  First it never hurts to have some spending money during the summer!  And secondly, it will be a way to gain meaningful experience and preparation for the work force.  It will help you be responsible with your time and be disciplined throughout the summer.

INTERNSHIP

As you look ahead to your future, people will be looking to see if you have any career-related experience.  By getting an internship, it will help expose you to different fields and develop a network that can only help you moving forward.  Look for an internship that appeals to you and your passions to see if that really is a career path for you or not.

HAVE FUN

Just because you get an internship or are taking classes doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!  More than what you do, it’s how you do it.  Since these are all ways you are bettering yourself, why not have fun while doing it.  And make sure to schedule in time to spend with your friends and family as well.  Even as you seek to maximize your summer, don’t forget that summer is still summer.  We wish you a fun, safe, and highly productive summer!

Where Are They Now? – Daniel Halek

Every month, two students are awarded $1,000 college scholarships from the YCL Scholarship Program. During the contest, you see their face every day on the website and perhaps even vote for them, but what happens after they receive the scholarship?

Periodically, we like to follow up with previous YCL winners to find out what they’re up to now and how the YCL Scholarship has made a difference in their lives.

What do you like most about your school?

At Seton Hall University, I love the small campus feel and  the ability to get know classmates and professors more intimately as opposed to being lost in the crowd.  At Seton Hall, I have had the privilege to learn from excellent professors and mentors. Seton Hall also provides excellent opportunities to network and learn from alumni who are interested in each student’s success at Seton Hall. 

What’s your major and why did you pick it?

I was blessed to have the opportunity to complete a triple major in Management, Finance and Information Technology at Seton Hall.  I am passionate about leadership and developing other people as leaders. Management classes provided the theory to know how to lead people and more importantly, how to know and lead yourself.  I also chose Finance as a major because I am very interested in the financial markets and the economy at large.  I wanted to learn how money is managed in financial markets and within large corporations. Finance is very broad, and I personally enjoy investment management classes and learning about the equity markets.  In addition, Information Technology is a part of every large corporation and the world in general. I believe it is imperative to know how to operate technology properly and learn various technological skills that assist one in any career they may choose.

      What would you say are the major differences between your high school experience and your college experience?

In college, there is an abundance of free time; in other words, time that is not spent in class learning from the professor. Students must make an effort to accomplish work on their own and have discipline to do the work. Good work habits are developed throughout middle and high school and must be carried over into college. Time management is something that cannot be overstated because there are a lot of different activities that can draw one’s attention. Success in college requires that one step outside of their comfort zone to take on new and exciting challenges and opportunities that can lead to great experiences.

We notice that you just recently graduated – congrats! What are your plans for after college?

I am excited to have received and accepted an offer from Kohl’s to become a Manager-In-Training. I plan to learn as much as possible from my superiors and continue to develop leadership skills that can help Kohl’s succeed as an organization.  

When did you win the YCL Scholarship?

I have been blessed to have received the YCL Scholarship about 4-5 months ago and also a few years ago. I was made aware of the scholarship by a friend in the church that I attend and I decided to apply.  The generosity of Mr. Dan Buttafuoco cannot be overstated. I am truly grateful for his investment into my life.

How has the YCL Scholarship made a difference in your college education?

Due to financial circumstances, after my freshman year at Seton Hall, I left to attend a community college with the hope of returning to Seton Hall University.  During that time, I received the YCL Scholarship and I was able to use the proceeds to help fund my studies at Seton Hall.  I believe that I can speak for many YCL Scholarship recipients, in that the scholarship is truly a financial assistance that helps lift the burden of paying off student loans in an economic environment where tuition costs are rising at a rapid pace.

In what ways are you continuing the YCL mission since winning the scholarship?

As often as possible I go to the YCL Scholarship webpage and vote for many highly qualified candidates that are entered into the contest each month.  I am always encouraged to see other students like myself that want to make a difference for God’s kingdom with the gifts and talents that they have been entrusted with.  It is often hard to vote for just one individual because so many of the students have a great number and a wide range of academic, athletic, and community accomplishments.

What would you say to a current student thinking about applying for the YCL Scholarship?

The hour or less that it takes to print out the application and ask your pastor, guidance counselor, or teacher to help fill out a recommendation is well worth the time! It would be nice if good things in life just came to me from doing nothing, but that is not how it works. There are many God-ordained opportunities around us each day that we have the chance to grab ahold of.  When we sow into God’s kingdom and into the areas in our lives that He has given to us to be faithful in, such as school, work, church, athletics, music, business, and so much more, I believe God wants to bless us and give us good things.

Any final words for aspiring high school and college students?

God has great plans for your life! I believe that Jesus wants us to live our lives to fullest because He says in John 10:10 that “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” True life is found when we put our full trust and faith in what He did for us on the Cross. I can live each day with purpose because of what Christ has done for me! Each day is journey with God. Be open to listen to what God would speak to you for your life calling. It probably won’t come to you immediately. As you follow Him, he will open up doors for you that you cannot imagine. He needs people in every arena of society living out the unique calling upon their life.  Live your life for God’s glory in whatever you do because our whole lives belong to Jesus!