Separating Legitimate Scholarship Search Services From Fraudulent Ones

Don’t assume that all scholarship search services are just scholarship scams. There are legitimate search services, some of which charge a fee. Services that portray themselves accurately may be very beneficial to families and students seeking college funding resources. Legitimate services will make it clear that they can provide students with lists of scholarships for which they are eligible to apply.

Any scholarship search service who claims to offer access to scholarship funding beyond simply providing lists of scholarships is likely to be misrepresenting itself. One of the most common recruiting techniques for fraudulent scholarship search services is to host a free financial seminar or consultation, which is really just a high pressure sales presentation, in which promises that cannot be kept are often made.

Legitimate scholarship search services will not do any of the following:

• Guarantee that you will get a scholarship
• Claim that you can’t get the information they will provide from any other source
• Assert that they will do all the work for you
• The scholarship will cost you some money

If you are considering enlisting the services of a scholarship search service, check with the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, your state’s consumer protection agency, or the Attorney General’s office to verify that the company isn’t being investigated for fraud.



Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Complete Your FAFSA Early

The first, and most important, thing you need to do when researching sources of financial aid assistance for college is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form needs to be submitted as soon as possible after January 1 of the year that you plan to start college. The earlier you complete your FAFSA, the sooner you will have a solid understanding of what types of financial aid assistance you qualify for, and what options are available to you.

The fastest and most secure way to complete your FAFSA is via the Department of Education’s online form. When you complete your FAFSA online, it will be processed much more quickly than if you submit paper-based forms. Additionally, there are no worries about someone using information from your paper forms to commit identity theft when you utilize the government’s secure online system.

Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will receive financial aid information from the Department of Education and your school regarding what types of Federal Financial Aid you are eligible to receive. Additionally, many state grant programs use information from the FAFSA, as do a number of institutional scholarship programs that have need-based components. Students who get their FAFSA paperwork turned in early often have priority when it comes to being considered for such programs.

If you have any questions regarding the FAFSA, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID.



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Loan Forgiveness Programs Unique Solution to Paying For College

One of the most unique ways to pay for college is to participate in a loan forgiveness program following graduation. There are several situations in which the federal government might cancel all or part of your student loan debt.

Examples of Student Loan Forgiveness Programs:

AmeriCorps: Students who participate in the AmeriCorps network of service programs can receive money to assist with school loans. Those who work full time with AmeriCorp for a y ear can earn up to a $4725 education award. Those who serve part time can receive partial awards.

National Health Service Corps: Eligible health professionals who enter the National Health Service corps and work in underserved areas receive up to $25,000 per year toward their student loan debt, in addition to competitive salaries and tax benefits.

Peace Corps: If you have Perkins loan, and you join the Peace Corps, you will earn a 15% cancellation of your debt (under the Perkins program only) for each year that you serve. You can also defer most other Federal Student Loans while in service in the Peace Corps.

Teach for America Program: The Teach for America program selects 2,000 recent graduates every year and place them in teaching positions in rural and urban public schools. Teach For America participants receive salary and benefits similar to those offered to any entry-level teacher. They are able to put their student loans in forbearance status while in the program, and they receive $4,725 to apply toward existing student loans or future educational expenses for every year of service in the program.

These are just a few examples of the programs that allow students to earn loan forgiveness by working off debt in approved programs. It is important to note that there is no guarantee of being accepted into one of these programs upon graduation, so if you take out student loans, you need to be prepared to pay them back.



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Beware of This Real Life Scholarship Scam

If you get a telephone call from someone claiming to represent the United States Department of Education offering to replace your existing student loans with grant money, and then requesting your bank account number for the processing fee, you are being contacted by someone attempting to commit financial aid fraud. Calls like this are actually being made, and people have been defrauded as a result of providing banking information.

There are several warning signs that this is a fraudulent request. First, there is no U.S. Department of Education program that involves replacing student loans with grants. Remember that is an offer seems to good to be true, it usually isn’t true! Second, the U.S. Department of Education does not charge any type of processing fee for grants. Third, no matter who is on the other end of the phone, you should never give out banking information over the phone to anyone who calls you.

If you have given out banking information under such circumstances, notify your bank immediately and request that your account be monitored very closely. To protect yourself against theft, do not ever give out financial information over the phone unless you are the one who initiates the call and it is to a trusted source.

This scam is fraudulent on many levels. Impersonating a federal officer, which is what anyone who falsely claims to represent the U.S. Department of Education is doing, is a crime. Therefore, you should notify the police if you receive such a call. Since this particular scam references federal education dollars, the fraudulent activity should be reported to the Department of Education at 800-MIS-USED . Additionally, the attempted fraud should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online or by calling 877-FTC-HELP.



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Microwave Oven Cleaning and Deodorizing

During the course of your kitchen cleaning, you'll want to clean the exterior of your microwave oven. You can do this using baking soda and wate which should remove any residue without harming the finish. You may also want to wipe down the outside with vinegar after scrubbing. To thoroughly clean the inside of your microwave oven, add two tablespoons of lemon juice to a cup of water in a microwave safe bowl. Heat the mixture and allow to boil for approximately five minutes. Wipe out the inside with a sponge. For a quick and simple method of cleaning, wet a dishcloth and place in the center of your microwave. Turn on high and allow the cloth to heat for about 30 seconds. The steam that this creates will help loosen any hardened spills and you can use the heated cloth to wipe the inside clean. Be careful, the cloth will be really hot! If you have some difficult stains inside your microwave oven, there are two things you can try to remove them. First, you can cover the sides of your microwave with a cream cleanser, something like VIM. Put a microwave safe container with water in it on the turntable. Microwave it and make plenty of steam. Wipe out the interior with paper towel, and be sure to rinse thoroughly. If this doesn't work, you can take a three cup glass microwavable container, fill with one cup water and one cup white vinegar. Microwave for five minutes uncoverd. Then wipe down with warm sponge. To freshen up and deodorize your microwave, place a bowl of water in the oven and add three or four slices of lemon. Cook on high for thirty seconds. You can also try putting a little vanilla in a bowl, place it in your microwave and turn your oven on High for one minute. Repeat if this doesn't remove the smell after one try.


Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Fast Toilet Cleanup

The least desireable bathroom cleaning task is probably washing the toilet. Unappealing? Yes, but completely necessary. Here are some bathroom cleaning tips to assist you in this endeavor. Drop a couple of denture cleaning tablets in and let them fizz for a while. You might also consider pouring two cups of vinegar into the bowl and letting it sit for an hour, Your scrubbing should be minimal. If you have difficult to remove hard water stains from the sides of the bowl, try rubbing them with a pumice stone or filling the bowl with vinegar and leaving it to sit over night.


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Unclogging Drains

Hair and goo can build inside your sink causing your drains to empty slowly, giving you something else to contend with during your bathroom cleaning ritual. Drop a couple of alka seltzer tablets into a slow drain and follow with a vinegar chaser. After a few minutes, rinse with hot water. Your drain will be as good as new. Would you like another bathroom cleaning tip? Baking soda will not only clear up clogged drains, but it will also keep them smelling fresh. Try this: pour one half cup of salt and one cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit overnight. In the morning chase it with a pot (two to three cups) of boiling water.


Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Grout Mold and Mildew Removal

When cleaning a bathroom, be sure to pay particular attention to grout which can harbor mold or mildew if not properly maintained. If mildew does start to creep up on you, try cleaning with a dilute solution of chlorine bleach in water (one cup bleach to three cups water, increasing the bleach as necessary). Spray or sponge it on, wait a few minutes, then rinse well with clean water. Commercial mildew remover sprays can also be used. When using chemicals for cleaning bathroom tiles, be sure to wear rubber gloves and rinse the area well after cleaning. A less hazardous method is to use a peroxide based cleaner, such as Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate. Wet the area, spray Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate on the mildew, wait a few minutes then scrub with an old toothbrush. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you may want to use a stronger dilution of Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate.


Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Toilet Bowl Stain Removal

It may be an unconventional bathroom cleaning product, but a can of Coca- Cola will remove stains from inside your toilet bowl. Just pop the top and pour it in. Let it sit for about an hour, giving the acid some time to work and then flush. Here's another unusual bathroom cleaning tip: drop a couple of Alka Seltzer tablets into your toilet. Let these dissolve and go to work and then flush. If you'd rather use a more conventional household item for bathroom cleaning, pour vinegar in the bowl and let it sit overnight.


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Lime and Other Mineral Deposits Removal

Hard water can cause lime and other minerals to build up on your bathroom fixtures and make bathroom cleaning a nightmare. The easiest way to remove lime or other mineral buildup from your bathroom is by using an acidic cleaner. You can also try common household staples such as white vinegar, lemon juice, or a cleaner containing oxcalic acid, which is best for rusty stains.


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Cleaning Shower Heads

We don't usually consider our shower heads when cleaning a bathroom, but we should. Especially if we have what is considered "hard water." Lime and mineral deposits can clog the holes of the shower head giving us less water pressure, which means a less productive shower. Fortuanately there's a simple bathroom cleaning tip to hand this. Warm some vinegar in a microwave and pour into a ziplock bag large enough to place your shower fixture. Leave the shower head in the warm vinegar bath for about an hour. After that time, discard the vinegar and use a toothbrush to clean off any remaining mineral deposits. Rinse in warm water.


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Coffee Maker Cleaning

Drip type coffee makers should be made a party of your regular kitchen cleaning routine (at least once a month). Dried coffee oils can ruin the taste of even the best blend. In addition, if you have what's considered "hard water", minerals can build up inside your coffee maker. An alternative to commercial coffee cleaners is to run a solution of half white vinegar and half water through the coffee maker to dissolve scale. The heated solution may have to be run through the unit one or more times if buildup is heavy. Thoroughly rinse all parts of the unit. Run plain cold water through a cycle to remove all traces. If you still have your owner's manual, check it as well for instructions specific to your model. The glass pot, filter container and other removeable components can be cleaned when you're washing the dishes.


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Fiberglass Soap Scum Removal

If left to languish, soap scum will harden, giving you a bathroom cleaning nightmare. Acting quickly will prevent this from happening. Keep a cloth or squeegee in your shower to wipe down the walls as soon as you're finished bathing. It's best to tackle the problem while the shower walls and doors are still wet. If it's too late and the soap scum has hardened onto your wall, this bathroom cleaning tip will help. Dampen a dryer sheet and wipe the walls., The soap scum will come off easily.


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Softer Towels

The cause of stiffness in laundry is usually that too much detergent has been left in the clothing. To make your towels softer, use less detergent than normal, and add white vinegar to the first rinse cycle. You may also want to add an extra rinse cyle when washing towels. Line dried towels do not get as fluffy and soft as ones dried in the dryer, but this should help.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Toot Your Own Horn in Your Scholarship Application Essays

Before you actually start filling out your scholarship applications, you need to spend some time thinking about how to write a scholarship essay that will get the results that you want. For many people, the hardest part of writing a scholarship essay is getting comfortable singing their own praises. In order to convince the judges that you should receive the scholarship instead of the other applicants, you have to tell the judges what makes you a better candidate.

Therefore, one of the most important things you have to do when getting ready to write your college scholarship essays is to spend some time reflecting on just how wonderful you really are. When you write down all of the great things you have accomplished, it will be much easier for you to create an essay that conveys your strong points to the judges.

Tips for Getting Ready to Toot Your Own Horn:

1. Make a list of all your accomplishments.

2. Develop a list of your extracurricular activities.

3. Write down the three accomplishments of which you are the most proud.

4. Think of a problem that you have faced and write down how you were able to overcome it.

5. Put in writing your career goals, or your reason for wanting to attend college.

6. Pretend that you had to write a letter of recommendation for yourself. Write down the three most important things you would say.

Armed with this list of your best traits, accomplishments, and goals, you’re on your way to writing a winning essay. Of course, you have to make sure that your essay is well written, on-topic, sounds sincere, and is free of typographical errors. No matter what you end up saying about yourself, be sure to proofread it very carefully. It’s always a great idea to have someone else double check for spelling, grammar, and mechanical errors.



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Cleaning Shower Doors

Soap scum is made up of talc, body oils and minerals from hard water. If left to dry, soap scum removal can be one of the most difficult parts of cleaning a bathroom, but it doesn't have to be that way. To eliminate this problem, first try a little preventative maintenance. Keep a squeegee in your bathroom to wipe down shower doors and walls after every bath or shower. In addition, if you use a bar soap, you might want to consider switching to a liquid soap since it doesn't contain talc. Finally, here's a quick soap scum removal tip: use a dryer sheet! Just dampen and wipe along your shower door, soap scum will no longer be an issue. This also works for cleaning bathroom tiles of this unsightly film as well.


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Restore Whites

You should be able to restore your clothes to white (and not damage the fibres of the fabric) by soaking them them in lukewarm water and color safe or oxygen bleach for 24 hours, then rinse them with vinegar and water. Use one tablespoon of vinegar to one quart of water. After treating them overnight, wash them in hot water with chlorine bleach added. This should refresh them to their original white state. If possible, dry them in the sun.

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Chrome Fixtures

If not properly maintained, chrome fixtures can become dull and cloudy. After cleaning a bathroom, you want your chrome fixtures to sparkle! For blinding brilliance, make a paste of baking soda and dishwashing liquid. Apply this to your chrome fixtures and rub clean with a cloth. Warm vinegar will also make your bathroom shine. Here's an additional bathroom cleaning tip: To clean stains from your bathroom chrome and tile, use baby oil! Wipe off with a cloth diaper for a lint free shine.


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Toilet Cleaning

Paper towels work really well for cleaning toilets. You can use a cleaning product first to wipe down the toilet and then use a dry paper towel to wipe up the remaining hair and dirt that is left on the toilet. Some materials, such as hair, wipe up better with a dry paper towel. By using one wet paper towel and one dry one you can capture all the material that is on the toilet.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Grease Stain Removal from Clothing

To remove a black grease stain from clothing, try saturating the stain with rubbing alcohol, then blot with a clean white cloth. If the stain persists, try using a grease cutting dish detergent, such as Dawn, and rub with a soft toothbrush. Another option, although it seems crazy, is to soak the soiled area overnight in a solution of detergent, Coca-Cola and water. Launder as usual.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Refresh Black Clothing

You can refresh your black clothes by adding bluing, or strong coffee, or tea (2 cups) to the rinse water. They should return to their original dark black state. To prevent future fading, wash them in cold water, with Ivory Flakes plus only a small amount of detergent.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Whiter White Cotton Socks

Return white socks to sparkling white by boiling them in a saucepan with a few slices of lemon. The lemon is a natural bleach. Dishwasher detergent also whitens socks - just add a little to the regular washload.

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Scholarships for Women Over 30

The Talbots Charitable Foundation funds $100,000 in scholarships each year to women who enroll in accredited undergraduate degree programs ten or more years following completion of their high school diploma or GED. This unique program primarily funds scholarships for women over 30, rewarding their determination to complete degrees as nontraditional students. Five Bachelor’s degree candidates will receive $10,000 scholarships each year. Fifty additional women, who may be working toward Associate or Bachelor’s degrees, will each receive $1,000 scholarships.



Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Soap Film Removal from Glasses in Dishwasher

You can remove a soap film left on glassware in a dishwasher by rinsing them with vinegar. If this is a continuous problem for you, you may want to add a half cup of vinegar the next time you wash the dishes. This will remove soap scum from both the dishes and the inside of your dishwasher. You may also want to try using less detergent than recommended if your water is soft, which is often the cause of soap residue.


Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Preventive Plumbing

Before washing dishes, scrape off any leftover food particles into the garbage. If we don't do this, we risk getting these particles into our drain which will cause the food to rot and clog the drain. Pouring a solution of water and salt (1/2 cup salt per quart of water) into sink drains every other week, removes grease and prevents odors.


Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Common Scholarship Essay Questions

If you are planning to apply for several scholarships, be prepared to write answers to scholarship essay questions covering a wide variety of topics. Scholarship providers who require applicants write essays do so for several reasons. One of the main reasons for requiring an essay as part of a scholarship application package is to verify that the student is willing to commit the time and energy to putting together a thoughtful and well-written essay.

Another common reason for requiring an original writing sample is that the judges have a chance to get a better sense of who applicants really are from an essay than from a standard scholarship application form. Scholarship essay topics that focus on the applicant’s background and career goals often have this objective.

Scholarship programs that award funding for related to special interest groups or for people with certain majors or career goals often require applicants to write essays that demonstrate their commitment to the organization’s cause or reasons for wanting to gain employment in the field of study. In a sense, essays can give these types a scholarship providers as to whether or not an applicant is a “good investment.”

Examples of Real-life Scholarship Essay Questions include:

• Describe one specific example of your leadership ability.
• Describe why you wish to obtain a college education and why you are deserving of a scholarship.
• Describe what influenced your decision to pursue Nursing as a career.
  
• What personal information do you wish to share with the scholarship selection committees?

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Unshrink a Sweater

There is no guaranteed way to unshrink a sweater, but I have a few ideas for you to try. 1) Soak the sweater in hair conditioner and water solution, and pull gently to reshape, lay flat to dry. 2) Dissolve one ounce of borax in a couple of tablespoons of hot water, add the mixture to a gallon of warm water, immerse the garment. Pull the sweater gently into shape, and rinse in a gallon of warm water to which you have added 2 tablespoons of vinegar. 3) Dissolve two cups of non-iodized salt in enough hot water to cover the garment. Let cool, and leave the sweater to soak in it for three hours. Wash it in mild suds, rinse three times, roll the sweater in towels, then reshape and let dry.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Softer Flannel

A great alternative to commercial fabric softeners (which work, but tend to leave a build up over time, thus the flannel loses softness after awhile) is vinegar. If you add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washer, it removes any soap residue and naturally softens the fabric. Also, be sure not to use too much detergent, as this makes fabric stiff and hard; and you could add an extra rinse cycle to ensure that all the detergent is removed.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Take PSAT/NMSQT to Qualify for National Merit Scholarship

Each year, more than 10,000 high school students receive prestigious National Merit academic scholarships. The non-profit National Merit Scholarship Corporation has been recognizing outstanding high school students with college scholarships since 1955. Currently, the organization awards more than $50 million in college scholarships to high achieving high school seniors each year.

In order to be considered for the National Merit scholarship program, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) by their third year of high school and plan to enroll in college during the fall semester following high school graduation. Students with the 50,000 highest test scores are recognized as commended student or semi-finalists. The field is narrowed to finalists, who are selected for monetary scholarship awards. Finalists may receive scholarships directly from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, corporate-sponsored Merit scholarships, or college-sponsored awards.



Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Wood Floor Maintenance

Most wood floors can be kept clean by first sweeping or vacuuming with a floor nozzle to remove most of the surface dust and dirt, then damp mopping with clear water (dip a sponge in clear water, squeezing it out so that the mop is barely damp, almost dry). Use very little water and rinse your mop thoroughly after each use since excess water can dissolve protective coatings, alter the color of the wood and raise the grain to roughen the surface.

If your floors are not dirty enough to need mopping every week, then you should not do it, as it will wear the floors faster, not to mention waste your time. Simply sweeping is often all they need.

If need to restore the shine to your wood floor after you get it clean, try damp mopping it with 1/2 cup vinegar and 2 tablespoons furniture polish in a gallon of warm water. Vinegar is also useful for removing any soap residue or build-up, but should not be necessary every week.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Sneaker Cleaning

The best way to clean white sneakers is with an old toothbrush and some form of a cleanser. Murphy?s Oil Soap, liquid laundry detergent, Comet, etc. are all good choices. Air dry. Most sneakers can be washed in the washing machine, but it will shorten their lifespan, and may cause some of the glue to come loose. If any stains remain after cleaning, they can be covered up with white shoe polish. If you choose to wash your sneakers in a washing machine, remove the laces and wash them on their own or with a couple of old towels. Don´t use bleach. Let your sneakers air dry or machine dry on a "fluff air" cycle, since the heat of the dryer can melt parts of the sneakers. "Air" type sneakers cannot be washed in a machine. For spot removal, you can try some white-colored (but not whitening) non-gel toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, then rinse with water.

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Too Tall or Too Short

The average height in the United States for a male is 5'9" and for a female it ranges from 5'3'' to 5'5''. For those that fall far short or far exceed that average, there are scholarships available.

Tall Clubs International offers scholarships for women who are at least 5'10'' and men who are at least 6'2''. The Billy Barty Foundation offers scholarships to "students of short stature" and the Little People of America Scholarship provides scholarships to members and their families (to join, a person must be 4'10'' or shorter).

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Makeup and Foundation Stain Removal from Clothing

To remove makeup stains, rub shampoo or dish detergent (preferrably a grease cutting formula), or shampoo into the stain. You could also try spraying with hairspray or using a non-oily makeup remover to remove the stain. Then, launder as usual.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Super Glue Removal from Countertop

You probably didn't count on cleaning superglue from your countertops when going about your regular kitchen cleaning. What to do? Nail polish remover with acetone should remove super glue from most kitchen countertops without harming the surface, as should WD-40. If neither of these products work, you'll want to ask the advice of a countertop installation professional.


Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Mud Stain Removal from Clothing

You can remove mud by first letting it dry thoroughly and brushing off as much as possible. Then you can rub the stain with Murphy´s Oil Soap, leave for 15 minutes, and rinse with cold water. Or, instead of the Murphy´s Oil Soap, you could use a solution of 1 tablespoon borax in a cup of water. If the spot persists, use an enzyme presoak, or soak the item in a gallon of water to which you´ve added a cup of ammonia (or use bleach if the items are white).

Another option to try is to slice a raw potato in half and rub the mud stain. Soak the item in cool water for a while, then launder as usual.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Academic Excellence Scholarship Programs Are School Specific

Many colleges and universities offer academic excellence scholarship programs. Each institution sets its own criteria for awarding institutional academic excellence scholarships. Typically, these types of scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to those students who exhibit exceptional academic achievement, as exhibited by a combination of grade point average, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities.

The best way to learn about academic excellence scholarship programs at the schools you are interested in attending is to ask your admissions representative or financial aid officer to provide details about the types of scholarships available, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria.



Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Bathroom Cleaning Tips

Cleaning properly means getting into all of those corners and crevices where dirt and bacteria can hide. To do this more efficiently, keep an old toothbrush with your bathroom cleaning supplies. This will help you get into hard to reach areas such as behind the faucet. Also great for those hard to reach places is an angled dish brush. This will easily assist you in cleaning bathroom tiles behind the toilet and other tight places.


Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Defrosting a Manual Freezer

When kitchen cleaning, don't forget to defrost your freezer! Place a pan of hot water inside a manual freezer to speed defrosting. Soak up water with an old bath towel. Wipe with a baking soda and water solution to help deodorize. After defrosting, you can wipe the inside of the freezer compartment with a cloth dampened with glycerin. When it is time to defrost again, the chunks of ice will drop right off.


Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Sample Scholarship Essays Can Be a Source of Inspiration

Reviewing scholarship essay samples can be very helpful when preparing to write scholarship application essays of your own. A great source of scholarship essay help can be learning from examples of successful essays. You can even get inspiration about what not to do in your own essays from poorly written sample documents. Looking at other essays can give you ideas about the best scholarship essay format to use for your own documents. It can also be reassuring to see proof that other students have been able to successfully complete the task of composing scholarship application essays!

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Lint-Free Mirrors

Cleaning windows to a lint-free shine can present a challenge. Paper towels and dust cloth leave little bits behind. Don't use the wrong window cleaning supplies! To clean your windows with leaving a reminder, try newspaper, coffee filters or a cloth diaper. You'll never go back to paper towels again!

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Scratch Removal from Glass

Older windows can scratch easily, obstructing our view or causing the window to take on a dull look. For cleaing windows of tiny scratches, try rubbing in a white toothpaste. (Not a gel, please.) Wipe off with a cloth.

Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Avoiding Oven Spills

The oven has to be on the top of every home maker's list of undesireable kitchen cleaning chores. The best way to keep one's oven clean is to avoid getting it dirty in the first place! To do this, make sure casserole dishes aren't overfilled, or put them on a cookie sheet. Put pies inside a large cake pan or on a cookie sheet, and make a foil tent over roasting meat. This should lessen the frequency of oven cleaning in your home. In addition, not filling your casseroles as high, will make washing the dishes easier because food isn't spilled over the top and burned onto the side of your dishes.


Tip Source: Cleaning.LifeTips.com

Legitimate Scholarship Programs Do Not Have Application Fees

So-called scholarship programs that require application or processing fees in order to be considered for an award are examples of scholarship scams. Legitimate scholarship programs do not charge fees.

Some such scholarship scams will try to explain their reasons for charging fees, sometimes calling them application processing fees, reading fees, or fees to cover administrative expenses. Some fraudulent programs claim that there is not application fee, but charge a fee to provide prospective applicants with instructions regarding how to apply. Other programs will claim that charging fees is necessary to prevent candidates who aren’t serious from applying for awards.

To avoid falling for these types of scholarship scams, never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship or to get application instructions for a particular scholarship program. Keep in mind that organizations, companies, and foundations who sponsor scholarship programs do so for the purpose of giving money away to qualified applicants, not charging applicants fees to review their applications.



Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Guidelines for Writing a Good Essay

Many programs require scholarship essays as part of the application process. When tackling an essay, there are several steps that will help ensure a winning essay:

1. Brainstorm ideas—look at the topic and write down some ideas relating to it.
2. Outline—this helps put ideas into a coherent order.
3. Write a good introduction—you want to capture the reader's attention from the start.
4. Write coherent, strong content throughout your essay.
5. Make sure the conclusion brings it all together.
6. Write what you know. Your voice will come through if the essay is about something you know, love or care about.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Full V. Partial

College scholarships come in two basic types :

• Full Scholarships : A Full scholarship covers all the bases: tuition, books, living quarters, and may include a stipend for expenses.

• Partial Scholarships: A Partial scholarship, on the other hand, only covers some expenses such as tuition or books, but the rest is left up to the student.

Be sure to be clear on what is covered by any scholarship offered and then take the money and run. You may need to apply for several scholarships to cover all of your expenses.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Who to Ask to Write a Letter of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are not popularity contests—they are an important part of the application process. Ask the people who will be able to paint you in the best light to write these letters. Pick someone who knows you well and can write intelligently about you and your academic achievements.

Teachers, guidance counselors, club advisors, coaches and religious leaders are all good sources for recommendations. However, be sure that the person you ask has the ability to write a good letter and the time to get it completed by the deadline.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Preparing for College

Preparing for college is not a weekend event; it's a process that takes about two years. Like preparing for battle, getting into college takes time, organization, and dedication. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Set a time line and stick to it.
• Always check and double check what's been done to be sure everything actually was done.
• Don't wait till the last minute, hoping for a winning lottery ticket.
• Be organized
• Be motivated.
• Be dedicated.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Typical Topics for Essays

There are as many different topics for essays as there are stars in the sky. Scared? Don't be. While applications can ask for an essay about anything, there are some old stand bys that tend to be used more than others. Here are a few popular ones:

• Statement of Intent essays ask applicants why they want to attend X University or major in Y.

• Role Model essays ask about a person who influenced the choice to study X or helped to mold the applicant.

• Personal Growth is an introspective essay that asks the applicant to discuss an event that helped to shape him/her.

Always read the essays requirements carefully and be sure to follow the instructions to a T.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

What to Put in a Letter of Recommendation

Most teacher and coaches write so many recommendations they could do them in their sleep. But, if a person asked is unsure of what to put in a letter, there are some basic pieces of information that should be covered.

• The context of association (how long this person known you and in what way).
• How your performance is now.
• What standards you have met and surpassed.
• Preparedness to achieve and excel at the next level.
• It is also always good to add an altruistic element to the letter to add a personal touch.

Some schools may ask for other specific information, but these basics should always be covered.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Providing a Good Base for a Good Letter

Are you having someone else write a college admission letter for you? After a person has agreed to write a letter, be sure he or she is provided with all the information needed to write an effective one. A copy of the requirements for the letter is important so the person knows what to write about. Here are some important requirements:

• Transcripts to show overall academic achievements.
• A resume to help to paint a full picture of you and your achievements.
• A copy of one of your college essays to give the writer some insight into your dreams.
• An addressed, stamped envelope to mail the letter in.

Once the letter is sent, remember to send a thank you note to the person who wrote the letter for you.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

The Dog Ate My Scholarship

No excuses!

Not only do you absolutely have to complete and submit your scholarship application on time, you should absolutely keep a back up or copy of every application you complete. We all know that emails and electronic submissions can be sucked into the electronic space time continuum, so protect yourself.

Keep back ups and then, after you follow up to make sure your application was received, if there was a problem, you can resubmit your application in a timely fashion.

This can also be a great time saver because in many instances, the questions and applications themselves will be very similar. Cutting and pasting can be much speedier than filling out each individual application - hopefully they will even use a universal scholarship application form and make your life that much easier!

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Surfing the Internet for Scholarships

Surfing the Internet is a fantastic way to conduct a college scholarship search. If you look on your own with out using a company, be sure to check each scholarship site you find carefully.

* Can you find information about the people offering the award?
* Is the date that the site was last updated easy to find?
* Does the amount of money seem extremely high?
* What are the parameters of the scholarship?

If a scholarship looks too good to be true, it usually is. Look for consumer review sites about the companies that offer scholarships and the websites you are looking at.

This is why going with a reputable company that can consolidate the legitimate scholarship option available to you can be worth the money. Why spend the time and effort on potentially dud scholarships when you can get a comprehensive list from a trusted source?

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Scholarships V. Grants

Shakespeare once said "A Rose by any other name would smell as sweet." So too would free money for school be just as free whether by scholarship or grant. Both are types of financial assistance offered to students that do not need to be paid back.

When searching for help with paying your tuition, be sure to look for scholarships and grants, as opposed to only looking for the right scholarships--this can make your tuition bill drop.

In many cases there are grants available from your school and sometimes grants available in relation to your area of study or your socio economic situation. There is a lot of money to be had out there - make sure you find it!

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Due Dilligence

It may seem like a simple concept, but you must complete your scholarship applications in a timely fashion - and when we say complete, we mean every field should be complete and every supporting document should be on hand.

Don't think that a creative or great essay will overcome the tardiness of an application or the missing transcript or recommendation. Don't think that a spelling error won't disqualify you and don't think that a hand written scholarship application is going to meet the requirements of the program.

Remember, there is a lot of competition for this funding and if you make your exclusion simple, an evaluator will take advantage of that. The good news is that Scholarship applications are very similar to the competitive job market, so if you can master this task, you are well on your way to a successful career!

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

The Hope Scholarship Tax Credit

The Hope Scholarship Tax Credit is not a scholarship at all, nor is it related to Georgia's Hope Scholarship in any way. The Hope Scholarship Tax Credit is a tax break offered to taxpayers with dependants in the first two years of undergraduate schooling.

The credit does not guarantee a refund and the amount of the credit is depending on income and other qualifications. A tax preparation specialist or accountant can help assess what a person is editable for.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

How to Find a Scholarship

Is the thought of paying for college enough to make you break out in a cold sweat? If so, start thinking about finding financial aid. There are many available resources that can help you locate financial assistance. A good place to start looking is on the Internet but there are also books available that can be quite useful.

Many educational publishing companies annually publish books on grants and scholarships. These books organize awards based on requirements, awards sizes, and degree majors. Most local libraries have copies and they are well worth a flip through. You may be surprised at what's out there. If you choose to use these books, however, make sure that you have the most recent editions or the information may not be updated.


Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

FAFSA

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Student Financial Aid. This is a government sponsored site that allows you to fill out one form and be matched with financial aid options.

FAFSA can match you with scholarships, grants, and loans, depending on your qualifications. Always read carefully what is being offered to you and fill out the applications carefully and thoroughly.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Junior Year Tasks

Junior year is so close to graduation that you can start to smell it. Now is the time to start thinking about what that means in terms of your future and your education. The time has come to start thinking about what colleges and what majors are of interest to you. You should also start researching scholarships and grant opportunities and send away to for information for the programs that seem appropriate or of interest to you. This is a gathering stage and you should be collecting information about different options so you can ultimately apply for scholarships to fund your education.

Entrance exams such as SAT and ACT tests should be taken at this point. Remember to keep grades up and try to become involved in extra curricular activities (it looks good on an college or scholarship application).

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

The Graduate... School Dilemma

I just finished school...what do you mean I need more?? It may come as a nasty shock, but sometimes advanced degrees are required to continue up the career ladder. Before jumping into a graduate program sit down and think it through.

• Will your employer be subsidizing your education?
• If not, are you in a financial place to pay or it yourself or take out the loans needed?
• Will the job you get with the advanced degree put you in a significantly better place?

Weigh the pro and cons before you decide to commit to another course of study.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Check it Out at Your Local Library

Did you know that your local library can be an excellent source of scholarship information? Not only are there books on scholarships, databases to search for scholarships, and FAFSA forms to fill out, there could also be an actual scholarship.

Many libraries offer scholarships for community members that are sponsored by the Library Board of Trustees or Friends of the Library Group. Next time you stop at your library to get help in finding scholarships, ask if there is one available, you never know.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

As far as web development, how do I create content in my web page design that users will read?

The goal of any web development would first be to get your point across. Since 79% of all web page users scan the page before actually reading anything, make sure you point is obvious. Web development should be clear and concise so that the user can see the main message in the title of the article, or within the first few sentences of a content section. Good web development should include highlighted words, bulleted lists, informational graphics and meaningful headlines. Good web devlopment will also be obvious to the user and easy to understand.

Tip Source: WebDesign.LifeTips.com

International Loans

International study has gained in popularity. Recognizing the need for financial resources, the International Student Loans Program was developed.

The International Student Loans Program offers loans with flexible options and allows up to 20 years to pay them back. The loans are available for students from any country but must have either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Consolidation, Forgiveness and Cancellation

Many students graduate from college with not only a degree, but with a student loan as well. If you have multiple loans, consolidation is always a good step. If you plan to attend graduate school, you can combine your new graduate loans with existing undergraduate loans and combine the payments into a more manageable schedule.

Students entering certain underrepresented professions, such as nursing and teaching, may qualify for loan forgiveness or cancellation. In addition, child care providers who applied for loans after 1998 may be able to have some of their loans forgiven.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Fickle Financial Aid

A college financial aid package means many different things to many different schools. To some it is scholarship money available, to another it is a combination of scholarships, loans (that will need to be repaid) and work study or internship programs.

Always read thoroughly your financial aid package. Ask questions for clarification of anything you don't understand. Don't just look at the bottom line of the money offered. You may get a better offer from a different school with a more cost effective combination of loans, grants and scholarship opportunities.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

What do professional Web designers look for when creating a professional web design?

All professional web designs should have an outcome, and once you have identified what that outcome will be, it will be easier to design with that goal in mind.

Visitors should be able to find the information that the seek within three clicks of arriving at your web site. Professional web designers always pay close attention to this.

The use of color can turn a plain web site into a professional web design. Color is perceived as a representation of the type of culture and industry in which your company participates. Professional web designers select colors that harmonize with the image you wish to portray.

Websites are exactly like magazines, in that it has 1/10 of 1 second to make an impression that says, “Look at me! I'm worth reading.” To be considered a professional web design, your web site has to capture the user immediately. Just like a magazine cover, if it doesn't make the user interested, than it's a failure.

Copy on a professional web design is always readable. Professional Web designers will breakup long paragraphs into easier-to-digest chunks. Long passages look intimidating on a computer screen, and are less likely to be read.

Finally, professional web designs have up-to-date content. Eighty percent of website visitors are repeat visitors, so keep them coming back with current material and events.

Tip Source: WebDesign.LifeTips.com

Loans

Applied for every scholarship under the sun. Are you still short? Unless Aunt Marge has a stack of money hidden in her mattress, a Stafford Loan is the next step to funding an education.

By filling out a FAFSA form, the government will determine how much money you are eligible for based on financial need. If you still need funds, there are many Alternative Loan sources to fill in the blanks.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Sources for Web Site Development Information

Today, the amount of resources available to gather information for the management of your Web site and ecommerce site are numerous. You can do a great deal of research on the Internet and by subscribing to publications. Search online for various how-to sites that will give you tips on how to incorporate, develop, or maintain your Web site on the Internet. Magazine publications covering Web site development information include Inside Web Development and Practical Web Design.

Tip Source: WebDesign.LifeTips.com

Handling Web Site Design and Maintanence

The Web sites of today are not the simple HTML coded sites that once existed. Today, handling Web site design and maintenance can be a complicated task involving complicated databases, Flash animation, Web programming, and interfacing with current business practices. In order to simplify the process of Web site design and maintenance, it is helpful to start off by incorporating a set of guidelines to update your Web site from the design implementation phase.
• Start by designing a Web site with an easily modified layout, site map, and links.
• Establish a consistent team who will design and provide regular maintenance to your Web site.
• Start by initiating client feedback to your Web site so that it becomes an integral part of the updating process.
• Have a clear-cut set of marketing strategies and match your Web site to your business goals. Be flexible and prepared to make changes in direction along the way as your business grows or takes a new direction.

Tip Source: WebDesign.LifeTips.com

Warning Signs of Scholarship Scams

Weeding out the valid scholarships from the scams can be a tiring process. Here are some things to look for that can tip off a scam:

• Companies that have shady contact information (no number or email address available or a post office box address).
• Companies that offer flashy brochures promising "free money" and "guaranteed winnings."
• Extreme time limits and pressure.
• Claims of "influence" with scholarships sponsors or to be in touch with "Millions of unclaimed aid."
• Scholarships that claim "everyone is eligible."

Remember, just because a company has one of these, does not mean it is a scam, but may mean that you need to research the company and scholarship more carefully.

Tip Source: Scholarship.LifeTips.com

Advantages and Disadvantages to a Local Web design Firm

Hiring a local Web design firm will have both advantages and disadvantages. Working with a local Web design firm, you get the benefit of local proximity, easier face-to-face contact, and reduced expenses from meetings, travel time, communication, and shipping. In addition, you have the added advantage of more easily building a rapport with your Web design firm when you can interact with them.
The disadvantage of working with a local Web design firm may depend on your location. If you live in an area where you have a limited amount of choices, you may be relegated to working with designers who do not best suit your needs. In addition, in today's technologically advanced world, if you have basic email, Internet access, a shipping address, and phone service, you can work with a Web design firm from virtually any part of the country or globe. The difficulty arises during larger projects when meetings need to take place. However, with teleconferencing and video communications available, you can overcome complications as they arise.


Tip Source: WebDesign.LifeTips.com

The Importance of Web Hosting for Your Web Design

Before you even build or design a Web site, you need to choose Web hosting for your Web design. Web hosting for your Web design is important because it is the service that allows your Web site to operate. You would not even have an online presence without Web hosting. Some things to consider when deciding on Web hosting for your Web site include:
• Reliability of the service
• Size of file space you need in MB.
• Number of mailboxes you need
• Whether you need tracking capability
• Staffing


Tip Source: WebDesign.LifeTips.com