As one college counselor put it, “I
actually hate this question because I want to believe that good people
are doing good work…” However, the sad reality is that college
scholarship scams are real. This week, our experts weigh in on the most
common types of scholarship scams and the best ways for you to avoid
them.
“What are the most common scholarship scams? How do I avoid them?” — Samantha Davis, Queens, NY
A: The One Thing Never to Do to Acquire a College Scholarship
What
is the one thing, to pay an organization to ‘be considered’ to win a
college scholarship. Acquiring scholarship money takes time, not
invested money. Thanks to two terrific web sites, FinAid – The Guide to
Financial Aid and Fastweb - Largest Free scholarship search site every
family has an easy place to go locate most (not all) available
scholarship options. In addition, always compete the FAFSA application
and if any of the colleges the student is applying to uses the CSS Form,
then complete that as well.
Ellen Fisher — Founder & Independent College Advisor - College4U
A: Don't Pay for Any Scholarship Search Service
The
most common scam is a service (online or in person) that offers to
conduct a scholarship search for a fee. There are plenty of places that
offer free scholarship searches (collegenet.com, your local high school
guidance office, meritaid.com, etc.) that contain a complete inventory
of posted scholarships. Lots of students don't take the time to do a
scholarship search or apply for small scholarships - take the time to
apply for appropriate scholarships (ones for which you're qualified
based on your interests or background), and you will likely be awarded.
Ken Huus - Dean of Admissions - Sweet Briar College
A: The Most Common Scholarship Scams - A List
The
scams: “Pay $x to get a list of scholarships.” “Come to a
presentation.” "Give us personal information for a chance to apply for a
scholarship." “You have been nominated” for an award and you have a
chance to purchase a book with your name. “You are guaranteed to get a
scholarship.” How to Avoid Them: *Never, Ever pay to apply for a
scholarship. *Never attend a seminar that is for the purpose of
receiving scholarships. *Do not apply for any scholarships that involve a
purchase of any kind. *Google the name of the scholarship followed by
the word “scam”. *Look up the scholarship on the Better Business Office
web site, the Federal Trade Commission or consumer affairs office from
the state of affiliation. *Be wary of awards where you are notified that
you have been selected or nominated to participate. *Check with your
counselor. *”If it sounds too good to be true, it is.” Use fastweb.com,
collegeboard.com and scholarships.com before researching other sites.
Scott White - Director of Guidance - Montclair High School
A: Beware of "Pay to Play!"
The
most common scholarship scam is one where the "expert" says pay me now
and I guarantee you will receive financial aid. Most often all they can
guarantee are the federal loans that any student who fills out a FAFSA
is eligible for. So you are paying for something that is available for
free. My advice, ask for references from any financial consultant and
call the references. Also check them out on the web--Google them and see
if online reviews come up.
Chris Hooker-Haring - Dean of Admission & Financial Aid - Muhlenberg College
A: Look Before You Leap at Scholarships!
Know
that the best scholarship leads come from guidance counselors and
qualified educational consultants. Generally any company claiming
scholarship information asking for money should not be trusted.
Legitimate scholarships can be found through private corporations,
community organizations, non-profits and the colleges. There are
excellent free scholarship databases available on the web. Call the
source before you apply to check on credentials. Good Luck!
Jeannie Borin - Founder & President - College Connections
The
Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across
the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about
college admissions and succeeding after high school.
Find Unigo on Twitter at @Unigo & Facebook at Facebook.com/MyUnigo
