Some reasons students don't apply for scholarships.

I'm afraid my G.P.A. is not high enough.

You don't need to have a 4.0 GPA. Some scholarships do not require a minimum grade point average (GPA) at all. Some require a 3.0 or 3.5. GPA. Scholarships can be based on your interest in a particular career or academic major, the community you live in, your activities, or other criteria.

My parents make too much money.

Some scholarships are based on need or financial aid eligibility, but there are many merit-based scholarships which are not based on yours or your parents' incomes or assets—they are based on your own academic achievements and promise for future success.

I don't know where to look for scholarships.

You can find information on scholarships on this web site, published in books at the bookstore, in your college counselor's office at Bermuda College or at your school overseas, by calling or visiting local businesses, professional organisations, And Chamber of Commerce, and checking with your parents' employers and organisations they belong to.

I don't have the time to look for scholarships or fill out applications.

Unless you have a money tree, time is money, and in this case money well-spent. If it takes you a total of 10 hours to look for scholarship opportunities, complete and mail applications, and you receive only one $2500 scholarship you have made $250 per hour—more than most of us make at our jobs!

I can't write a good essay.

Writing an essay, especially if it is about yourself, is very difficult. In most cases, this is how a scholarship committee gets to know you so you need to represent yourself in a positive manner without boasting. After you have drafted an essay and you feel comfortable with it, have several people read it more than for grammar, style, and content.

I'm embarrassed to ask people to recommend me.

This is may feel a bit uncomfortable. The people you ask to write a letter for you should know you well and believe you will be successful in college and your future career. Develop relationships with teachers, community members, etc., they may volunteer to be a mentor and recommend you for college admission, scholarships, internships, education abroad, and jobs. Start talking to people now, seek advice on what colleges to consider. Research what careers are in demand, identify those that suit your interests, talents, and abilities, etc. We are all worthy of the opportunity to learn and grow, and to contribute the best we can to our community and society-at-large.