Scholarship Myths
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from Marianne Ragins, $400,000 Scholarship Winner
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    Myth

    You must be an “A” student to win a scholarship.
           
    Truth:
    Having an “A” average alone will not guarantee you a scholarship. The Coca-
    Cola Scholars Foundation conducts one of the largest corporate-sponsored
    scholarship programs in the United States. Although a good academic record is
    a contributing factor, having an “A” average exclusively will not qualify a
    student as a Coca-Cola Scholar. Coca-Cola Scholars are well-rounded, unique,
    and independent individuals.


           
    Myth

    Billions of scholarship dollars go unused every year.
           
    Truth:

    Although some scholarship money is unclaimed each year, this money is often
    earmarked for students with very specific qualifications such as a particular
    last name or some unusual characteristic. For instance, students who are
    Catholic and have the last name of Zolp may be eligible for a full-tuition four-
    year scholarship at Loyola University. For more information on unusual
    scholarship opportunities including those for students who are short, tall or
    overweight, review Chapter 15 of Winning Scholarships for College.

    Myth

    B or C students have little opportunity to win scholarships.
           
    Truth:

    B or C students still have opportunities for scholarships. If you are a B or C
    student and you have a history of participation and growth in extracurricular
    activities as well as involvement in your community, you have an excellent
    chance of winning scholarships. Highlighting your participation and
    involvement in a student résumé and an essay will help you be successful. For
    more information, read Chapter 9 of Winning Scholarships for College, "Grade's
    Don't Mean Everything - Standing Out in a Crowd" and Chapter 11, "Writing
    Perfect Essays."       


    Myths

    You cannot win a scholarship if you do not have financial need.
    Or, middle class students cannot get money for college.
           
    Truth:

    Middle class students can win money for college. Although they may not be
    eligible for some need-based scholarship programs, they still have numerous
    opportunities to win merit scholarships. For more information, read Chapter 9
    of Winning Scholarships for College, "Grade's Don't Mean Everything -  Standing Out
    in a Crowd."



    Myth

    Grades and SAT scores are the only factors you need to worry about for winning
    scholarships.
           
    Truth:

    Having good grades and high SAT scores are definitely important. However, you
    still need to have a history of participation and growth in extracurricular
    activities as well as involvement in your community to win scholarships. Also
    showcasing your participation and involvement in a student résumé and an
    essay will help. For more information, read Chapter 9 of Winning Scholarships for
    College, "Grade's Don't Mean Everything - Standing Out in a Crowd" and Chapter
    11, "Writing Perfect Essays."    

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