I am a senior in high school and I am in the process of looking for scholarships for a four year university. My parents are not able to afford sending me to college. Unfortunately I have to totally rely on college scholarships, financial aid, and government grants. I know there is a lot of help out there but I don't know where to really start. I am an average student (2.35)GPA mainly because I did not take my freshman and sophomore year too serious, but after I became a teen mom in the summer of 2011 I straigtened up and wanted more for me and my child. So, I earned straight A's my junior year and now in my last year I currently have straight A's and will maintain them throughout the year. So, if anyone could give me any ideas on where to start that would be very helpful. Please no negative remarks or comments, I am really just looking for positive help. Thank you.

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Originally Posted by cynclaire

I am a senior in high school and I am in the process of looking for scholarships for a four year university. My parents are not able to afford sending me to college. Unfortunately I have to totally rely on college scholarships, financial aid, and government grants. I know there is a lot of help out there but I don't know where to really start. I am an average student (2.35)GPA mainly because I did not take my freshman and sophomore year too serious, but after I became a teen mom in the summer of 2011 I straigtened up and wanted more for me and my child. So, I earned straight A's my junior year and now in my last year I currently have straight A's and will maintain them throughout the year. So, if anyone could give me any ideas on where to start that would be very helpful. Please no negative remarks or comments, I am really just looking for postive help. Thank you.

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Please don't attempt to dictate who will answer you and in what manner.

No, there are no guaranteed scholarships. The requirements vary school to school. What is your high school guidance counselor advising? They have all the info you are seeking. That's the starting place.

Going into your senior year is late to begin looking at Colleges - many if not most consider your high school grades through your Junior Year, accept you conditionally, make their final decision based on your grades in your senior year. If you are a 2.35 in your Junior year I doubt you qualify for scholarship consideration.

Some States offer aid specifically for unmarried mothers. That depends on your State.

There is also working, part time or otherwise, evening classes, a mix and match. Community Colleges often transfer credits to a 4-year college. Again, it depends on your State.

Loans and grants are based on household income - your parents' income, yours including child support.

Talk to your guidance counselor OR the colleges that interest you.

There are Federal grants and loans in the US that are fairly well there is you meet those requirements. Some states like GA have small grants.

Beyond that, it can depend on groups your parents may belong to, Lions Club, VFW and the such. Also some schools have them, but many you have to compete for.

But you may have to do like I did and 1000s more do each year, go to college part time or take the min for your student aid, and then work to pay for it.

Never borrow student loans if you can't see a way to pay it back

Go to your counseling office at school. They can give you the requirements for different university systems in your area. Once you know if you meet the requirements for a specific university, then go on to their website and see what scholarships are available. There are also grants and loans through your state and the Federal government. You may also qualify for loans. You should also complete the FAFSA, which will tell you how much you need to pay for college and what you can receive.

All of this will depend on your grades from 10-12 grades. So, with a 2.35 GPA, you may find you are limited on enrolling to many universities. Your counselor should be able to help you with all of this information. Make an appt. to see him or her soon. There are deadlines to apply for scholarships and you don't want to miss them!