Fall Semester will begin on the 15 of August. I recently got my GED and its been a long time coming. I am 30yrs old. Are there any scholarships that can help me with college? I want to major in Criminal Justice.

Thank you in advance for your help!

There are lots of places you can find online if you Google college scholarships, but just about all of them want you to pay them some money in order to put you and your data through their database.

My suggestions are to go to the college you're planning to attend and work with someone in the financial aid office. You should also go into your state's main website and conduct a search for scholarships -- to see if there's a state program that will help. For example, here's this for young people in Texas: http://www.collegeforalltexansfoundation.com/

Hunt around, but make sure you don't pay anyone to find money for you!!

=)

Here's my two-cents worth --

A few days ago I talked with two young college students who were admitted to their selective state universities and received good scholarship help. They both agreed that their essays probably played a large part in their successes.

Both had good stories to tell -- and they told them creatively and well. You may want to concentrate on why you didn't graduate from high school. Why has your GED been so long coming? What obstacles have you surmounted in your education -- and the rest of your life? Why do you want to be successful? What factors in your life have led you to choose criminal justice?

We'll be glad to help you fine-tune your essay(s) applying for scholarships.

Thank you

Thank you,

I been having a hard time finding scholarships in the state of Alabama.

Thank you again

Thank you Mrs.Sue

I will be posting. Thank you again.

You're very welcome. We look forward to your next posts!

Check this fantastic scholarship site for Gates Millenium Scholars.

http://www.gmsp.org/

The College Board's website is absolutely excellent:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/index.html?student

You'll be especially interested in the following sections:

* Find a College
* Apply to College (and there's excellent help for writing the college essay here, too)
* Pay for College

=)

Congratulations on getting your GED and pursuing higher education! It's never too late to start, and there are indeed scholarships available for individuals like yourself. Here's how you can find scholarships to help with your college expenses:

1. Start with FAFSA: The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This will help determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

2. Research institutional scholarships: Check with the college or university you plan to attend. Many institutions offer scholarships specifically for adult learners or students pursuing specific majors, such as Criminal Justice.

3. Local organizations and foundations: Investigate local organizations, nonprofits, and foundations that offer scholarships. These might include community service groups, religious organizations, or companies in your area.

4. Online scholarship search engines: Utilize scholarship search engines such as Fastweb (www.fastweb.com), Scholarships.com, or Cappex (www.cappex.com). These platforms allow you to create a profile, search for scholarships based on your specific criteria, and receive notifications about new opportunities.

5. Specific scholarships for adult learners: Look for scholarships tailored specifically for adult learners who are returning to college. Organizations like the Imagine America Foundation and the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) offer scholarships for individuals in your situation.

6. Utilize search terms: When searching for scholarships, use specific keywords like "adult learner scholarships," "nontraditional student scholarships," "Criminal Justice scholarships," and "GED scholarships" to narrow down your options.

7. Deadlines and requirements: Pay attention to application deadlines and scholarship requirements. Prepare all the necessary documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, personal essays, and financial information, to complete your applications.

Remember, scholarships can vary in size and eligibility criteria. Explore as many opportunities as possible and apply to numerous scholarships to maximize your chances of receiving financial assistance. Good luck with your pursuit of a degree in Criminal Justice!