The other day I was at a special event and was chatting with some folks about my proposal for Street Guide to Scholarships. One woman proudly shared with the group that her son was accepted at an Ivy League school but he didn't receive any financial aid and he had not yet applied for any scholarships. As the conversation continued I figured out, although I had a hunch, that this family could probably afford to pay cash for the tuition at an Ivy League school and I wondered why on earth they would feel the need for scholarships.

As I drove home from the event  I suddenly realized that folks who might be considered "upper class" or "wealthy" are just as interested in saving a few bucks as the rest of us.  The price of tuition, books, room and board continues to go up each year.  Whether it's a state university or a prestigous private school, the cost of college is a stretch on the family budget - even for folks who seem to have a lot of money. 

You'd think that most scholarships were created for needy students, but they are not.  Nationally, on average, THREE out of FOUR scholarships are merit-based scholarships.  That means that most scholarships are based on your grades, not your family income.  You have no control over how much money your parents make or don't make.  The best thing you can do to increase your chance at winning scholarships is work on your academic profile and extracurricular activities.   No magic wand.  No lucky break.  Just hard work. You knew that already, didn't you!?