10 Popular Scholarship Books and Guides | BestCollegeReviews

Scholarship Books

The transition between high school and college is a tough one. It takes much more motivation and determination to not only become admitted into a school but also to pay for it. Having a handy scholarship guide is useful for students who need the extra boost. Fortunately, many books about scholarships and guides about how to receive them are readily available.

1. The Ultimate Scholarship Book: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants and Prizes by Gen Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe

This book features information on thousands of scholarships and grants. A new version is published each year, with hundreds of new listings in each edition. Students will find the listings organized by career goal, major, community service, athletics, background and more. The listings include information about the application process and requirements as well as deadlines, award amounts and any restrictions. Students will also find an assortment of tips for searching for and winning awards.

2. How to Go to College Almost for Free by Ben Kaplan

Students worried about paying for college can get some advice from somebody who has been through it all. The author was able to fund most of his college education by winning scholarships and other awards after spending his final years of high school worried that he would be strapped with intense debt. Parents and schools recommend this book because it was written by somebody who actually used the information inside to find success. Kaplan includes his plan, step-by-step, as well as a few bits of inspiration to keep students motivated toward their goals.

3. Peterson’s Scholarships, Grants & Prizes

This Peterson book, published each year, provides information on millions of private awards available for college students, whether they are new or returning. This book is divided into sections about career goals, heritage, employment, talent and other categories. Each of the scholarships listed in this book are operated by corporations, organizations and foundations that students may not find on most scholarship websites. The book also lists eligibility requirements, deadlines and additional contact information for each award.

4. Confessions of a Scholarship Winner: The Secrets that Helped me Win $500,00 in Free Money for College – How You Can Too! By Kristina Ellis

This book was written by a woman who earned her way through college with scholarships after she lost her father and her mother could not afford to pay for her education. Ellis was an average student who created a plan to earn more than half a million dollars in awards. They paid for her entire education, from bachelor’s to doctoral degree. Not only does this book share Ellis’ story, but it also delves into secrets she learned about finding awards. Students will also find tips about making an impression during interviews and highlighting their strengths.

5. Paying for College without Going Broke by Princeton Review and Kalman Chany

This book, which includes a foreword by Bill Clinton, is published each year with updated information. The Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times both recommended this book for high school students. Not only does this guide include scholarship and grant information, but it also features step-by-step instructions to completing the FAFSA and other important processes. Students will learn how much money they need for school and how to determine which awards are worth applying for.

6. Scholarship Handbook by The College Board

Each year the College Board releases a handbook for students looking to receive scholarships. Parents also recommend this handy guide because it also includes information about internships and loan programs. Plus, the College Board is up-to-date on all its information, helping students to avoid disappointment and wasting time on expired opportunities. Inside, students will also find a calendar and several worksheets to help organize scholarship applications.

7. The Financial Aid Handbook: Getting the Education You Want for the Price You Can Afford by Carol Stack and Ruth Vedvik

This book is written by two authors who understand how important it is to achieve a college degree. Stack and Vedvik’s handbook covers everything from choosing the right college to covering the tuition. This book is incredibly straightforward in its explanations and tips, making it a great read for both parents and students.

8. The Scholarship & Financial Aid Solution: How to Go to College for Next to Nothing with Short Cuts, Tricks and Tips from Start to Finish by Debra Lipphardt

Lipphardt’s book delves into the rising costs of college as well as the ways high school students can aim high without feeling disappointed. This book features a variety of scholarships, from academic awards to those based on volunteer work and minority status.

There's also a large and lengthy grouping of unusual scholarship awards.

9. Debt-Free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education Without Loans, Scholarships or Mooching off My Parents by Zac Bissonnette

Some parents claim that Bissonnette’s book can save new college students thousands of dollars in tuition without forcing students to get into debt. The author is an expert in finances and proposes data and analysis to help students move forward in college.

This book also focuses on choosing a graduate program and avoiding the system of college rankings.

10. How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay: 30 Essays that Won Over $3 Million in Scholarships by Gen Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe

Most scholarship competitions use essays to determine who wins the award and this guidebook and provides students with tips and suggestions for earning scholarship money. This book features tips from both judges and scholarship applicants. The handbook also features essays that actually won awards so that students can see shining examples.

By seeing examples set by real scholarship winners, students are motivated to continue working. High school students often just need a boost in the right direction to move beyond showing potential to achieving high.