College costs are continuing to rise, with a four-year private school averaging $22,218 and a four-year public school averaging $5,836 for the 2006-07 school year. The good news is that more than $134 billion in financial aid is available. The Scholarship & Financial Aid Handbook will show you how to earmark some of that money for your college education, ensuring that you will be able to afford a higher education. In this book, you will learn about the different typ… More >>
#1 by Chris Hilbig on July 1, 2010 - 7:50 pm
This would had been a great book if I was in my senior year of high-school. Unfortunately I’m 29 and wish to attend art school, and as the book states, more scholarships are geared to high-schoolers.
Anyway, the book basically takes you by the hand and guides you through the process of seeking a scholarship and receiving it. A lot of the information and tips are painfully obvious no-brainers. The book also offers some horror-stories and how to avoid such situations. If you’re a parent with a college-bound kid, this is definitely required reading for your kid.
Rating: 4 / 5
#2 by Roxzel M. Soto on July 1, 2010 - 8:41 pm
I work at a library with lots of teens. I am always recommending this book. It is a wonderful resource for us. Other scholarship books are overwhelming, but Lipphart simplifies the process.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Fallan M. Patterson on July 1, 2010 - 9:01 pm
It’s never too early to start your future and Debra Lipphardt makes sure readers know it. Lipphardt reads like a trusted friend, or in this case counselor, who wants to ensure parents and students know what to do for the best possible chances to getting a free ride to college. She even offers resume writing tips–a whole chapter–that will benefit any student, even through the college years.
Because of her training and career as a high school scholarship headhunter, of sorts, Lipphardt is extremely knowledgeable on her chosen topic. Most helpful are the sample resumes and applications shown throughout the book. The last chapter is merely a bonus: a wealth of information on each state’s Department of Education and other state specific offices. And once again, portions of the proceeds will go to The Humane Society of the United States. Star rating: 5
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Barbara Zigah on July 1, 2010 - 9:44 pm
Where was this book when I was looking for help to finance college myself? I recall my guidance counselor handing me a single scholarship application, not the dozens (or hundreds) that today’s student has available to them. Fortunately, I did receive that scholarship; I can attest, it’s a great feeling to read the words, “You’ve been awarded…”
As the “semi-retired” parents of a junior high school student, what we have learned from this book is that it’s not too early to make use of this comprehensive guide to college scholarships and financial aid. It helps us to keep our “eyes on the prize” and gently steer our son in the right direction, in terms of his current academic studies, as well as his extra-curricular activities. Unless you get 1600 on your SATs, you’re likely not going to get a scholarship without being a well-rounded individual, with more than just book smarts.
Ms. Lipphardt addresses the process step-by-step, from helping you determine which scholarships you’re eligible for (and it may be a single criterion that qualifies or disqualifies an applicant), filling out the application (”neatness counts!”), obtaining letters of recommendation or referral (who to ask, who not to ask, proofread well, and thank you notes afterward), and providing tips for the dreaded “essay” portion (know your audience, be truthful, etc).
This book provided a thorough, simple, easy to understand discussion on the role of both the student and parent, and what it takes to get successfully navigate the scholarship labyrinth. From my reading, it’s obvious that it’s not an easy effort, but rather time consuming and tedious, to weed through the available scholarships, sort out the good from the bad, and the eligible to apply from the ineligible to apply. Ms. Lipphardt does this full time for a school full of students; that tells you how much time you need to devote to this, as well, for your own child.
This book won’t give you is a giant list of available scholarships. But what it will give you is the starting point, where on the Internet to begin your search, what physical searches you can do (school guidance office and college financial aid office), state-based resources, and equally important, what scholarship “scams” to avoid. She has the insider perspective, given her proven track record, and knows what the scholarship boards are looking for from a student; she’s helped hundreds of children, including her own, to find and win scholarships.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by H. P. Zadnik on July 1, 2010 - 10:32 pm
Mrs. Lipphardt’s book, The Scholarship & Financial Aid Solution, is a practical and useful book for families and students. Mrs. Lipphardt speaks directly to the reader in a familiar tone and with the concern of an educator. Her tips have been garnered through experience in the high school setting and are applicable to every student. I have the pleasure of working with Mrs. Lipphardt and know her to be dedicated and passionate about helping students achieve their dreams of attending post-secondary educational institutions. You can certainly trust the advice found in this book.
Rating: 5 / 5