The Beat-Tuition Blog

Serious Scholarship Winnings

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:19:17 GMT

Have you heard of Angela Zhang? She just won a huge scholarship. Siemens Corporation gave her the award for a potential cure for cancer. Take a look at the link below for her story. Monta Vista Student, 17, Takes home $100,000 Scholarship While most of us won't find a cure for cancer, there are still many ways to get a scholarship and finish school. This is just one of the most incredible, and the biggest. Keep working on yours, and remember, Pell grants work, too!

Make Money In College: 35 Cool Ideas

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:02:42 GMT

How do you make money in college? Learn how here. Online ways and offline near home – plenty of ideas here. Start today.

Fantastic SOPA/PIPA protest video

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:43:25 GMT

I promise I'll get off this (SOPA/PIPA) subject, but this song is great, and you probably already know and like the artist. It's under 4 minutes, and I think you'll enjoy it. The link is at the bottom.

Important Announcement: Stop SOPA and PIPA

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:08:42 GMT

Have you heard of SOPA and PIPA? The "A" at the end of both stands for Act, as in a bill in congress. I won't take the time to explain - and others have done better at that anyway. Normally, I wouldn't mention a non-education related bill here, but I think most college students, whether in school now or some other time, can appreciate the problems here. SOPA and PIPA would put the government in control of censoring the web, possibly even creating another government agency to handle the work. These bills, if they become law, could create a very restrictive web. You or anyone could become a law breaker if you even post a link to copyrighted materials. Conversations would be seriously stifled. Sites would be shut down, black listed. I can't imagine this being a good thing. The link below leads to a petition you can sign. It only takes a second. You can also post this link to your Twitter and Facebook accounts. Yes, we need to do better at stopping piracy (Stop Online Piracy Act = SOPA), and we need to protect intellectual property better (Protect Intellectual Property Act = PIPA). But we don't have to censor everyone to achieve these goals - these bills go too far. This is serious, and it will affect you. Please learn more about this issue.

With Tuition Paid, Break Is Better

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:42:38 GMT

Is you tuition bill all paid or set up to be taken care of for spring? I hope so - it makes the break so much better. You can have a great time on New Years, without worrying... And if it's not taken care of, you still have a little time to work things out. Payments, a loan...whatever you need, now would be the time to get started. I hope you find what you need - and that you finish that degree. Here's to a new year, and to paid tuition!

Apply for College Money to Get a Computer, or Wait?

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:33:03 GMT

About to apply for college money? Looking at spending it on a computer? Consider this…

Your College Scholarship Essay: 6 Simple Steps to a Great Essay

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:04:25 GMT

Need to write a killer college scholarship essay? Try these simple 6 steps to make your essay a knockout, and win more scholarship money.

Scholarship Essay Sample: 11 Sources for Great Sample Essays to Get You Started

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:59:33 GMT

Looking for a few free scholarship essay sample to help you write a better essay? Click here for great, winning essays.

Students! Get Ready For The Holidays!

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:37:54 GMT

Ready to save money during the holidays? You have black Friday, Cyber Monday and the Christmas-New Years break fast approaching. These are great opportunities if you use them well. You can save on some things you need by shopping ahead of time for the best deal on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here's a page to get you started: Black Friday Sales Ads And some students clean up on air fare over the holidays. Here's a page that might help: Score More Travel Vouchers Save money like this, and you'll have more money for college.

Happy Halloween!!! And Midterms!!

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:47:24 GMT

Just a quick Happy Halloween! I hope your weekend was filled with parties, and some studying for that test coming up. Keep up the good work!

Student Loans Got You Down? Cheer Up, You're Not Alone...

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 06:22:39 GMT

Have you seen this article? USA Today Story: Student Loan Debt to Top $1 Trillion It came out this week. Student loans have been going up for years, so it's no surprise we got here. But it is a bad sign for students. You can use student loans - some degrees practically require them, like those in medical field - but use them sparingly whenever possible. I know, you've got to eat and get to school. College life can be tough that way. But think about it anyway. How can you borrow less in student loans? How can you finish more quickly? You can find some ways. I'll come back to this subject soon with more answers. Good luck - and finish!

How to Avoid Further Debt After College

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:33:22 GMT

How to use your credit card wisely and avoid debt after college. Tips on when and when not to use the card.

Universities Pledge Scholarships Instead of Student Loans

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 05:26:49 GMT

Have you heard of universities offering scholarships and grants to prevent students getting student loans? It's true. I have read that several universities have pledged to give grants and scholarships to their students to avoid student loans all together. For example, Stanford University is on this list. I am still looking for the list. As soon as I find it, I'll get the link up here on my site for your use - and if you have it, send it in using my contact me link on the menu. What a great service, right? Pricey schools acknowledging that many students can't make it through a degree at their university without serious financial help... fantastic. If you find yourself in this situation, I hope your college understands the hardship. Ask if you can get the help you need. In the meantime, I will find the list and put up the link to colleges that offer scholarships and grants instead of student loans.

How to Get Scholarships: 6 Tips

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:26:43 GMT

Looking for money for college? You can learn the basics of how to get scholarships here, and be on your way to more college money. When you have the basics, you can find more money and borrow less.

For-Profit College Problems? Look at this...

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:22:00 GMT

I just read about a for-profit college being sued by graduates and former students in an article by the Associated Press. The link is below. They have decided to sue, and I can see why. They feel manipulated and misled... I just want you to think for yourself as you pick a college or university. You need to have a good idea of what you will earn at the end, for example. No college, for-profit or not, can make up for bad decisions on your part. I'll give these culinary arts students the benefit of the doubt - they were dealt a bad hand. In your decisions, avoid student loans unless you have no other way. Borrow as little as possible and expect to pay the student loans off. Work during school if possible. Apply for scholarships and grants often. Plan where you are going. You can save yourself many problems by looking ahead and finding out if the promises will turn into a large salary. Culinary Grads Claim Ripped Off by For-Profit College

Buying Used Textbooks: 5 Tips & 5 Ways

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:28:03 GMT

Buying used textbooks - How to do it right, and 5 ways to do it fast.

Online Textbooks

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:32:58 GMT

It's time for college textbooks again! Have you found all of your textbooks? I hope so - there are even sites that give you free textbooks now if the book is in digital format online. Hop over to my online textbook and suggestion page - the link below - and you can find some great ways to save, many without spending any money. Good luck with college this fall!

Online College Degree: 4 Reviews and 1 Must-See Site

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:28:15 GMT

Getting an online college degree can really enhance your earning power. Look here to find reviews of sites that connect you to schools. Also, 1 great site to learn everything about accreditation

The New Financial Aid: How Much Will You Get?

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:34:24 GMT

Some financial aid changes have come out - looks like grad students will have to pay more interest. This is meant to make room for more Pell Grants to poorer students, but that's cold comfort. You may see changes as you get started this fall. It's a good time to look for more scholarships, or tuition assistance from work if you have that option.

Scholarship Essay Format: 5 Points to Consider

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:45:51 GMT

When you apply for money for college, you may wonder about the scholarship essay format. Learn these critical items about writing your essay.

College Scholarship Money: The 7 Major Ways You Can Get A Scholarship

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:20:14 GMT

You see people winning college scholarship money left and right – but how? Scholarships go to students with certain characteristics. Learn what they are and how to improve your chances

Your ACT College Entrance Exam Score: 8 Steps to Improve for More Scholarships

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:04:45 GMT

A higher ACT college entrance exam score will help you win more scholarships. Learn the keys to raising your score here.

College Tuition and Books Money Ideas

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:42:05 GMT

Since you are looking for college tuition money, I thought I'd explain some of the recent posts from the site. On my page, Make Money in College, you can post a way you have found to earn some money for college. I review the ideas to make sure the links work and the explanation is readable. The methods are user submitted, and not guaranteed in any way. I can't promise you'll earn enough for tuition and books, or even that you'll earn anything from them. I post them only as ideas. Since these ideas are from readers, I also don't earn anything if you try them. If you'd like to post one of your own, send it in! I love it when you send in ideas. I just wanted you to know what the last couple of posts were, and give you a chance to add your own ideas to earn college tuition money.

Selling timeshares online

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:28:49 GMT

I hooked up with a group who received timeshares through liquidation and trade in at other timeshare resorts. I get paid to take over the ownership and

MAKE MONEY. HELP PEOPLE. HAVE FUN.

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:17:47 GMT

Hi Very detailed and informative site. Here is an idea you may include. It is about the newly launched Global Success Club which is about people helping

Prepaid College Credit For Sale

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 04:33:10 GMT

Ever heard of prepaid college credit? I recently ran across a situation where a student paid for credits in advance. The college, a small private specialty school, does not give refunds. But they do allow students to sell their credits if they can't complete what they have prepaid. Unusual, right? And here is the useful part: the school allows students to prepay their credits at one price. So if you want to buy 25 credits, you will pay the going rate. Then, you take classes and draw on the credits you bought. This becomes helpful because you lock in your cost for each credit. If you use prepaid college credits, you get a discount on your degree. The credits this student owns have gone up in value. Now she just wants to cash out and get her money back. But the student that buys these credits will get approximately 25% off - not bad, right? Can you do this The practice of selling prepaid college credits is rare. If you get the chance to use this trick, choose carefully. You may not be offered another discount on your degree.

Repaying Student Loans? One Cool Trick

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:56:23 GMT

My experience repaying student loans, including a trick to getting your consolidation loan paid off.

No More Student Loan!

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 04:11:56 GMT

I paid off my student loan! My consolidation loan is gone! Hurray! I almost can't believe it, but it's true. Seems like paying off a debt hardly ever happens...but it did. I've only got a couple of minutes right now, so I can't explain it all. I used a little trick to get it done. I'm putting together a full page on how I did it that will be up soon. No more student loan! You can pay yours off, too!

The Un-Scholarship: How Does It Work?

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 03:53:30 GMT

Have you heard about Peter Thiel's Un-Scholarship? The official name is the Thiel Fellowship (you can see the link a the bottom of this post). Mr. Thiel is the cofounder of Paypal. He has created a fellowship, with a twist. You have to be under 20 to apply, and it pays $100,000. Nice, right? Here's the catch: you have to drop out of college to accept. Crazy, right? Thiel's idea is that higher education is overrated, and to prove it, he is awarding several applicants a bunch of money to try their entrepreneurial ideas out, without finishing college. He has a point, and the Un-Scholarship demonstrates it. But I think there is still room for higher education in our society. So apply for the Un-Scholarship, but if you don't win, keep your options open. There are many fields now that require higher education of some kind, and they pay well. Here's the link to check out The Thiel Foundation

Is College Tuition Worth It?

Wed, 18 May 2011 04:54:58 GMT

I just read an article about the value of college tuition, and about the value of a degree. The article quoted a new Pew Research study about the value of a degree, among other college related questions. It's interesting, and very long. I wanted to comment on a couple of things that might help. First, when asked if a college degree is worth the money, many people said no, not today. But when the same people were asked if their degree was worth the effort and money, they said yes. Weird, right? Also, the amount of money that people guessed their degree was worth per year was about $20K. The study said that it varies by field. This is key. Be Aware
Here's the thing: heavy borrowing to get a low paying job is a bad idea. Let's say you go to an expensive school and borrow all the money to go, maybe $100K or $200K. Then let's assume that when you finish, you get a degree that qualifies you for a $15K per year job. You will have a hard time paying that bill, no question. Some fields can start very low and go up - advertising and accounting come to mind. but some may stay low for years, or even forever. You should be aware of your expected earnings and plan accordingly. For instance, you could go to a less expensive school, or borrow less. Or even change majors. Think It Through
A degree can still be very valuable. In some fields, it is absolutely required and will be in the future. If you look at the study, keep in mind that you and your decisions about your career make the difference. You can do great things.

College Finals are Finally Over!

Wed, 04 May 2011 04:25:03 GMT

I hope college finals are over for you! I went to a university graduation recently, and saw the gowns, the tassles, and heard the speeches. And hours of name after name... But hey - everyone deserves the chance to stand up and show that they completed the work and got their degree. I hope you've finally got yours, too. As I started to head home after graduation, I passed more than one car loading up to leave. It can be sad to leave college, but it's definitely an adventure - it has been for me. And it's so great not to have to take a 3 hour test every few months! Use your degree wisely, and I hope you kept your student loans low. Congratulations!

Textbook Buyback Season is Here!

Sun, 01 May 2011 04:39:26 GMT

It's Textbook Buyback time of the year again! In case you haven't read my pages on textbook buyback or textbook sellback as some universities call it, I'll sum it up. You will use very few of the textbooks you studied in college after you finish the class, and that goes double for after graduation. Regardless of the field, you would do better to sell your books, unless it is an absolute masterpiece, and then buy a used version. I've even bought an older version of a textbook to take a class! That really keeps the costs down... The thing is textbooks hold value poorly. They only sell for high values when college professors choose them for their classes. When the professors stop choosing them, or a new version comes out, value drops like a rock. A Textbook Experiment
Try this little experiment. Look up your books on Amazon, eBay or wherever. While you are there, look for the other editions of the same title. Click over to see what older versions are selling for right now. Most older textbooks that have already been through a few textbook buyback seasons, will sell for under $20. I have seen many for under $10. I saw one today that retails over $100, selling for $5. So if you need a particular book, keep it. But if you have no real need, sell it immediately for as much as you can get. Then, hop over to your favorite used book place and buy an older version for a few bucks, if you must have it for reference. Textbook buyback season won't last long!

New Scholarships For Women

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:17:27 GMT

I ran across a new set of scholarships today. They are a bit specialized, but I thought you'd like to know. Wildflower Women's Foundation offers scholarships and grants for divorced and widowed women - take a look if you fit. Could help you pay that tuition bill. Women in this situation can often find themselves losing financial ground, with more bills and less income. Going back to college makes sense, but some women will need help paying the bill. Could be a good option.

Getting an Accredited Business Degree Online: 5 More Items to Remember

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 06:23:30 GMT

Five points to keep in mind about an accredited business degree online. Continuation of the 10 important items about an online degree in business administration.

The Best College Aid: 7 Ideas to Earn College Credit Cheap

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 06:28:23 GMT

College Aid ideas you may never have heard of, and can qualify use right away. Seven of the best ideas to lower your college costs.

Student Loans Vs Your Future Career

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 05:21:22 GMT

This video compares student loans to career choice - it's very interesting. Here is another way to look at your future career, and a reason to think twice about getting more student loans: Tech Ticker - Forget a 4 year degree Even if you disagree, that's okay. Just use it to realize why you want that degree, and why you need student loans. If you really want the career you have chosen, the trade-off with paying the loans will feel lighter because you have your eyes open and you'll be in the field you chose. And maybe, you can find a way to avoid some of the student loans and the student loan consolidation that comes later.

Emergency Loan Resources

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:51:15 GMT

Emergency loan resources and quick ways to borrow some money, plus other similar resources

Getting A Quick Student Loan: 5 Things to Remember and Places to Look

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:52:32 GMT

Looking for a quick student loan? Learn 5 things that can slow it down, and places to look for a loan.

Scholarship Application Season

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 06:24:27 GMT

Just a quick note. You still have time to send in scholarship applications for many awards. I hope you apply to all you can. The more you apply, the better you get at it, and the more you can win. And if you haven't won any, go over your application with some helpful people and see what you might have missed. By the way, the list of quick money sources I mentioned recently in a previous post is nearly done - I'll announce it here when you can download it. Go find a few more applications, and apply for those scholarships. Good luck!

Quick Money and other topics

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:17:34 GMT

I am working on a list of quick ways to get money for college - maybe for your last tuition payment, for books, or anything you need while in school. If you know of a great way to find quick money, click on the contact me button and send me a note. An unrelated topic... I just found out that a cool movie is coming out you may have never heard of. Atlas Shrugged, a 1300 page book from the 50's has never been made into a movie - until now. The film makers have decided to release it as a trilogy, and part 1 is done. It will open in independent theaters on April 15. So many students read this book as the foundation of Objectivism that I thought some readers might like to know it is coming out. Have a great day, and send me your suggestions for quick ways to get money for college!

Great College Blogs

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 05:33:46 GMT

A reader recommended this article (click the link below), and I thought you'd like it. You'll find several great blogs with helpful information for students and parents. Enjoy!

Sample Scholarship Essay Sources: 5 More

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 00:13:54 GMT

Links to real, winning sample scholarship essay pages, plus some advice to help you on the way.

Financial Aid Search: 18 Cool Programs and Places to Look

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 06:57:42 GMT

Planning a financial aid search to get money for college? Want to know your options? Here is a great list to help you get started.

College Tuition Loan: How to Get Yours

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 06:51:25 GMT

Getting a college tuition loan seems hard at first, but it gets easier as you learn how to do it and what to look for in a loan. Here you’ll find several places to look, and what loans work best

Writing College Admission Essay: Need Ideas?

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:45:25 GMT

Busy writing college admission essay pages for your application to college? Take a look here for more ideas on how to fix up that essay and get accepted.

Student Loan and Grants: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 05:06:32 GMT

The economy is getting very blustery. How stable are your student loan and grants? And finishing school in general? You’ll find 10 questions to think about and help you see what’s coming.

Happy New Year!

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 03:55:31 GMT

Happy New Year 2011! It's great to have a New Year ahead! Hope you had a great break, and that you are ready to run with the new year. I have big plans for the year, with an e-book, an e-course, and more in the works. Stay tuned and you'll learn plenty! A quick note for your taxes - remember, as a student you can take advantage of certain tax breaks. A quick list that may apply to you: - Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits - Tuition Deduction - Interest Deduction for a qualified student loan - Professional Library Deduction (though you should probably sell the books instead) Talk to a good tax accountant for more, or visit the IRS site to see for yourself. Come back soon for more great ways to Beat Tuition!

Apply for Scholarships, or More Student Loans?

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 05:20:37 GMT

Which makes more sense, to apply for more scholarships, or more student loans? I hope you have a great winter break planned - I just wanted to share a couple of thoughts. About this time, many students have figured out they need more money to finish college. It's a constant battle in some ways, right? You end up looking for more money, and the question of using scholarships or loans pops into your head. Why? Shouldn't scholarships always win in this debate? Not always, and you know why: Scholarships are not a sure thing. Sometimes, student loans are, or at least seem to be. For some of you, you know a Pell grant check will come, and that may cover or nearly cover your tuition. You breathe a sigh of relief at that. But you don't always even look at scholarships, because you don't want to put in the effort if you won't get anything in return. I just want to encourage you to try. Apply for some scholarships. Maybe you don't go for the big, hard ones. But at least fill out a few applications. You never know, you may qualify and be able to go a full year or more without a student loan. To add one more idea on that same line of thinking, if you have a scholarship, do everything you can to keep it. Bring up that one grade that might make you drop below the threshold. Making the effort to apply for new scholarships and keeping ones you have will pay you back. You won't have to work as many hours during school, and you won't have to borrow that money. Enjoy your winter break!

Preview The Race To Nowhere

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:12:51 GMT

Have you heard of the Race to Nowhere? I am out of the office, so this will be very short. The Race to Nowhere is a new movie about the pressures on teenagers and students in general in the USA to perform well. The idea that you have to get great grades, get into a top tier university and so on. This produces stress and pressure on kids. The Race to Nowhere will only be shown in a few places, and not at movie theaters in most cases. You can see the preview and where it wil be shown at http://www.racetonowhere.com Sorry that link isn't live, but like I said, I am not at my own computer. Hope you like it and learn something from it.

Money for College Quick Tip

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 04:49:07 GMT

Here's a quick money for college tip. Don't spend a bunch of money to go home for the holidays, or at least work over the school break. Perhaps not earth shattering, but valuable just the same. And the same goes if you are paying off debt - this might be a great time for a second job. And if you are lucky like my friend, you could find yourself working with beautiful people... It might help a bit during your next semester if you don't spend the money for an expensive trip home if you live a long way from school. Or, maybe you can get extra hours during the break due to others heading home. Think about it and give it a try - it may make a big difference in your bank account.