PDF Summary:How to Go to College Almost for Free, by Ben Kaplan

Attending college is a financial burden for many students and their families. In How to Go to College Almost for Free, Ben Kaplan provides strategies for securing scholarships and reducing the costs of higher education. This guide explores the numerous scholarships available, debunks common misconceptions about eligibility, and offers practical advice for navigating the application process.

Kaplan emphasizes tailoring your applications to highlight your unique background and achievements. He explains how to craft an engaging personal narrative woven through your essays, recommendations, and supplemental materials. By approaching each scholarship as an opportunity for self-improvement, you can refine skills like writing, self-promotion, and time management along the way.

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• Tax deductions and work-study programs, while helpful, may not cover significant portions of college costs, and the availability and quality of work-study positions can vary greatly between institutions.
• Government educational grants, though substantial, may not keep pace with the rising costs of higher education, diminishing their impact over time.
• Private organizations and businesses may offer scholarships with specific interests that align with their branding or corporate goals, which could limit the diversity of scholarship opportunities and influence educational paths.
• Scholarships managed by colleges and universities often benefit the institutions by attracting high-achieving students, which can be seen as serving the schools' interests potentially more than those of the students.

Developing a strategic approach to applying for college.

Kaplan outlines various successful strategies for seeking scholarships. He provides guidance on skillfully navigating the dynamics between scholarship providers, the evaluators of applicants, and the students vying for the awards. Ben Kaplan underscores the necessity of tailoring each application meticulously to meet the specific objectives and criteria of every scholarship.

Grasping the intricacies of the scholarship application process.

This section explores the various individuals who play a role in the scholarship application process. Kaplan recommends that students conduct thorough investigations into each scholarship possibility and tailor their applications to align with the specific and inferred requirements established by the awarding body and those assessing the applications.

Identifying the key players and their roles (administrators, judges, applicants)

Kaplan emphasizes that the organizations responsible for awarding scholarships frequently are not the same as those that manage the scholarship processes. The entities that handle the intricate aspects of scholarship applications frequently operate independently. Numerous businesses entrust the administration of their scholarship monies to organizations such as the Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America, the American Association of School Administrators, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the National Science Teachers Association. The committee tasked with awarding scholarships often includes an independent group made up of educational specialists, members associated with the sponsoring organization, or a selected group of knowledgeable individuals. Understanding the complexities of the scholarship landscape is essential for crafting an effective scholarship application that improves your likelihood of securing financial awards. Kaplan advises initiating personal dialogue to better comprehend the intricacies of the procedure.

Grasping the diverse elements that scholarship programs take into account when selecting awardees.

Kaplan underscores the necessity of conducting thorough investigations into scholarship opportunities, noting that these initiatives employ a diverse array of criteria for selection. He emphasizes that numerous scholarships based on merit depend on the specific objectives and requirements established by the sponsoring organizations. Kaplan organizes the various approaches to securing scholarships into nine essential categories, which encompass academic and career goals, geographic considerations, affiliations with certain groups, familial heritage, demographic elements like race, ethnicity, or religion, gender, physical or mental disabilities, participation in employment or extracurricular pursuits, and characteristics associated with physical attributes, such as stature. Kaplan recommends that students seek out scholarships tailored to unique characteristics, which typically have fewer applicants and thus less competition compared to broader scholarship options.

Crafting a plan to ensure successful college admissions.

Kaplan distills key tactics for securing scholarships, emphasizing the importance of seeking multiple awards across local and national platforms, employing synergistic methods to streamline the application process, and recognizing that scholarship applications serve not only as a means to financial support but also as avenues for self-improvement.

Applying for a variety of scholarships can enhance the chances of obtaining financial aid for schooling.

Kaplan emphasizes the importance of applying for a variety of scholarships to enhance the chances of receiving financial aid. The method of selecting awardees for various scholarships involves personal judgments that vary widely across programs and those assessing them; thus, he advises that increasing the number of submissions may lessen the uncertainty associated with the selection of recipients. Moreover, Kaplan underscores the importance of students improving their application skills by frequently sending out more applications. A student who only seeks a handful of scholarships forgoes the opportunity to hone the crucial abilities that could improve their applications, thus relinquishing the benefits of the "learning curve effect" which allows them to make the most of their initial time and effort invested.

Concentrating on scholarships linked to specific communities and niche areas often results in less competition due to fewer applicants.

Kaplan underscores the strategic benefits of seeking out scholarships tailored to candidates with particular qualifications, in addition to advocating for the pursuit of various scholarships, including national ones that often offer significant financial aid. This approach improves the likelihood of a student obtaining scholarships by concentrating on lesser-known opportunities provided by community or regional organizations, small enterprises, and specialized groups. The author highlights that while the financial benefits from these activities might appear small at first, they can grow over time, and winning local competitions can bolster a student's confidence and provide them with significant accomplishments to highlight in future applications for larger, national scholarships. Kaplan advises readers to begin by securing smaller, community-level successes that can accumulate and improve their prospects for gaining more scholarships.

Utilizing the same elements of an application across multiple scholarship submissions.

Kaplan reveals a strategy for amalgamating multiple scholarships. He explains that students frequently view every scholarship application as a separate endeavor, leading to a substantial rise in the time and energy needed to complete them. Kaplan recommends that readers carefully structure their activities to ensure that each one positively impacts their future scholarship applications. He illustrates his method by pointing out that students, when faced with the option to choose their own topic for a scholarship essay, can cleverly opt for a subject that coincides with the requirements of another, more specific scholarship. In this way, a single essay topic can be strategically crafted to meet the needs of two or more scholarship applications, with small modifications then made to customize each submission.

Leveraging the scholarship application process to improve personal abilities.

Kaplan underscores that the pursuit of scholarships extends beyond merely acquiring funds for higher education; it encompasses the cultivation of skills that will last a lifetime.

Improving the skill of writing by frequently revising essays.

Kaplan emphasizes that the essay portion of many scholarship applications should be viewed not merely as a step to obtain funding for education, but as an opportunity to enhance writing abilities that will serve the applicant well beyond the short-term financial benefits. He underscores the significance of students weaving scholarship searches into their overall personal development, a process that often includes continuous improvement and enrichment of essays on comparable topics and inquiries. Students who avoid essay writing forfeit the opportunity to improve their writing skills and become more comfortable with written self-expression. Kaplan underscores the importance of writing skills, noting that they will be beneficial not only for scholarship submissions but also for subsequent college admissions, career pursuits, and interpersonal communications.

Cultivating the ability to promote oneself for upcoming ventures.

Kaplan demonstrates that seeking merit-based scholarships enables students to articulate their unique attributes effectively, regardless of their field of study, specific skill, or community project they are promoting. He underscores the necessity of standing out in the pursuit of scholarships, which includes adept self-promotion and crafting a compelling narrative, thereby increasing the chances of securing scholarships and acquiring skills beneficial in numerous other areas. Kaplan underscores the importance of certain skills, pointing out their essential role not only in obtaining entry to top-tier universities or thriving in rigorous academic fields but also in landing internships, getting jobs, or carving out unique career trajectories.

Improving time management and organizational skills.

Seeking out scholarships can also serve to improve an individual's skills in organization and time management. Kaplan emphasizes that students must enhance their ability to organize to handle the growing demands of applying for scholarships and the approaching deadlines, lest they risk lagging in their pursuits. Initiating their organizational efforts ahead of time provides individuals with an advantage over those who may not be as prepared, as Kaplan emphasizes the importance of beginning preparations early. He emphasizes that the book's tactics, such as documenting personal achievements and keeping track of deadlines, along with the skill of utilizing one scholarship application to apply for multiple awards, teach valuable lessons in organization and managing time that are beneficial far beyond securing educational funds.

Other Perspectives

• While Kaplan suggests meticulous tailoring of applications, it can be argued that this approach may not be feasible for all students due to time constraints or limited resources.
• The distinction between organizations managing and awarding scholarships might not always be clear-cut, and in some cases, they may be one and the same, which could simplify the application process.
• The composition of scholarship committees might not always be as diverse or specialized as suggested, potentially leading to biases or a lack of expertise in certain areas.
• Focusing on academic goals, affiliations, demographics, and personal attributes may not always align with the most equitable or meritocratic principles of scholarship selection.
• Applying for various scholarships does increase chances of aid, but it can also lead to application fatigue and diminish the quality of each individual application.
• Concentrating on niche scholarships might limit a student's exposure to a broader range of opportunities and could reinforce existing inequities if certain groups are systematically underrepresented in those niches.
• Reusing application elements can be efficient, but it may also result in less personalized applications and potentially diminish the applicant's chances if the reused material is not perfectly aligned with each scholarship's unique criteria.
• While writing essays can improve skills, not all students may have the same level of support or prior education to benefit equally from this process, potentially exacerbating educational inequalities.
• The skills gained from self-promotion in scholarship applications may not translate seamlessly into other areas of life, such as job interviews or interpersonal relationships, which require different approaches.
• The improvement of time management and organizational skills through scholarship applications assumes that all students are starting from a similar baseline, which may not account for disparities in students' prior educational or life experiences.

Crafting a captivating narrative of your personal journey that bolsters the different components of your college applications.

Ben Kaplan highlighted the importance of crafting a compelling narrative when applying for scholarships. He outlines how to craft a persuasive personal story by employing methods that weave a theme throughout and tailoring submissions to meet the specific criteria of different scholarships. He explores every aspect of the standard application process, providing insights on how to increase their effectiveness.

Creating a vivid and comprehensive personal portrayal during the application process.

Kaplan identifies that what sets successful candidates apart in securing scholarships is how effectively they can establish a connection with the reviewer by presenting their personal narrative in a compelling and evocative manner, as opposed to simply cataloging their achievements or qualifications. Ben Kaplan demonstrates how to successfully obtain scholarships by identifying tactics that highlight personal traits and customizing applications to resonate with the particular preferences of scholarship panels.

Crafting a story that maintains consistency through a set of recurring themes.

Kaplan advises treating every part of a scholarship application as interconnected and cohesive elements, instead of viewing them as separate sections. Working from this premise, he clarifies the significance of using themes—narrative components that highlight a candidate's central passions, defining moments, and aspirations—to create a cohesive narrative and present an engaging persona during the college application journey. He explains that it's crucial for all parts of the application to work together to clearly convey the student's unique personality, values, and passions. Kaplan illustrates his point by referencing instances from the scholarship applications he personally crafted. He demonstrated his passion for writing and his leadership abilities when he applied for the Discover Card Tribute Awards. Kaplan emphasized these principles by meticulously choosing supporters and supplementary material for his applications.

Emphasizing distinctive characteristics along with individual backgrounds.

Kaplan stressed the importance of highlighting unique attributes and personal histories in scholarship applications. He urges people to measure success by embracing their unique attributes rather than traditional academic measures like grades and test scores. A successful scholarship application, Kaplan asserts, depends on self-reflection, acknowledging one's strengths, accepting past mistakes, and identifying significant life experiences that have shaped personal growth. To effectively communicate your personal attributes, it's not enough to simply assert that you have them in an essay. Kaplan recommends showcasing these attributes by telling captivating stories, describing significant occurrences, and illustrating with clear examples.

Tailoring your application documents meticulously to align with the distinct criteria of different scholarship initiatives.

Kaplan clarifies the method of analyzing scholarship applications by exploring their objectives, evaluation criteria, and guidelines to understand the intentions of the organizations offering these financial awards. He emphasizes the significance of paying close attention to detail by drawing on his own journey through the High School All-American Scholarship application process. The evaluation of the program now includes consideration of participation in extracurricular activities that are connected to distinct areas of study, in addition to academic accomplishments. Kaplan's thorough analysis of the materials required for application led him to tailor his submission in a unique way, which might set him apart from other applicants. He advises contacting former awardees and judges to grasp the often unspoken standards that dictate the operation of scholarship programs. He emphasizes the importance of thorough research during the process of applying for scholarships, an approach that contributed to Kaplan's success and resulted in him winning a $10,000 award by focusing on details that many applicants tend to miss. Kaplan recommends that students thoroughly research all available scholarships, comprehend the objectives of the organization providing the funds, and tailor their applications to highlight attributes and accomplishments that align with the sponsor's objectives and distinguish the applicant from other contenders.

Mastering the necessary procedures for every individual scholarship submission.

Kaplan provides methods to improve the impact of typical components included in scholarship applications.

Crafting engaging narratives for the essay and succinct reply portions.

Kaplan underscores the importance of proficiency in crafting short answers and essays, which are crucial elements of most scholarship applications, and provides basic advice for enhancing these components. He begins by emphasizing that the ability to create an outstanding scholarship application essay relies not on a natural gift for writing but on the deliberate application of learnable strategies. Demonstrate your unique abilities, traits, or individuality through engaging stories, significant experiences, and clear illustrations, instead of simply stating that you possess them. Kaplan notes that a frequent error made by those who fail to obtain scholarships is to view the scholarship essay simply as an opportunity to list their accomplishments instead of recognizing the persuasive power of a thoughtfully written essay. He advises showing your adeptness at listening by taking part in significant activities and posing inquiries that foster deeper conversation, instead of just claiming to possess this quality. In his second key recommendation for crafting essays, Kaplan underscores the significance of incorporating a distinctive individual element into your composition. He advises linking essay prompts that may seem unrelated by highlighting pivotal experiences, unique characteristics, and memorable instances that showcase an individual's personal journey and perspectives. He advises that if you find your personal stories lacking, incorporate narratives from family members, close friends, or mentors into your essay, and then relate these accounts to your own path. Kaplan underscores the significance of a clear and structured presentation in the third principle of writing. He emphasizes that a coherent essay significantly improves comprehension by presenting key arguments in a structured manner and advancing ideas systematically. Kaplan advises beginning the essay with an introductory paragraph that engages the reader by introducing the topic, followed by additional paragraphs that expand and strengthen the main ideas, and concluding with a paragraph that extends the discussion and leaves the reader with a memorable thought or concept. He advises readers to strengthen their concluding remarks rather than just reiterating previous points, which could render the composition tedious. The writer underscores the necessity of composing scholarship essays in which each sentence carries significant weight due to the limitations of length and space. He recommends that individuals carefully excise superfluous words, do away with simple connectors, and condense sections that surpass the prescribed length and fail to add meaningful content, after completing the first draft. Ultimately, Kaplan emphasizes that the essence of a successful scholarship application essay lies in its distinctiveness and the lasting impression it leaves. To accomplish this, Kaplan suggests focusing on personal details, coming up with original or unconventional ideas, and expressing traditional concepts in creative ways—for instance through a extended metaphor.

Securing compelling endorsements from credible sources

Kaplan provides guidance on how to bolster the effectiveness of scholarship recommendations by gathering compelling letters, fostering robust relationships with your endorsers, clearly communicating by providing your advocates with necessary details and materials, and securing electronic versions beforehand to streamline the application procedure. He emphasizes that an abundance of superior recommendation letters is essential because students have only limited influence over the content of these letters, and the writers of them can be unpredictable. Kaplan outlines the unique characteristics that set apart outstanding letters of recommendation, highlighting the components that contribute to their effectiveness in persuasion. He emphasizes the significance of endorsements that originate from the recommender's profound comprehension of the individual in question. Only those acquainted with the student can craft recommendation letters that are detailed, engaging, and effectively narrate the individual's qualities. Kaplan uses examples from his own substantial background in applying for scholarships to demonstrate this idea. The book received endorsements from notable figures, including government officials, but these testimonials did not leave a significant impact because they were missing detailed and insightful anecdotes. This point reinforces the need to cultivate relationships with recommenders, since the best letters cannot be rushed.

Maintaining a comprehensive log of participation in extracurricular activities, along with any honors earned and academic achievements.

Kaplan provides guidance on preparing comprehensive records of your extracurricular engagements, accolades, and academic achievements, which can then be tailored for each individual application. He recommends that students pursuing higher education explore the option of adding an additional document to their official records to highlight their achievements and honors. Kaplan suggests that students educated at home may need to create their own academic records from the ground up, using examples from traditional school transcripts as a guide. Kaplan points out that students can distinguish themselves by providing a two-page summary in addition to their official transcripts, which offers a more objective presentation of their qualifications that can enhance their scholarship applications.

Employing further tactics to set oneself apart

Kaplan recommends that when students apply for scholarships, they should, if permitted, submit supplementary items that highlight their distinctive talents and capabilities.

Choosing appropriate examples of work and collections of projects.

Applicants for scholarships have the opportunity to highlight skills that may not be readily apparent from the conventional components of their applications by including supplementary items like artwork, photographs, musical compositions, digital projects, scientific research, and journalistic samples. Kaplan underscores the necessity of showcasing only your most outstanding and relevant achievements, each carefully chosen for every individual scholarship application. Additionally, he advises against attaching actual trophies, certificates, or inscribed accolades to your college application, as they tend to provide little extra insight and often annoy the evaluators.

Leverage academic projects and self-directed studies as a strategic approach.

Kaplan outlines strategies that enable students to leverage their everyday scholarly pursuits and independent educational initiatives to create materials that enhance their scholarship applications and bolster their overall academic standing. He notes that teachers often allow students to create written assignments and research projects that not only meet educational goals but also provide valuable feedback that improves the quality of their applications for academic financial awards. Additionally, Kaplan suggests devising methods to connect scholarly endeavors with the objectives of particular outside organizations, which can enrich the educational experience and potentially lead to mentorship opportunities. offer programs that allow students to pursue self-guided projects and research under the guidance of faculty members, thereby earning academic credit. Kaplan emphasizes the value of incorporating self-directed projects that have scholarly value into a student's educational journey, which can not only improve their academic record and potentially raise their GPA but also result in strong recommendations that can elevate their scholarship applications.

Practical Tips

• You can start a "narrative journal" to practice and refine your storytelling skills, focusing on personal experiences that showcase your unique attributes. Each day, write a short story about a personal experience, aiming to connect emotionally with an imaginary reader. Over time, you'll have a collection of stories to choose from when crafting your scholarship applications.
• Create a "scholarship alignment chart" to visually map out how your personal qualities, experiences, and academic interests align with the objectives of different scholarships. Use a spreadsheet to list scholarships in one column and your matching attributes and experiences in adjacent columns. This will help you quickly identify the best scholarships to apply for and tailor your applications effectively.
• Develop a "sentence impact scale" to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of your writing. After composing an essay or description, rate each sentence on a scale from 1 to 5 based on its emotional impact, relevance, and clarity. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to validate your ratings, and revise sentences with low impact scores to enhance the overall strength of your application.