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What should I know before starting my own business How can I get a good scholarship through actions and not grades? When should I start applying to college? Should I start a business while in college or wait? How can I make business connections and life long friendships in college? What should I prepare as a backup plan? ?

I’m in 12 grade and, I’m really interested in higher education. I want to become more independent as I’m getting ready to graduate high school but, I don’t want to financially burden my parents while doing so. I have been putting aside money for college but don’t have nearly enough to pay for it in one go. I don’t expect myself to have all of the money upfront but I don’t want to come out of college with a bachelor’s degree and $80,000 in debt, if possible I want to learn more about work studies and look into more scholarships I can apply to that are based on merit or skill based rather then having a 4.0. I also want to learn the basics of managing a business and hopefully open my own business one day.

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Udit’s Answer

Going to college immediately after high school is often recommended, but it's not a strict requirement. Your financial success after graduation (based on statistical data) hinges on your academic performance, the reputation of your college, and your chosen major. Specifically, if you earn a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field, you're more likely to land a well-paying job. The unemployment rate among STEM graduates is among the lowest nationwide.

In terms of scholarships, numerous websites and apps can link you to a wide array of funding sources. In fact, there are so many scholarships out there that many go unclaimed.

Furthermore, if you excel in sports or other pursuits like chess, you can easily find scholarships specifically designed for those areas.
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Paul’s Answer

You might want to check the college foundation of the university or college that you attend.

Colleges and universities have foundations that control scholarship funds from private donors.

There are a variety of scholarship that you could potentially qualify to apply for.

So, the foundation might be an option.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Savannah !

Exploring what scholarships are out there can be a full time job, for sure ! You mention that you want financial assistance for college, but not based upon merit. The very essence of scholarships weigh greatly on merit. Let's see if I can come up with some things you may want to look into for your state of New York, assuming that's where you'll be attending college.

First, I want to mention Grants instead of scholarships since you do not want your grades or accomplishments to be considered. New York has Pell Grants, one for full time college students and one for part time college students. There is also the New York State Educational Opportunity program that some colleges participate in for disadvantaged students regarding grades and financial need. I don't know much about you, but there is a grant - New York State Aid to Native Americans - that grants $2,000.00 a year towards tuition if you are of a recognized tribe. These are just some that you can look into, but it is based on a variety of things so you'd have to do some reading up and see which grants are ones you qualify for. There will always be qualifications of some kind for financial assistance whether it is in the form of Scholarships or Grants.

If one or both of your parents are a member of a Union at their job, ask them to look into a grant from the union. Often times Unions offer grants to the children of their members. Some grants are based on what your major is, too.

I hope that this is helpful for your financial assistance question and I would advise perhaps, if you want, to ask the other questions separately right here at Career Village. Try not to feel discouraged. I think that the more you read about grants and scholarships you will learn which ones are the best for you.

Best wishes in all you do !
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Katherine’s Answer

Look into these workbooks for some ideas that can help you decide what you want to do specifically:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/education-for-better-work-na-eng.pdf?lang=eng&download=true

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/find-a-better-job-na-eng.pdf?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/2017/14678_sgmb_book_eng.pdf?lang=eng
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Jerome’s Answer

I’d highly recommend starting a business if you can. You can get a hardship business license (business license for companies making under a certain amount of money). There are so many organizations who give offer free support for entrepreneurs.

If you start a company and then go to college, when courses require you to develop a business plan, or to present business challenges to your class, you can get real time feedback that directly impacts your venture.
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Jeanne’s Answer

Hello Savannah,

Not everyone should feel compelled to enter college immediately upon graduation from High School. Many individuals find it useful to enter the work force and acquire practical experience and build a nest egg to pay expenses. A great way to begin a higher education is to attend a community college or trade school near your home. Credits often cost less than a university and many will transfer when you're ready to relocate to another town or university. While in your Senior Year, check into all the scholarships and awards that are available through such clubs and organizations as Kiwanis, Jaycees, Rotary, League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Knights of Columbus and others that may be in your town. They usually require some sort of essay and a resume reflecting your community service. There also may be scholarships available through your house of worship, cultural groups, etc. There may be other sponsored scholarships for children of American Indian descendants, military dependents, etc. You just have to start digging, researching and applying for pertinent ones.

Before starting a business, make sure you again do your research. Know your market and your product. Just because you like coffee doesn't mean a coffee shop will thrive or you will be able to handle the business. Remember starting a business also takes capital and the average length of time before it begins to turn a profit is 5-7 years. I was 43 years old before I opened my business and that was after working in the industry for 25 years.

Best of luck to you
Jeanne
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Amalya’s Answer

Hi Savannah,

It's great that you are already so mature and clever for your age. Asking these types of questions, means having passed various life experiences.
You should do your best to get admitted to the college of your dreams and study well. What refers to financially supporting yourself, you can work then if possible. It will give you financial independence and a sense of security.
Networking is important not only in business, but also in life in general. So business connections can positively influence on your career advancement and future opportunities. Nevertheless, I believe that in most of the cases, we reach our goals relatively independently, based on our hard work, dedication and self-discovery.
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