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EDUCATION
Scholartips : Scholarship Guide for Incoming Freshmen
by Kate Paulyn Tayco
Posted on December 16, 2020
The thought of entering college is already nerve-wracking but thinking about the expenses you have to shoulder makes things worse. But don’t fret, there are programs that are willing to give incoming freshmen students like you a helping hand. You may not know it, but different scholarship announcements and application forms are just around waiting for you to take the first step.
Tuition fees might be free. Miscellaneous fees might be free. Student collections? Pay no more. But don’t be too happy especially if you intend to go to a private college away from home because you still have rent fees and a monthly allowance to think about.
Hence, if you know you are qualified and can apply for a scholarship, waste no time, and apply now. Here are some tips to help you select and apply for the best college scholarship that suits your skills and personality.

Scholartips # 1: Grab as many as you can
You may not know it but, there are scholarships in your community that are just waiting for students that would apply for them. If you need a scholarship, always read bulletin announcements in your school as well as in the city hall. Yes! Try to go to the city hall and ask if there are available scholarships for incoming freshmen like you. Just don’t be shy and you will go home with at least one application form to fill up for the day.
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Lifebank Foundation Scholarship Program. Lifebank’s Education Scholarship Program extends help to underprivileged Filipinos who want to attain higher education. Their scholarship program sponsors hundreds of students every year and has helped thousands of students all over the country.
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Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Scholarship. DOST’s Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarships Program offers two types of scholarships. The first one is through the Republic Act 7687 or the “Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994.” It gives financial assistance to talented and deserving students who would like to pursue study in the basic sciences, engineering, other applied sciences, and science and mathematics teaching. The other scholarship is through their DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship Program. This is awarded to students with high aptitude in science and mathematics who are also willing to pursue science and technology careers.
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Aboitiz Scholarship Program. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc., as part of their corporate social responsibilities, provides financial support for students taking undergraduate degrees related to Accounting, Business, Management and Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, Communication, and Social Sciences.
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Megaworld Scholarship. Megaworld Foundation, Inc. Scholarship aims to alleviate poverty and empower the youth through education. Their scholarship application is open to students taking up courses such as Advertising, Architecture, Business, Interior Design, Marketing, Mechanical and Tourism, and Hospitality Management.
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Cebuana Lhuillier Nationwide Scholarship Program. Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. also assists intellectually gifted yet economically challenged students who are dedicated to pursuing their college education.
Scholartips # 2: The Matchmaker
in you
You should not just settle for being good at matching your best friend with her crush, you should also be your own matchmaker. Hep, hep… We’re not talking about love here but, for the best scholarship program that will match your personality, skills, and ability. Of course, don’t forget your eligibility.
First, you have to check if you are qualified for the criteria of your chosen scholarship program. Once you confirmed that you are eligible, check out the maintaining average and skills they preferred.
In the Philippines, there are a lot of scholarships – some are open to all, as long as you fit the criteria, while some are intended for a specific college degree. You can check the following scholarships below:
Scholartips # 3: Try and try; Don't cry
Many students are afraid to submit their scholarship application forms simply because they are scared of rejection. Who wants to be rejected anyway? But be reminded that you will not be able to achieve anything unless you’ve tried to do it. Don’t get scared to fill up the application form. You might get rejected once, twice, or even thrice but don’t worry, the right scholarship program is just waiting for you to come and apply for them. Keep on trying.
There are many guides on how to get scholarship programs but all of them will tell you the same thing: There are a lot of scholarships; you just have to apply for them. #