“I don’t know where to look for scholarships.”

You can find information on all the scholarships available in Bermuda on the bermudascholarships.com website. Also, many colleges award entry scholarships to freshmen based on your high-school grades without you having to apply.

You can find out about what scholarships are offered to international students by visiting college websites.

“It’s not worth the trouble as no one I know has ever gotten a scholarship.”

You would probably be surprised how many people you know have received financial help to continue their education — they just may not talk about it.

Do not be defeated before you even start — there are hundreds of scholarships awarded every year to Bermudians and they do not (and cannot) all go to the students who are at the top of the class.

“I don’t think my GPA is high enough.”

Although most academic awards require a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, there are a number of scholarships that do not require even a minimum GPA average, focusing instead on the student’s overall academic, community performance and financial need.

“My parents make too much money.”

Some scholarships are based on financial need but there are many scholarships that are based on your own academic achievements and promise for future success, not your parents’ incomes or assets.

“I don’t have the time to look for scholarships or fill out applications.”

You need to make time and it is so easy with this website. Treat your scholarship application process like an extra course you are taking and give it at least an hour a week during your final year at high school. And do not forget that you can apply for most scholarships even after you have started college. It is never too late.

“I can’t write a good essay.”

Writing an essay, especially if it is about yourself, isn’t easy. In most cases, this is how a scholarship committee gets to know you, so you need to represent yourself in a positive manner without boasting.

Make sure that you write about what they ask for in an essay, which might be your career focus.

After you have drafted the essay and you feel comfortable with it, have several people, such as your guidance counsellor, English teacher or parents review it for grammar, style and content.

“I’m shy about asking people to write me a reference letter.”

This may feel a bit uncomfortable. The people you ask to write a letter for you should know you well and believe you will be successful in college and your future career.

Develop relationships with teachers, coaches, community leaders, employers and others. Start talking to people now.

Seek advice on what scholarships to consider. Research what careers are in demand, identify those that suit your interests, talents, and abilities, etc.

We are all worthy of the opportunity to learn and grow, and to contribute the best we can to our community and society-at-large.

• Courtesy of www.bermudascholarships.com