Late to the Party

You know the saying “fashionable late?”  Well that only applies to parties and not the real world.  One specific place that lateness is not recommended is when applying for financial aid and free money.  I know because I live it each and every day!

 Being tardy for a free opportunity is unacceptable and having your name at the tip of others’ tongue is not always a good thing.  For example, for the last three years, 37% - 41% of incoming college students waited until the scholarship deadline to actually apply.  Now, even though these students made the deadline, they still displayed an image of waiting till the last minute and a work ethic of procrastination.   Is that the way you want to be regarded when being considered for a scholarship?

Instead, make a personal commitment to be early for the party (or at least on time).  When applying for free money:

List eligible scholarships.  Determine what scholarships you are eligible to apply for and make a list of their deadlines chronologically.

Make a schedule.  Mark your calendar with deadlines and plan timeframe of when to apply.  Make sure you are aware of everything required in completing each application (i.e. essays, transcripts, recommendations, etc). 

Submit your application.  Whether it is an online application or paper, don’t wait till the last minute to apply!  You never know when the web server goes down or the USPS mail could delay your package. 

Confirm and follow up.  Track your package if you mail it to foundation/committee.  If online, ensure you receive a confirmation and follow-up to see there are no additional documents necessary for consideration.

Remember, free money for college depends upon your timeliness!

Be financially smart--

Keia Brown

My Winter Favs

This year, I was thankful to have two full weeks off of work (yeah to working in higher education) and use the time to unwind, relax and enjoy company.  I also took advantage of the sales and clearance discounts around the Christmas holiday.  

One of the items I asked for Christmas was a product to add to my Henri Bendel classic travel collection.  Excitedly, I unwrapped a brown and white signature box with the HB's Hanging Cosmetic Case!  Wit this addition, I match with my large  and small make-up case when I'm traveling.  The case is a coated canvas and includes five earring or ring enclosures.

http://www.henribendel.com/brown-white-hanging-cosmetic-case-27941863660193.html?cgid=travel_cosmetic&start=20

Thankfully, I finally have my very own Ninja Master Prep to conjure up some yummy smoothies for my breakfast and lunches on the go.  This fun new toy can easily make quick dishes used for healthy snacks or delicious desserts.

And finally, something that will accompany me and the extreme organizer I am.   I chose to treat myself to a new 2016-17 day planner that is fun and bright for the new year from Lilly Pultizer!

http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/sale/jumbo-agenda-scuba-to-cuba/c/265/8310.uts?swatchName=Turquoise+Scuba+To+Cuba+White

 

Check in with me later this month for January/February Favs!

XoXo- Key

New Year, New Aspirations #2016

Happy New Year #2016!  I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable New Years Eve.  With a new year, always brings new goals, dreams and aspirations.  Day 1 of 365 allows us all to reflect on what big plans we want to achieve for the rest of the year.  I have already begun drawing up my personal goals for 2016 and here they are:

1. Visit my dream destination and travel frequently.
2. Develop my business plan.
3. Pick up a new sport or hobby.
4. Reinvent myself.
5. Cook and bake more often.

So what's your  new years resolution?

XoXo - Keia