More Than a Test Score

Congratulations to Jasmine Wu, our latest Weekly “Three Sentence Essay” Scholarship winner!

As we close the book on 2011 we have to look back in awe. It was a big year for a lot of reasons, and we wanted to know what you considered the landmark moments. Jasmine’s essay was chosen for its honest insight and asking us to remember the one gift we should all hold dear.

Here’s her winning essay:
In April, my friend died in a hit-and-run. In October, Steven Jobs lost his battle with cancer; in late October, the 7 billionth person born was recorded. 2011 has reminded [me] how precious life is and has inspired me to do everything I can in the time I have.

Here’s a bit more about our winner:
I fall asleep in front of the computer watching videos of band field shows or parade competitions. On other days I’m on swimnetwork.com, probably gushing over Eric Shanteau (my #1 idol!). Or perhaps on days when I’m feeling strangely combustive in thoughts, I’ll be wandering around Facebook and Tumblr, yakking with my friends about the strangest things and trying not to weird them out too much.

Here’s a few of our favorite runner’s up:

Bryce H. - June of this year I went on an extended trip to Montana and made innumerable memories with my best friend. I got my first job and began earning my own money this November; I find it extremely rewarding. I turned 18, and realized how rich and long life has been and will be.

Megan M. - The assassination of Bin Laden because it brought peace of mind to 9/11 families. Sami Stoner competing in events with a guide dog because it shows perseverance. And Greek riots leading to a change in government because it shows potential uncertainty for the future.

Subi Q. – Three notable events of 2011 include the Arab Spring, the end to the Iraq War, and the world’s first artificial organ transplant. The events in the Middle East point towards prospects of democracy, while the breakthrough in transplant technology indicates future stem cell use.

What could be your most memorable moment of 2012? How about winning a scholarship?! Apply for our Weekly “Three Sentence Essay” Scholarship and you could make it happen. Three sentences for a thousand bucks? Score!

If you are a college student who wants to be on the frontlines making a positive change in people’s lives listen up. ONE, a grassroots poverty fighting & disease prevention organization, and Chegg For Good have teamed up to bring eight outstanding students the opportunity of a lifetime: a summer internship in Africa to to raise awareness of extreme poverty, disease and how these issues limit African students’ access to a quality education.

To learn more about the opportunity, check out the video actor & activist, Jesse Eisenberg, put together.

This internship program will give eight college students the opportunity to become fully immersed in the issues faced by millions living on less than $1.25 a day in sub-Saharan Africa. You will get to experience the fight against extreme poverty and disease where it’s happening – and come back fully energized to guide other students as the next generation of advocates on campuses across the country.

How to enter? Tell Chegg in 500 words or less why you’re passionate about social change, improving access to education, fighting extreme poverty, etc. & what you’re currently doing on campus to fight it—whether in Africa or right here in your own community.

The top 50 applicants will be entered into a public voting round. Here you’ll be able to rally support from your friends, family, and social networks to vote for you.

After voting ends, the top 20 finalists will then travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress, the ONE team, like-minded students and social entrepreneurs for a few days, showing us what really sets you apart from the other applicants.

Have what it takes to make a big impact in the fight against poverty? Head over to Chegg For Good to apply>>>

A special thanks to our friends at College Prowler and Seventeen for helping spread the word!

Congratulations to our latest Double Your Money Winner Kelly Peterson! Kelly successfully applied for and won the Bethesda Lutheran Communities Scholastic Excellence Award, and because found the scholarship on Zinch, we’re matching it for another $500! We asked Kelly a couple questions about herself and her award, and this is what she had to share.

What is your strategy behind applying for scholarships?

As a very busy person, I look for scholarships that fit me, and don’t waste time with those that don’t. That said, I put time into finding the right scholarships, applying to the one scholarship that you have a great chance of winning is more important than applying to ten that you really doubt you can win.  I try to remember to look for local scholarships that may not be advertised in scholarship search engines too.

What career path do you see yourself taking after school?

Right now, I see myself as an occupational therapist when I´m done with school. I really want a career working with people with disabilities.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

During my junior year of high school I planned a miniature carnival for kids with disabilities. I worked hard to come up with activities, to get things donated, and to  train and recruit volunteers. While it was only a day, I got to see what my hard work could do, and learned a lot about organizing events!

How are you more than a test score?

I have passion. I began working with kids with disabilities the summer after my freshmen year, and slowly, it took over my life. If you just looked at my test score, you would not see how I have now devoted my life to working with people with disabilities.

Don’t forget about our scholarship search where you’ll find nearly $2 billion worth of financial aid posted online. Remember to invite your friends to Zinch too, cause with our Win Your Friend’s Scholarship program, any scholarship they win will earn you a check for the same amount!

Hey there Zinchers! As we begin to settle into the new year it’s time to look forward—whether you’re just starting your college journey or wrapping up your final semester, 2012 is going to be an all-star year. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce we’re partnering with our friends at Her Campus to offer a brand new $1,000 scholarship!

Here’s the downlow: tell us (in 500 characters or less) what your dream career is and how you’re pursuing it. Looking to start your own Fortune 500 company? Tell us how! Want to report on events across the world? Let us know how you’ll get there! No dream career is too big to accomplish, and we want to know yours.

The deadline for entry is March 2nd, 2012, and we’ll be announcing the winner right here on our blog!

So don’t wait to get started, apply today>>>

Congratulations to Joshua Lockhart, our latest Weekly “Three Sentence Essay” Scholarship winner!

As we ring in the new year we’re faced with another 365 days of possibility. A chance to start fresh with a clear mind towards the future. That’s why we asked you to describe a personal change you’re making this new year, and how it well help you grow as a student or individual. Joshua’s essay was chosen for finding a way to better connect with those he cares for, while learning to become a better listener and broaden his horizons.

Here is his winning essay:
For my New Year’s resolution, I vow to listen to those who I associate with to greater degree. Doing so will help me gain more information from my teachers so that I can increase my academic progression. I will also be able to strengthen my connections with my family and friends.

Here’s a bit more about our winner:
I am a curious, inquisitive, ambitious, and insightful young man. I plan on being a monumental success one day and this great achievement will not not only benefit me, but mankind as well. My main interests in life are learning, helping others, growing stronger, and, above all, succeeding.

Here’s a few of our favorite runner’s up:

Ashley O. – Money doesn’t grow on trees, but neither do life’s necessities. As someone who spends more than she earns, I will start working and create a budget for myself. Also, I will buy things I absolutely need, not just want.

Andre N. – I’m going to start my 401k. I’ll be conscious about what I’m spending my money on. I’ll be more focused to determine between what’s really a necessity and what’s just relevant for the moment. A great opportunity for me to increase my knowledge as well as invest in my future while I’m still young.

Vanessa H. – I am going to try to stop judging people before I get to know them. I will stop thinking I know how someone is before I get to know them. I am going to stop judging people and instead get to know them and prove my judgments wrong. This will help me see the world and people better.

You know what’s a perfect New Year’s resolution? Applying for more scholarships! Hit up our Weekly “Three Sentence Essay” Scholarship and you could start 2012 with a thousand bucks. There’s a new prompt every Monday, so that’s a whole year’s worth of chances!