myUface Blog

In order to find financial aid for your studies in the U.S., you’re going to need to ask a lot of different people a lot of questions.  You’ll need to talk to people at U.S. universities, at U.S. organizations, at the U.S. Embassy, at Educational Advising Centers, at domestic and international companies, and in your community.  In fact, although we said at the very beginning of this series that there was no secret formula to getting financial aid, there is a winning strategy:

Ask a lot of people about financial aid. Ask everyone you can think of about financial aid.  The more you ask, the better your chances.

So, asking questions is important.  However, equally important is knowing how to ask those questions.  Remember, ultimately you’re asking other people to invest in your education, so you need to be polite and professional.  Let’s talk a little bit about how to do that.

First, do not – DO NOT – think that you are entitled in any way to financial aid.  You aren’t.  Period.  There is no “human right” to financial aid.  Financial aid is a privilege that you must earn. So when asking about financial aid, try not to give the impression that you expect someone to help you.

• Good example: “I’m hoping that I can find some financial aid to help me with my studies in the U.S.  Do you have any suggestions?”
• Bad example: “I know students get financial aid for their U.S. studies, and I should get some too.  Can you tell me where I must go to get financial aid?”

Second, remember, you are asking someone else to spend their money on your education.  You need to show that you think your education is a good investment – and the number one way of doing that is to demonstrate that you are investing as well. Otherwise, potential supporters will ask, “Why should I help this student, if the student isn’t willing to make any contribution?”

Good example: “I’ve identified all of my own resources, and those of my family, that can help me study in the U.S.  But I still can’t cover the total cost.  Is there any chance you have a scholarship that can help me bridge the gap?”

Bad example: I really want to get 100% funding, because my family doesn’t have a lot of money and I’d rather not touch my small amount of savings.  Can you help?”

Third, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, BE POLITE.  Use the magic words, “Please,” and “Thank you,” very, very often.  Thank people even if they can’t help you or if they turn you down.  You’re asking people to help you with either their money (financial aid) or time (explaining to you where to get financial aid).  They’re going to be much more willing to do both if they feel appreciated.

Good example: “Would you please send me a list of the scholarships offered by your university, if any?  I would really appreciate it.  Thank you so much for all the time you spend helping me!  I can’t tell you how grateful I am!”

Bad example: “I didn’t receive the list of scholarships I asked you to send.  Can you send it again?  I really need it.”

The bottom line is, in order to get financial aid, you’re going to need to ask a lot of people for help, and you’re going to need to ask them nicely.  Try to put yourself in their shoes and imagine what you’d like to hear if you were them.  Asking good questions is the shortest path to getting good results.

Posts in this Series

1. Your Education is an Investment - 08 Jul
2. Researching Scholarship Opportunities - 07 Jul
3. How to Ask Questions About Financial Aid (This post)
4. Ninth Option for Financial Aid: Loans - 27 Jun
5. The Difference Between Scholarships and Fellowships - 26 Jun
6. Eigth Option for Financial Aid: U.S. Universities - 25 Jun
7. Seventh Option for Financial Aid: Ethnic Communities in the United States - 24 Jun
8. Sixth Option for Financial Aid: Private Organizations in the U.S. - 23 Jun
9. Fifth Option for Financial Aid: U.S. Government Programs - 22 Jun
10. Fourth Option for Financial Aid: Scholarships from International Organizations - 20 Jun
11. How to Ask for Support - 18 Jun
12. Looking for Support in Your Country: Why it Makes Sense - 17 Jun
13. Third Option for Financial Aid: Individuals in Your Country - 16 Jun
14. Second Option for Financial Aid: Private Businesses or Foundations in Your Country - 15 Jun
15. First Option for Financial Aid: Government Programs in Your Country - 14 Jun
16. The Third Step in Financial Aid: Find What's Available - 11 Jun
17. The Second Step In Financial Aid: Identify Your Assets - 10 Jun
18. The First Step In Financial Aid: Identify Your Needs - 09 Jun
19. Finding Financial Aid for your U.S. Education - 08 Jun