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If you're interested in becoming a nurse, you've most likely looked at nursing schools and the cost associated with attending them. Although you know you would be getting a rewarding degree, the fact remains that you are still going to have to pay for the educational costs. To do this, you might want to consider looking into a nursing scholarship to cover your costs. This may help keep you from having to take out many for loans. Here are some ideas to help you get the nursing scholarship you want and need.

Do Well in School

To show the scholarship committee that you are committed to becoming a proficient nurse, you need to do well academically in both the high school and college level. In order to be admitted into a nursing program, you need to have high scores in all of your classes, especially in science and math. If you feel like your scores aren't high enough or that you might have troubles along the way, enlist a tutor to help you learn the concepts you need for tests and homework assignments. You might also want to invest in additional study guides to help you learn the basics of biology and chemistry, so you can increase your chances of getting a larger nursing scholarship.

Look Around

The main reason why more nursing students don't get a nursing scholarship is because they don't research their opportunities. Instead of just applying for one scholarship, you are going to increase your chances of winning by applying to several. Here are just a few of the places you can look for a nursing scholarship:

The schools you wish to attend - Many schools will offer their own scholarship packages, but you often need to fill out forms and write an essay to qualify for consideration. These scholarships are not always advertised, so be sure to contact the student aid office to see what you qualify for.

The FAFSA form - Sometimes filling out a FAFSA form can help you get more information on possible scholarships you might be qualified for. It's not just for getting student loans.

Local community groups - You may qualify for some nursing scholarships that community groups offer. Research to see what's available within your local community.

The Internet - You can easily do an internet search to see what other nursing scholarships are available for you. Just make sure to follow the guidelines and deadlines.

Ask for Help

When you're looking for a nursing scholarship, don't be afraid to ask what your options are. Too often, many scholarships go unclaimed because no one thought to ask if they existed. Talk to the financial aid office as well as to your teachers and the nursing school administrators to see what else you could be doing to improve your odds of getting your college education paid for.

Start Early in Your Search

It never hurts to start your search for a nursing scholarship early in order to make sure you get the one that you really want. Sometimes, scholarships are handed out on a first come, first serve basis, so you need to make sure you are being quick about the application process. Don't forget to get all of the necessary information in before the deadline.

Be sure to fill the scholarship forms out thoroughly and honestly so you do not get disqualified for not completing the form properly.