By Amanda Decamp

Do you write with your left hand? Can you make your tongue touch your nose? Interested in electron microscopy? Many of your unique and quirky talents and hobbies could land you a University scholarship. The Gary W. Grimes Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to “graduate students majoring in biology, with a special interest in electron microscopy,” is among several somewhat obscure grants that remain vacant and unknown to the public. Before searching for a scholarship consider taking these steps: 1. Maintain a B average or 3.0 GPA. 2. Get involved. If you are missing the mark for the Dean’s List, there are other ways to shine. Find something you are passionate about. If you cannot find the right club, make one. The time and effort you spend helping expand the University’s culture and campus life will make you the perfect candidate for a scholarship. 3. Be Ambitious. Not everyone is a Division 1 athlete or 4.0 honor student, but find ways to make yourself stand out. After getting involved, get really involved. Put in the extra effort and become a member with a title. Aiming to be president of student government or editor-in-chief of the newspaper might be a bit too ambitious when you are only a freshman or sophomore, but almost every club needs a treasurer. 4. Be a well-rounded student. You might recall how your high school teachers were always saying colleges are looking for someone who can balance a heavy workload. Scholarship applications are not much different. You will need to prove that you can balance 15 or more credits, activities and maybe even a sport or a part time job. 5. Motivate yourself. Think about when you graduate – even if it is four years from now. How do you want to spend your first pay check from your first real job? Most will have to send it right to the government to pay off their student loans. Start paying off those loans now. 6. Do your research. Most of the scholarships can be found on the University’s Web site. However, not every scholarship has a title, most are just created according to what the student asks for, needs and qualifies – so don’t be afraid to ask! 7. “The sooner the better,” Senior Associate Dean of Admissions, Sunil A. Samuel, recommends. The best time to ask for a scholarship is right before the start of the semester. 8. Have self-esteem. 9. Samuel also suggests talking face-to-face to the dean of your specific school. They will know exactly what scholarships are geared for your major and your standing. 10. Finally, ask for a scholarship. The Admissions Office is not looking for you. Go to Bernon Hall and set up an appointment with the Dean of Admissions or another advisor. Come prepared with your reasons and needs. The best scholarships to look for begin on page 17 of the Hofstra Bulletin, available in the Admissions Office. These are the endowed or donated scholarships given to the University by alumni or community members. According to Samuel, these are the scholarships which remain barren. The University wants “To do their best to award funding,” Samuel said. They do not want money to sit around and not be used or given out. Fill out your FAFSA forms and apply for loans, but take advantage of the money that lies right at your finger tips.