Dear Lenora,

I’ve always wanted to go to graduate school and get my master’s in psychology so that eventually I can become a professor. I put in the work, studied like crazy, kept up my grades all through college and got accepted to the grad school of my dreams. Unfortunately, my dreams are pretty expensive.

The reality is this: one year of tuition to attend this private university is almost the full cost of my entire undergrad degree. There is no way I or my family can afford it. Plus, it’s hundreds of miles away in a city that boasts one of the highest costs of living in the country. I haven’t even begun to factor in books, food or moving expenses.

Right now, it looks like I may have to settle for a second-rate dream, give up my goal of attending this prestigious institution and get my master’s from a cheaper school. Before I do that, I want to seek your advice, Lenora. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Sincerely,

Disappointed Dreamer

Dear Disappointed Dreamer,

Don’t fret, Kappa Delta is here for you. And I don’t mean just with moral support.

The Kappa Delta Foundation’s mission is to help members like you who are struggling to fund their dreams and turn them into reality. Did you know that there are several scholarship categories, including both undergraduate and graduate level scholarships? I encourage you to opens in a new windowapply — and fast! — because the deadline is approaching. Applications are due Feb. 1, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

You might be wondering if you’re even eligible to receive a scholarship from the KDF? All initiated members of KD — both collegians and alumnae — who are in good standing with Kappa Delta are eligible to apply. Graduating seniors, such as yourself, looking to attend grad school in the fall should complete the graduate scholarship application.

Disappointed Dreamer, you mentioned before that you kept your grades up all through college. That’s great to hear! The application requires an unofficial transcript and a cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, and I’m sure yours will stand out. You’ll also want to submit two letters of recommendation, though they are not required. Both references should be able to speak on your behalf and be knowledgeable about your strengths. If I had to ask my fellow founders to write rec letters for me, I’d likely turn to Mary. She was always so encouraging and had the nicest things to say.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the price tag of a graduate degree, but don’t let that squash your dreams. The Kappa Delta Foundation provides in excess of $209,900 in undergraduate, graduate and leadership scholarships to Kappa Deltas each year, and you could be one of the recipients.

I’ll be there in spirit as you accept your graduate diploma.

AOT,

Lenora