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Before becoming a bestselling author, nationally-recognized speaker, and successful
entrepreneur, Ben Kaplan was a 16-year-old Oregon high school student searching
for a way to afford the college of his dreams. He decided to take a chance by
meticulously researching and applying for over three dozen scholarships. The result:
In little over a year, he had amassed nearly $90,000 in college cash, enough to
cover virtually the entire cost of attending Harvard. In the process, Kaplan discovered
how determination, ingenuity, and bold action could empower an individual to achieve
success in even the most challenging situations.
Interested in learning more about success strategies for young people, Kaplan
began working on his first book by interviewing hundreds of other scholarship
winners from all walks of life. From accomplished young artists, musicians, and
athletes to leading teen scientists, political activists, and entrepreneurs, Kaplan
observed the habits and attitudes of America’s most promising young people—and
their parents—to uncover the common threads of their experience.
Now age 26, Kaplan draws upon this intensive research and his own success journey
to energize and inspire young and old alike with his dynamic books, products and
live presentations on topics ranging from personal growth, leadership, and character
development, to being a better student, getting into college, and winning college
scholarships. Featured on hundreds of television and radio programs, including
appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC, CBS, CNN, and National Public Radio,
Kaplan brings his youthful energy to a nationwide audience.
Kaplan is the author of two bestselling books, How to Go to College Almost for
Free and The Scholarship Scouting Report (published by HarperCollins)—his
essential paying-for-college set for students of all ages. His forthcoming five-book
“Awesome Opportunities” series shows students and parents how to cultivate
their interests, talents, and educational dreams through a strategic, yet serendipitous
process of exploration and discovery. In addition to his books, Kaplan has written
numerous articles for leading print publications—including columns for The
New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, and Time—that have been syndicated
in publications nationwide.
Kaplan’s eclectic background has included interning for a leading U.S. Senator,
crafting speeches for the Nasdaq Stock Market’s chief economist, and writing
case studies at Harvard Business School. As a freelance columnist for The Oregonian
and the Boston Globe newspapers, he attended both the Democratic and Republican
National Conventions and wrote a series of youth-oriented op-ed commentaries.
He has also co-authored the book and lyrics for the Hasty Pudding Theatricals’
151st annual musical, “I Get No Kick From Campaign.”
Prior to his professional career, Kaplan graduated from Harvard University magna
cum laude with a degree in economics, completing his degree in six academic semesters.
Among other awards, Kaplan was selected the “Top Student Leader in America”
by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He currently resides
in Portland, Oregon.
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