Scholarships: Where do I start? Suzana Kim, CTE Advisor

Transcription

1 Scholarships: Where do I start? Suzana Kim, CTE Advisor

2 Ways to Pay for College In Order of Preference 1. FAFSA or Dream Act (free money) 2. Scholarships (free money) 3. Work 4. Family Contributions 5. Student Loans (money you pay back)

3 Scholarships WHAT types of scholarships are out there? WHERE can I find scholarships? WHEN should I apply for scholarships? HOW do I start?

4 Scholarship Types Merit-based Grades Areas of study Athletics Talents Community service Leadership abilities Need-based Low-income Must demonstrate financial need

5 Scholarships By Type Ethnic background Medical disabilities (learning disability, cancer, epilepsy, etc.) Religious convictions Artistic abilities (art, film, dance, music) Environmental causes Community service

6 Scholarships by Grade Level Most scholarships will target college-bound high school students Scholarships are available at every grade level (elementary, high school, undergraduate & graduate levels)

7 Strategies For Winning It s a numbers game Even among talented students, who wins involves a bit of luck, not just skill. To win more, apply more. It gets easier after your first 6 applications. Essays can be reused and tailored to each new application Start early! One in four students never apply for financial aid!

8 When To Apply Year round Best time to apply is NOW Search regularly throughout the year to find recently added scholarships

9 How to Navigate the Process 1. Get organized Pull together the information that s needed for the application Academic Information (GPA, SAT/ACT scores) Recommendation letters College choices Personal essay Community/volunteer work

10 How to Navigate the Process 2. Create a list of eligible scholarships 3. Sort the scholarship list by deadline 4. Start applying Read the directions, qualifications, and fine print carefully Watch out for scholarship scams

11 Searching for Scholarships Start searching NOW! If you wait until spring to start searching, you will miss half the deadlines!!! There are many scholarships available to students in grades 9, 10 and 11, not just high school seniors Check Scholarship Bulletin regularly updated 2x a week on College & Career Center website

12 tinyurl.com/mkhs-scholarships

13 More Ways of Searching Check with local organizations and community foundations Less competitive scholarships, such as small awards and essay contests, are easier to win. The money adds up! Search online using free scholarship search engines Answer the optional questions on a scholarship matching service for more filtered results

14 Scholarship Search Engines There are so many free scholarship search engines available to students online that it can be difficult to know which websites to use. These are the ones that have key elements and are most helpful to students. fastweb.com scholarships.com studentscholarships.org unigo.com scholarshipexperts.com cappex.com collegeboard.com

15 Tips to Win! Prioritize: deadline, value, chances Create a resume (or use your Senior Packet) Tailor your application to the sponsor s goals Follow the instructions Make your application stand out from the crowd

16 Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay Answer all questions in the prompt Stay within the word limit Be concise, clear and stay on topic Be specific; give examples Proofread a printed copy

17 Tips for Letter of Rec ASK your recommender nicely. Remember, they are not obligated to write you anything! It takes time to write a GREAT letter of rec. Things to provide the recommender: Information about the scholarship (i.e. background, application, flyer). The rec should be relevant to the scholarship sponsor s goal. Copy of resume or Senior Packet All required forms Self-addressed stamped envelope (if mail-in rec needed) Later, send a Thank You card. Gratitude goes a long way.

18 Other Scholarship Application Tips Use a professional address. Clean up the content of your social media accounts. Temporarily make accounts private. Google your name to see what shows up. Make copies of your application (also, print confirmation receipt) If sending by mail, send by certified mail, return receipt requested or with delivery confirmation If rejected, ask for the reviewer comments

19 Beware of Scholarship Scams Never pay for information or to apply. Applying for scholarships is FREE!! If you have to pay (and they don t offer waivers) it s a scam Nobody can guarantee that you ll win a scholarship Do not give out personal information like bank account numbers, credit card numbers or Social Security numbers

20 Questions?

21 MKHS Scholarship Bulletin Updated 3x a week!!!!

22 LOCAL! Asian American Association Scholarship - $800 Eligibility: For all seniors who will be enrolled in a college in Fall Students must present proof of registration at a college after graduating from high school. Requirements: Online application Essay (not to exceed 500 words): Think of a personal quality you have that helped you overcome a difficult issue in life or at school. How will this help you as you pursue your future goals?

23 Sign up for Remind Get instant notifications from the College & Career Center on your phone! Be the first to hear about field trips, workshops, jobs and more! To join to the number or

24 Schedule an Appointment! Mrs. Kim CTE Advisor (aka College & Career Counselor) College apps and/or essays Financial aid Resume Mock Interviews Major/College Selection Career Planning