Scholarships. Financing Your Future Presenter: Sara Wooden

Transcription

1 Scholarships Financing Your Future Presenter: Sara Wooden 1

2 Steps to Success Include. Understanding why Scholarships are Important? Developing a Strategy Identifying Scholarship Opportunities Navigating the Scholarship Process 2 Presenting the Best Application

3 Why Are Scholarships Important? Fiscal Impact NOW Lowering student loan debt Decreasing the number of hours you work Fiscal Impact LATER Lessening the repayment of college debt Affirmation of your Accomplishments Great way to review your challenges and successes Interview Preparation Developing your story 3

4 Gift aid SCHOLARSHIPS Available to all types of students Incoming freshmen (high school, home school, GED) Currently enrolled students Transfer students (enrollment of 12 hours at another college) International students Not set up to cover all costs Competitive process Academic achievement, Religious affiliation, Ethnic or racial heritage, Community activities, Athletic ability, Hobbies or special interest, etc. 4

5 Developing a Strategy Research Opportunities: Deadlines, Criteria, Requirements Collect Information: Clubs, Activities, Work Experience, Awards Understand Your Audience: Who is Reviewing Your Application? Competition: Be mindful that most processes are competitive 5

6 Essays Getting Noticed There are no right or wrong answers! Follow instructions on word minimums and limits. Ability to compose a meaningful & cohesive response in a limited amount of space. Remember your audience! Grammar and punctuation count; e.g. proper use of there, they re and their. 6

7 Essays How Do I Get Noticed? Essay Question: Please describe any special circumstances that you feel should be taken into consideration related to your scholarship application. Sample Response: I am a very hard working student that has overcome obstacles in my life. Through my diligence, I have been able to maintain good grades. I also face financial burdens that make it difficult for me to fund my education. You re scholarship award would help me continue my education and ease my financial stress. Is this a strong response? 7

8 While there are no RIGHT or WRONG answers to an essay question, responses may be considered STRONGER or WEAKER based on their content, composition and clarity! This would be considered a WEAKER response because: General/Vague Applicable to many students, not memorable. Following Directions/Concise While it does not exceed the word limit, it does not come close to meeting the limit. Indicates the student may have rushed, started at the last minute, etc. Remember Your Audience Spelling and grammar errors lessen the impact of your statement. 8

9 When Writing your Essay Be Enthusiastic This isn t just another assignment, it s your interview Share Information Let reviewers get to know you Share your experiences, challenges, accomplishments and goals Teach Your Audience Educate the committee about your role in the college and greater community Introduction, Body, and Conclusion Ur essay is not a long txt msg! 9

10 WARNING!!!! TIME CONSUMING 10

11 Applying for Scholarships Scholarship application Paper vs. Online Review college website or call for information Apply Early Begin at least one (1) year prior Check with college, community, and online Meet Deadlines Application (Admission & Scholarship) Acceptance 11

12 QUICK TIPS Scholarships Apply if you meet all the requirements Complete application in full Follow directions / Neatness counts Make sure essay makes an impression Give it a final once-over Unable to make changes once submitted Call if you have questions 12

13 QUICK TIPS Scholarships Google your name ensure professional online presence Use a professional address first.last@gmail.com Review your Facebook account remove inappropriate, immature and/or potentially embarrassing material 13

14 Types of scholarships Campus-based Awarded by school Be aware of deadlines (admission and/or scholarship) Renewable vs. non-renewable Private donor Apply and awarded outside of university Checks sent to school or student Renewable vs. non-renewable 14

15 QUICK TIPS Scholarships Declare a major Get it, keep it Apply for admission Community service v. part time job Take SAT/ACT tests before deadline Don t take a break 15

16 Where do I find Scholarships? School Local/regional agencies/companies Federal or State agencies Organizations outside of the local area Scholarship on-line searches 16

17 Scholarship Searches finaid.org fastweb.com 17 Scholarships.com

18 Scholarship Searches Scholarships.com finaid.org Start searching ASAP fastweb.com Deadlines are throughout the year Sooner you start the more you will find Waiting until spring of senior year in high school can cause you to miss deadlines Many scholarships only available after enrolled in college Students in younger grades can also win 18

19 Scams Phishing Unsolicited s that bear the logo of your bank or credit card Appear legitimate but are traps to lure you into giving out your personal or account information NEVER give your Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers to unsolicited s or calls. 19

20 Scams Pharming Unsolicited s that encourage you to visit a website or click on suspicious links. Make sure your inbox spam filters are up to date. BE CAREFUL to whom you give out your contact information or address. 20

21 SPOTTING A SCAM Organizations that say they can help you locate more aid and then charge you a fee. Anyone who charges you a fee for information about financial aid or scholarships. If they charge you a fee to apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) or scholarships. If they charge a fee to receive financial aid or scholarship. 21

22 SPOTTING A SCAM We need your credit card information to hold your scholarship. (You should never have to give credit card information to legitimate providers.) You are a finalist for an award you never applied for. (If you did not apply, it is not a legitimate offer.) 22

23 SPOTTING A SCAM The scholarship requires a small fee. (Never pay a fee to get a scholarship.) You can t get this information anywhere else. (Everyone has access to the same information.) The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back. (No one can guarantee your scholarship before it is awarded.) 23

24 Sunday, February 22, 2015 IU Southeast Library 2:00 4:00 p.m. 24

25 SURVEY Survey form placed in your packet. Please take the time to respond to help us make this program better. 25

26 Questions? Professionals available in Resource Room to help answer your individual questions. 26

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