Financial Aid. Searching for Scholarship

Transcription

1 Financial Aid Searching for Scholarship

2 Agenda Apply for financial Aid Process Deadlines Scholarship Overview Application Strategies Know your assets & what makes you unique Where to look for scholarships Application Mistakes

3 How Do I Apply For Aid? Required Applications: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at Marylhurst University financial aid application Verification worksheet Student federal tax return transcript (from IRS) Spouse federal tax return transcript (if married) Student s parents federal tax return transcript (if filing as dependent student)

4 How Do I Apply For Aid? (cont.) Please Note! The Marylhurst Financial Aid Application is an online form that can only be accessed after we ve received your FAFSA results. We expect to receive the first FAFSA s for in mid- February after a required software upgrade Federal tax return transcript (from IRS) can be waived if student, spouse, parent use the IRS Data Retrieval process when completing the FAFSA form (i.e. file with estimated figures in January, then retrieve data from IRS after file tax return has been received and processed by the IRS

5 Recommended Application Timelines Students can file the required applications forms at any time during the academic year. However, it is important to be aware that funds are limited and may not be available later in the year. To ensure maximum consideration, use the recommended filing dates.

6 Recommended Application Timelines (cont.) Oregon Opportunity Grant FAFSA due January 31 st OSAC Scholarship Application Due March 1 st For Marylhurst financial aid maximum consideration Complete applications by March 1 st Students must re-apply for aid each year to have their scholarships considered for renewal and to be considered for new scholarships each year. Most outside scholarships have deadlines of February 1 thru May 1 Graduate student scholarship application Due July 1 st

7 Scholarship Overview Application Strategies Winning scholarships requires organization and attention to detail New scholarships come out all the time Don t overlook scholarships for smaller amounts Look for scholarships where you fit the donor s goals (adjust your scholarship profile as needed)

8 Scholarship Criteria Vary Individual Achievement Volunteer work, Overcoming adversity, Academic achievement Ability & Talent Musical or writing aptitude, Public speaking Potential Career aspirations, Academic major

9 Top Tips to Win Scholarships Know Yourself Explore Options Apply

10 Know Yourself Build your resume Awards Volunteer Work Hobbies Skills Interests Work Family Background

11 Explore Options Search the Internet Many different profile-based search engines Financial Aid Office or Academic Dept. Look for local scholarships Better odds than national scholarships Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) Avoid scams! Never pay money to apply for aid

12 Apply! What you ll need Personal information Name, Address, etc. Transcript Official or copy Letter(s) of Recommendation Don t wait till last minute to ask Financial Aid Information (FAFSA) Resume of Activities Essay

13 Additional Strategies Find out deadlines and create a plan (master calendar) Neatness Counts Recycle essays (don t reinvent the wheel) Personal in nature Show, don t tell Check grammar and spelling carefully Have others proofread your essay

14 Additional Strategies (cont.) Answer all questions Write does not apply if not applicable Do not leave blanks Show how you meet criteria Make sure qualifications are met Be truthful Don t exaggerate Meet Deadlines!

15 Essays What s unique about you? Heritage, Experiences, Interests, Plans, Talents, Life Lesson, Activities, Leadership How are you their best investment? Use specific examples Create a story, not a laundry list Speak to your passion and it will shine through!

16 Where to Look for Scholarships (OSAC site) (Washington Residents) Other links on Marylhurst Financial Aid Website

17 Sample OSAC Scholarships

18 Sample OSAC Scholarship

19 Sample OSAC Scholarship

20 Application Mistakes Missed deadlines Fail to follow instructions Spelling/grammar mistakes Provide more than they ask for i.e. 3 page essay when only want 500 words Recycle carelessly Incorrect name of organization on application, or in essay Have an unprofessional web-presence Don t meet criteria of scholarship

21 Financial Aid Office Contact Info. The Financial Aid Office is located in the BP John Administration Building. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am- 5:00pm. Phone Number: or , ext Website:

22 Questions?