Transcript Winning Scholarship Strategies

Winning Scholarship
Strategies
Scholarship Myths
You can’t get scholarships because of
stiff competition
Scholarships require a glamorous
talent
Scholarships only go to top students
Since you are a top student,
scholarships will find you
If you apply for loans, it decreases
your chances for scholarships
Scholarship Truths
Finding scholarships requires
dedication
Winning scholarships requires
organization and attention to detail
New scholarships come out all the
time
Don’t overlook scholarships for
smaller awards
Merit Scholarships
Awarded based on various criteria
– Individual achievement
Volunteer work, overcoming adversity,
academic achievement
– Ability and talent
Athletic skills, musical aptitude, public
speaking
– Potential
Career aspirations, academic major
Requirements vary by scholarship
Merit-Based Sources
Scholarship search engines
– Profile-based database
Colleges or universities
– Financial Aid Office
– College Foundation
– Academic Major department
Public libraries
– Books and publications
Merit-Based Sources
High school guidance counselor
– Many have scholarship listings
Employer connections
– Eligible family members
Community organizations
– Churches, clubs, veterans associations
Avoid Scams
Beware of “guaranteed” scholarship
funds
– Watch out for fees and guarantees
“This scholarship will cost some money.”
“We’ll do the work for you!”
“You are a finalist (in a contest you never
entered)!”
“You can’t get this information anywhere
else!”
– Legitimate companies never guarantee
scholarships
Getting Started
Building qualifications
– Both in school and after school
Indentify potential scholarships
– Keep your eyes on the bulletin boards
and check your scholarship websites
frequently
Sign up for free scholarship search
services
– Fill out several profiles with different
angles
Ideal Candidates
Meet the scholarship criteria and
eligibility requirements
Properly and completely fill out
applications
Include volunteer activities
Match the values of the awarding
organization
Emphasize potential
Application Packet
The application is more than just a
form
– Personal information
– Short answer essay (150 words)
– Long essay (up to 1500 words)
– Letters of recommendation
– Transcripts and official test scores
– Resume
– Career goals statement
Writing a Winning Essay
Topics and focus vary
Personal in nature
Show, don’t tell
Recycle essay ideas
Check grammar and spelling
carefully
Have others proofread your essay
Letters of Recommendation
Request in writing
Cover letter providing scholarship
details
Specific points to be covered
Directions from the application
List of candidate accomplishments
Self-addressed, stamped envelope
Scholarship Strategies
Apply early and often
– Contact committee early for application
– Allow plenty of time
Meet deadlines
– Late applications are not considered
Candidate must fill out the
application
– Assistance from parents/counselors is
OK
– Applications in doubt are discarded
Scholarship Strategies
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
– Scholarships can be revoked
You’ve Won
Thank-you letters
Track how funds are to be used
– Some scholarships have geographical or
time limits
Taxes
– Scholarship money may not be taxable
if used for tuition, books and supplies
– May be taxed if used for living expenses
Other Sources
Military scholarships/grants
– Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
– Montgomery G.I. Bill
www.gibill.va.gov
– National Guard
Americorps
Impact on Financial Aid
Most schools adjust loan awards
Some schools adjust need-based
grants
Winnings must be reported to the
school
Check with your Financial Aid Office
Tuition/fees only scholarships can’t
go directly to the student
Other Resources
How to Go to College Almost For
Free, Ben Kaplan
www.fastweb.com
www.collegeboard.com
www.finaid.org
www.ftc.gov
www.centerforstudentsuccess.org