Transcript Document
SCHOLARSHIPS
How to set yourself apart from everyone else
Presented By:
Lorinda J. Diehl
Admissions Counselor
Grand Canyon University
[email protected]
Scholarships
Highlights of Grand Canyon
University
Phoenix Arizona
Academically Challenging
NCAA Division II Sports
Non-Denominational Christian University
90 acre campus
Dorm Suites / ROTC Army
12 to 15 students per class
College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Education,
Liberal Arts, & Ken Blanchard College of Business
What is the first question you ask yourself before you
purchase an item?
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Cost of Education
Public-In
Tuition
Public-Out
Private
$6,500
$12,000
$18,500
Fees
700
700
700
Books
800
800
800
R&B
8,000
8,000
8,000
Personal
3,500
3,500
3,500
$19,500
$25,000
$31,500
Living Exp.
Total Cost
Scholarships
What is a scholarship?
Scholarship: a sum of money granted to a student to pursue
his or her studies
A type of Financial Aid called merit-based…Gift Aid
Based on need, academic performance, organizational
participation, athletic ability, community involvement, etc.
Usually requires application, essay and letters of
recommendation
May or may not be renewable
May only be available at certain colleges
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Myths
Only students with 4.00 GPA get scholarships.
There is a comprehensive list of all scholarships for
which a student can apply.
Applying for scholarships is relatively easy & does not
require much time.
Students are more interested in receiving scholarships
than their parents.
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Who Receives Scholarships
Academic
Gender
Race/Ethnicity
Talents
Hobbies
Major/Minor
Age
Financial Need
Athletic Ability
Membership in a
Particular Organization
Geographic Location
Leadership
Originality
Personality
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How to search for scholarships
Start your search locally
Look for organizations, clubs, churches, & groups in your community
Visit your post grad center/counseling office
Internet research - takes the most time
Institutional Scholarships
Contact your admissions counselor for a list of scholarship resources at
their University
Counseling office has a list of many scholarships
Financial Aid office
Department of your major
National Scholarships
National search engines
Being specific in your search will enhance your chances
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Web Resources
Scholarship Search
http://finaid.org
http://collegescholarships.com
http://scholarships.com
http://scholarshipamerica.org/
www.fastweb.com
www.petersons.com
www.cesda.org
www.danielsfund.org
www.ncaa.org
www.hsf.net
www.aises.org
www.scholarship.tylenol.com
http://www.coca-colascholars.org
www.collegeinvest.org
www.collegeincolorado.org
Scholarships
Other Scholarship Resources
There are over 422 books printed about scholarships. Here are some
guide books to get you started.
Colorado Council on High School/College Relations, Colorado Collegiate
Handbook – best for in-state information. Cost is about $6 (may be
available in your high school counselor’s office)
Get Free Cash for College – Gen & Kelly Tanabe $25.00
Scholarships, Grants & Prizes – Peterson’s $25.00
Scholarships
How to apply for scholarships
Make it professional
Treat every application the same
Send all your materials at the same time
Include your name on all materials
Find a group of references
Send a thank you letter with every application
Every little bit helps!
Have your personal essay reviewed by parents, teachers,
guidance counselors, etc.
Order a copy of your unofficial transcript.
Scholarships
The Application
Follow deadlines
Is it a “Postmarked” or “received by” deadline?
Beat the deadline, leaving time for follow-up if necessary.
Follow directions
The application will state specifications about handwritten/typed,
official/unofficial transcripts, etc.
Be neat and complete
Treat each application as if you were applying for a job.
Final touches
Proofread!
Copy everything you send in for your records.
Bind or put in folder unless it states that you should not.
Did you remember the selection criteria in every part of the application.
Use heavy “resume” paper.
Send a picture
Rather than leave a question blank, indicate not applicable (N/A).
Write clearly and not too small. Not less than 10 point font if typing.
Scholarships
Content
Focus on the selection criteria
Your application will be read and scored based on the stated criteria.
Be exact and follow specific instructions.
The two most important paragraphs are the introduction & conclusion.
Be specific and detailed about your past achievements
Every space does not need to be filled. Each entry must be specific and
detailed.
Instead of just “Prom Committee”, try “Designed advertising campaign for
prom.”
Instead of just “Volunteer”, try “Organized yearly dance for senior citizens.
BE HONEST!! Don’t invent or embellish.
Scholarships
Personal Essay
Length
1 to 1 ½ pages
Content
Talk about YOU
Major accomplishments
Activities
Goals
What sets you apart from everyone else
Tie it all together
How does your content make you the perfect candidate for their
scholarship?
Scholarships
Letters of Recommendation
Get them done NOW if you haven’t done this already.
Give the individual writing the recommendation ample
time to complete.
Ask to have the letter sent two weeks before the deadline.
Follow-up to help the writer meet the deadline.
Describe the type of letter you need and to whom it should
be addressed to.
Also provide them with a stamped and addressed envelope.
Ask for several copies of the letter for your records.
Write a thank you note.
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Scholarship Do’s
DO understand the scholarship’s mission
DO remember who your audience is
DO show how you fit with the scholarship’s mission
DO be proud of your accomplishments
DO focus on leadership and contributions
DO make your application stand out
DO practice to make sure everything fits
DO get editors
DO include a resume
DO make copies of your finished applications for reference
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Scholarship Scams
Avoid any scholarship applications that request a fee.
Ask for Credit Card or Bank Account Information
Companies that do all the work for you.
You receive notification that you have been selected as a
finalist for a contest you never entered.
NEVER PAY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP!!
Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission
1-877-FTC-HELP
www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml
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Additional Tips
Be persistent.
Apply for numerous scholarships.
Do not rely solely on scholarships to fund your education- Submit
your FASFA.
Create a scholarship folder to keep track of all materials.
Meet all deadlines.
Presentation counts - Show you care!!!
Follow-up.
Thank both scholarship donor and references.
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Thank you!
Lorinda J. Diehl
Grand Canyon University
Colorado Admissions Counselor
(720) 272-3913
[email protected]
Scholarships