Senior College Night Scholarships October 1, 2013

Sources of financial aid?

Is it worth it to apply for scholarships?  Yes, if you like free money!  LHS 2013 graduates reported over $1.2 million in scholarships, grants and gift aid toward post- high school education!  Scholarships: money you don’t have to pay back! (Tip: visit – This site is produced by Chronicle of Higher Ed. With support from the Gates Foundation. Find and compare colleges graduation rates, net price, how much each month loan repayments would be etc.)

Scholarship Sources  Federal - Grants/gift-aid  State Scholarships – Washington Opportunity Scholarships.  Institutional Funds – Awarded directly from colleges to their admitted students.  Outside Private Scholarships – National, state & local organizations.  Military Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) – Scholarships in return for military service. Army, Navy, Air Force. Commissioned officer in the reserves when you graduate and begin military service terms.  Recent LHS grads: Nursing Army University of Portland = $200,000 AF Santa Clara University + Dean’s Scholarship = $136,000

Washington State Aid?  Washington Student Achievement Council  WA State Financial Aid Programs: “Opportunity Pathways”  American Indian Endowed Scholarship  College Bound Scholarship  Opportunity Grants  Opportunity Scholarship Program  Passport for Foster Youth Promise Program  State Need Grant/State Work Study  Washington Scholars (Academic recognition only - not funded)  WAVE (WA Award for Vocational Excellence)  WICHE Programs - consortium

What is the College Bound Scholarship?  College Bound Scholarship - Washington Student Achievement Council  Program promises tuition (at public institution rates) and a small book allowance for income-eligible students who sign up in the 7 th /8th grade, work hard in school, stay out of legal trouble, and successfully apply to a higher education institution when they graduate.income-eligible  Need only apply once. The deadline for all applicants is by June 30 at the end of their 8 th grade year.  Must complete the FAFSA! Complete by 2/1/2014

What is WICHE?  Student Exchange Programs  Washington residents can enroll in eligible programs at reduced tuition rates through the WICHE programs in 14 western states:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Western Undergraduate Exchange  Undergraduates can enroll at participating 2- & 4-year colleges & universities outside of their home state. Students pay 150% of the receiving school’s resident tuition, a significant savings over nonresident tuition.  WUE Eligibility: must be a WA state resident. Some institutions may have additional criteria, such as ACT/SAT test scores or high school GPA, some limit specific majors.  In , 3,800 WA students enrolled in out-of-state programs at reduced rates, saving more than $32.2 million in tuition and fees – average student savings amounted to $8,464. In the last 10 years, students have saved over $157 million.

WICHE website lists participating institutions: search by state/major

What scholarships are offered by private & public colleges & universities?

What college scholarships are available?  Need-based – FAFSA determines aid eligibility (CSS PROFILE, other)  Merit scholarships – proven ability in academics (GPA, SAT scores etc.), or special talents (the arts, athletic etc.)  Visit specific college financial aid websites, printed materials, financial aid offices as well as department sites. Differing deadlines/application requirements (auditions, send in tapes etc.).  At some colleges every applicant is automatically considered for merit scholarships, others you have to apply or be recommended. Check before you apply for admission.  Recent LHS student awards:  Northeastern University Presidential Scholars Program -100 out of 44,000 students valued at $157,000  Whitworth University Honors Colloquium Scholarship $142,000.

Finding outside scholarships?  LHS Career Center LHS Career Center  Scholarship webpage/notebook/bulletin board/morning announcements – better odds local scholarships (Issaquah Rotary, Women’s Club, Kiwanis, LHS Booster Club etc.)  Financial Aid Handbook  Online Search Engines:  State: The WashBoard.com  National: Fastweb.com, Collegeboard.org, Meritaid.com  Groups: Employers (student & parent), foundations, corporations, civic groups, religious affiliation, veterans’ associations, clubs, field of study/intended career, minority status, National/ethnic background, local organizations etc.

 TheWashBoard.org, is a free, student-centered, online clearinghouse for Washington State students seeking college scholarships. TheWashBoard.org  User-friendly site allows students to set up a profile, search & apply for verified scholarship opportunities specific to their academic interests, college, university, or other criteria.

Need-based or Merit-based Scholarships  “ Need” is relative. Consider the “pool”.  FAFSA is required to determine need.  Outstanding accomplishments may secure a scholarship over someone with more “need”.  Merit: Academics, Athletics, Service, Arts, Community/school Leadership, Overcoming Adversity, Work

Too good to be true? Many students and their families fall prey to scholarship scams.  The FTC cautions students to look for tell tale lines:  "The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."  "You can't get this information anywhere else." “Free Seminar”  "I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."  "We'll do all the work."  "The scholarship will cost some money."  "You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship" or "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered.

When and how do I apply?  Start looking early & don’t give up.  Explore multiple sources – High school, School district, Chamber of Commerce, greater community, private organizations, corporations, religious organizations, state, national awards.  Assess your strengths? (academics, leadership, service…)  Decide if you are you eligible?  Support materials – official transcripts, essays, recommendations, resume, references, tax information, standardized test score documentation  Proofread! Spelling, grammar, etc.  Don’t pay anyone!

Tips for winning scholarships?  Read & follow all directions  Fully complete the application  Neatness counts  Write a compelling essay  Watch all deadlines. Apply early!  Keep a copy  Ask for help if you need it  Look for small applicant pools  There may be a match just for YOU!  Always be sure to thank donors!

Choose your next session?  College Admissions: Black Box Theater  Highly-Selective Colleges: Main Theater  College Application Process: Choir Room