College Essays And Scholarships 12.3.17 College Essays And Scholarships Henderson Upper School December 2016

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College Essay - Purpose - Show don’t Tell - “You” Question - “Why Us” Question - “Creative” Question How to Plan for College

The Admissions Essay This is your opportunity to showcase your best qualities, both in writing style and in content. And to show the Admissions Committees what makes you stand out! If you can, find out from each school how they view the essay as an Admissions component. Some schools will consider it more than others, but usually it is of considerable or moderate importance. A powerful, well-written essay can also tip the balance in your favor! Especially where Admissions Officers are looking at applicants with very similar grades and SAT scores. How to Plan for College

The Admissions Essay SHOW, don’t TELL In short answers (50-250 words) or longer essays (max. 650 words), you have to be concise and to the point. Avoid always telling the audience how you felt, instead show them with a story that shows the feeling, without always having to tell them with the same few words. (i.e. “I was so happy”) How to Plan for College

The Admissions Essay: Three Types of Questions Type 1: The “You” Question The College wants to get to know you better- to see how students introduce themselves. Example: "The University of Montana values a diverse student body. What contributions might you make to our campus community outside of academic achievement?" Pros: Direct question, offers a chance to reveal something other than grades and scores. Cons: They can be so open-ended that it could lead to the narrative being a bit scattered. Source: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/essay Focus on just a few things and avoid the urge to "spill everything" at once. Do not simply write out your resume in paragraph form. It's better to develop one small event, person, place or feeling with a lot of narrative and specifics. This is a "tell us a story" question. You should tell a story that only you can tell Advisor’s Tips: How to Plan for College

The Admissions Essay: Three Types of Questions Type 2: The “Why Us” Question Admissions Officers want to get to know your goals and interest in their particular college. Example: "How did you become interested in Boston University?" Pros: Provides a focus for the essay; that is, why the student chose this particular college or path — and the answer to that will (hopefully) be clear. Cons: Any factual errors in the essay will reveal that the student really hasn't thought deeply about the choice. Source: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/essay Students should make absolutely sure they know their subject well. Don’t go overboard with flattery. You should sound sincere and authentic. Keep a solid focus, and don’t forget to showcase your attributes as well. Advisor’s Tips: How to Plan for College

The Admissions Essay: Three Types of Questions Type 3: The “Creative” Question The purpose of this question is to evaluate a candidate's ability to think and write creatively and to assess the breadth of the student’s knowledge. Example: "Sharing intellectual interests is an important aspect of university life. Describe an experience or idea that you find intellectually exciting, and explain why." Pros: This kind of question gives you an opportunity to convey your personality and views. Cons: Easy to take "creative" aspect of the question as license to be obscure, or to not have a clear outline. Source: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/guidance/applications/essay Importance of writing an informed essay. Don’t make factual errors, even if it a creative piece. Don’t write about a topic that you’re not comfortable just because you think it will sound impressive. Less is more. SHOW don’t TELL Advisor’s Tips: How to Plan for College

Scholarships - What are they? - Merit Based and Need Based - Searching for Scholarships - How to Apply How to Plan for College

What are Private Scholarships? A private scholarship is an education award that does not need to be paid back Usually given to a student by a third-party organization (not from the government or from an individual college) These scholarships usually require their own application process, separate from the college application and school aid process, and separate from the federal aid application process How to Plan for College

A specific field of study or occupation Merit and Need Based Many scholarships are merit-based, awarded to students for outstanding achievements or talents. Some scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need. Most private scholarships are sponsored by organizations or groups with special interests, such as: A specific field of study or occupation Race, ethnic group, or religious affiliation Special skills or talents (academic, athletic, or artistic) Community service or leadership Students who have overcome big challenges How to Plan for College

How do I find private scholarships? National or Local Organizations that Support and Promote Your Intended Major or Career Local Government, Community, and Faith-based Organizations School Guidance Office, College Financial Aid Office The Web (see list of recommended websites) Libraries, Local Chamber of Commerce How to Plan for College

Pay attention to eligibility requirements and deadlines. How do I apply? Research – and start early! Begin researching private scholarships early. Allow enough time to find applications forms and make sure that you meet eligibility requirements Most scholarships will have deadlines in January, February, March, and April Submit all required materials, such as essays, school transcripts, etc. Give your references (teachers, youth leaders, and others who know you well) enough time to submit their recommendations. Pay attention to eligibility requirements and deadlines. Advisor’s Tips: How to Plan for College

Local vs. National It’s never too early to start looking! Questions? Local vs. National It’s never too early to start looking! You should never pay to fill out an application How to Plan for College

Recommended Sites Name of Organization/Database Website URL: American Student Assistance www.saltmoney.org (search “scholarships”) College Board Scholarship Search https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship College Toolkit www..collegetoolkit.com FinAid www.finaid.org CollegeNet’s MACH 25 Database www.colegenet.com/mach25/app Super College www.supercollege.com The Princeton Review www.princetonreview.com/sallie-mae-scholarship.aspx Scholarships.com www.scholarships.com Raise.Me www..raise.me FastAid www.fastaid.com Fast Web www.fastweb.com The Scholarship Page www.scholarship-page.com/scholarship Education Grant www.educationgrant.com How to Plan for College

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