5.11.17 Private Scholarships By: ASA College Planning Center

ASA College Planning Center About Private Scholarship Writing The Essay Resources Agenda ASA College Planning Center

About Private Scholarships Presentation Title

What are Private Scholarships? A private scholarship is an education award that does not need to be paid back. It is 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. ASA College Planning Center

What are Private Scholarships? 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 ASA College Planning Center

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

The worst thing you can do is not to apply at all. How to Apply: Step 3 Meet ALL Deadlines Most scholarship programs strictly adhere to their deadlines. If you miss a deadline, get in touch with them, apply anyway and hope for the best. The worst thing you can do is not to apply at all. ASA College Planning Center

Writing the Essay Presentation Title

How To Write A Winning Scholarship Essay Video Interviews with Scholarship Committee Members Run time: 3.25 ASA College Planning Center

Tips to Writing a Winning Essay Start Strong – The opening paragraph is your opportunity to capture the attention of the scholarship judges. Tell a Story – Avoid always telling the audience how you felt, instead show them through the actions in your story. Brag Within the Story – Throughout the story/essay find a way to talk about your achievements and dreams; don’t focus on the story at the expense of telling the committee why you are awesome! Stay on Topic – Be sure not to digress or give side stories or information that is not needed. Try to be clear and concise ASA College Planning Center

Tips to Writing a Winning Essay, continued Stay on Topic – Be sure not to digress or give side stories or information that is not needed. Try to be clear and concise You Don’t Have to Overshare – You don’t have to divulge your entire life story. Don’t write about something if you are not comfortable doing so. Use Strong (but not advanced) Vocabulary – It’s obvious when a student uses excessively complex vocabulary in an effort to sound more intelligent. It’s OK to use a thesaurus to add depth to your essay, but try to only use words what you are familiar with, so you do not loose your authentic voice. Break The Mold – You don’t always have to write a four or five paragraph essay. Use as many (or as few) paragraphs as necessary to communicate your story Make It Flow – Just like a good book, a good essay flows from point to point / paragraph to paragraph. Work to create one cohesive work. ASA College Planning Center

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

Resources Presentation Title

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

ASA College Planning Center Introduction Visit us at the ASA College Planning Center Located at the Boston Public Library 700 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 (The lower level of the Johnson Building) Phone: 617-536-0200 How to Plan for College

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