Scholarships

4 Categories of Scholarships IN ORDER OF PRIORITY: Scholarships (merit aid) from the college you attend LOCAL Scholarships – doesn’t mean you have to go to college locally Groups you/family are affiliated with National Scholarships

College Scholarships- Merit Aid BIGGEST source of funding – things to know Does the college offer merit aid? Does it have a history of being generous with merit aid? Would you be a top student at the college? Do you bring other things to the college – talent, geographic diversity, etc.? Is the college a good fit for you? Do you like it?

Scholarships (Merit Aid) from colleges “The simple rule of thumb: if you want more scholarships, apply to the schools most likely to accept you. ” -Collegewise READ and ASK the colleges Pay attention to deadlines! ACT scores are sometimes a trigger College Navigator website – data re: admissions and how much aid a college usually gives

LOCAL Scholarships Smaller applicant pools = better chances Many individual applications Common App for Local (EPHS) Scholarships Deadline for Class of 2017 is February 6th Students complete one app for many scholarships Will use recommendations already in Naviance Labeled “survey” but requires time and careful completion!

Finding local scholarships Comprehensive Local Scholarship List – arranged by month Naviance updated every Wednesday – the most successful students check every week Choose “local” category to see only local scholarships Notable other local scholarships: Schulze Family Foundation Scholarship – for middle class families - $5000 renewable John Heinmiller Scholarship – activities and character

Family/personal affiliations Churches Masonic and other groups Workplaces You have to ask about these Ask grandparents too!

National Scholarships Naviance/Daily Bulletin – details in Naviance Internet search tools – use a scholarship email! Peterson’s Unigo Fastweb Cappex Chegg College Board Scholarships.com NEVER PAY FOR SCHOLARSHIP LEADS!

Application Strategies Check for new scholarships weekly Scholar Snapp Compile an Accomplishment list Binder, box, spreadsheet Resume (sample) Be ready to write! Essays are a common and important component Give them a reason to choose you! Letters of recommendation Give plenty of time – at least 2 weeks Start discussing in spring of junior year Nominations - If you need a nomination, you can initiate this by talking to counselors

Some things to remember MODESTY DOES NOT PAY Students need to be their own advocates Letters of recommendation are supporting documents, make sure they support you! Essays – start strong, finish strong, clear points Scholarship $ often goes to the school and not to the student Be aware that some scholarships are lead generators for companies. Use caution. Create a “scholarship email address.”

Remember: Money from colleges first Apply for all local scholarships Write well and give them a reason to choose you Persistence Pays

Questions?