Strategies for Success Scholarships: Strategies for Success Shae Deschutter & David Grant Sinclair Scholarship Counselor University of Nevada, Las Vegas

SOME BRIEF BACKGROUND

Ever ask a student about scholarships? It’s free money! I want one! Where can I get one?

What kind of expenses will a scholarship cover? In general… Tuition Fees Books & supplies Transportation costs Room & Board Miscellaneous/personal

Scholarship Criteria Academic Financial need: FAFSA Talent Community Service Personal Characteristics Knowledge Gap: Students may not be aware that each scholarship has a unique set of criteria. HSF Message: Each scholarship is based on a unique set of criteria that may include academic merit, need, talent, service, personal distinctions and other factors. Misconception: Scholarships are just for students with good grades. HSF Message: While academic merit is certainly a criteria for many scholarships, and having a strong academic record will increase your scholarship options, there are some scholarships without academic requirements. Notes: Each scholarship has a unique set of criteria. Make sure that you qualify before applying. Some criteria include: Academic: merit-based, such as GPA or class ranking; can be specific to areas of study Financial Need: many scholarships take a family’s financial need into account and may require tax forms or the SAR from the FAFSA Talent: arts, sports, music, writing, research, etc. Community Service: help a cause; be an ambassador - show leadership potential Personal Characteristics – gender, ethnicity, height, parent’s employers, home town, etc. Other: There is even a scholarship for the best prom dress made out of duct tape.

Questions to Ask about Scholarships Is it Renewable or One Time? How long is it renewable? (semesters or credit hours) What are the renewing criteria? Is it Merit based? Is it Need based? Is it Talent based? Is it Restricted or Unrestricted: major, tuition, room & board, books, etc. ? Tuition discounting vs. refund?

Major UNLV Scholarship Sources Financial Aid and Scholarships Office Grid (Rebel Achievement, UNLV Excellence, Provost, Top 10%) Valedictorian WUE/Rebel Challenge (Out of State Only) Faculty Senate (Approved by Faculty Senate; Donor Awards) Departmental Awards State Awards Millennium GearUp External Awards

External Scholarship Scams A legitimate scholarship provider wants to give money, not the other way around Don’t give out a bank account number or social security number! Free scholarship seminars tend to not be free If it sounds too good to be true, GOOGLE IT and check: Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, etc. Recent Michigan State Scam: Send us fees & taxes for the scholarship! Scholarship checks then bounce! Student out “fees,” bank fees, & ID theft.

AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS

Scholarship Rosters We prefer them electronically Ensures delivery Easier to track We prefer them early (if possible) We prefer them for the entire year (split evenly between fall & spring) Please use most current forms Please fill them out completely

Grants Scholarships Loans Cost of Attendance

What about International &Undocumented Students? The criteria usually limits availability. FAFSA requirements (SSN) Residential requirements No FAFSA Requirements: WUE/Rebel Challenge Valedictorian Millennium

SCHOLARSHIP STRATEGIES

Scholarships as Recruitment Tool The Goal: High Achieving Students We want them to attend We want them to stay Luncheons 2 this year for High Achieving Students Early Award Package Letters Stacking Faculty Senate and Provost Awards

Our Grid Awards

The Luncheon Awards Rebel Achievement: $1,750 UNLV Excellence: $2,250 Provost: $3,250 Top 10% : +$1,000 Valedictorian: $7,350 / $11,9000 WUE/Rebel Challenge: +$10,440 / $11,000 Faculty Senate: $2,000 to $5,000 IS Top Package: $9,250! OS Top Package: $22,900!

Maximize scholarship dollars Costs for Undergraduates That Community College Awesome 4 Year State University Some Expensive Private College Tuition and fees $3,000 $8,000 $15,000 Off campus room & board $7,000 Books & supplies $1,000 Transportation Subtotals $12,000 $17,000 $24,000 Less scholarships from school - $1,000 - $7,000 - $9,000 Total Expense $11,000 $10,000

In the end it’s about timing and perception

Questions?