Show me the MONEY! -Jerry McGuire Welcome to Tips on Scholarships

Topics of Discussion Financial Aid Process Types of Financial Aid How to Fill out a Scholarship Scholarship Resources Question and Answer SCC Scholarship Information

Financial Aid Process 1.Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after January 1 st, Receive the SAR (Student Aid Report) 3.Review Award Letter 4.Accept or Decline FAFSA Informational Night: January 16, 6:30 p.m. Individual Families FAFSA Day: February 2013

Types of Financial Aid Grants Scholarships Loans (unsubsidized and subsidized) –Need to be paid back Work Study –Need-based

What is a Scholarship? FREE MONEY! Types: Need-based, National, State, Local

Pre-Scholarship 1.Create a Personal ResumePersonal Resume 2.Create a Personal Essay 3.Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation From people who know you well At least two Give plenty of time –Follow up thank you Make copies for additional scholarships Iowa College Access Network

Scholarship 1.Search for Scholarships 2.Learn the Criteria 3.Get Organized 4.Be Professional 5.Ask for Letter of Recommendation 6.Write an Essay 7.PROOFREAD YOUR APPLICATION 8.Follow-up

Search for Scholarships High School Counseling Office Counseling webpagewebpage Community Organizations Your Workplace (and parents) College Financial Aid and Admissions Offices Libraries Internet Iowa College Access Network

Learn the Criteria Find out what the scholarship organization is considering –Family heritage, religious affiliation, academic achievements, hobbies, leadership, community involvement, school activities, athletics Example –ACT = 24, GPA = 3.5 –Attending a four-year institution Iowa College Access Network

Get Organized Follow directions on application Understand purpose –Why are they providing scholarship money? Make a copy before you begin Iowa College Access Network

Be Professional Use formal Use professional font (Times New Roman) Typed vs Ink Answer ALL questions Dont just say you are well-rounded Express pleasure for opportunity and gratitude Create resume or profile Iowa College Access Network

Write an Essay Brainstorm beforehand, create outline –Introduction to catch attention –Theme to convey impression you want –Conclude smoothly (insightful and thoughtful) –Succession in overcoming challenges Iowa College Access Network

PROOFREAD

Follow-up Thank you note Inform committees about the college of choice Is it renewable? Iowa College Access Network

Be Aware! Deadlines Scholarship Scams –NEVER pay money for a scholarship Keep a list of scholarships applied for

Resources/Websites Iowa College Access Network FinAid CollegeBoard FastWeb

Questions?

Thanks for Coming!