The information contained in this presentation is subject to change and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult a financial planner or a tax advisor for detailed information. Discover Student Loans are not endorsed by this school. The Scholarship Quest

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Agenda Questions From Parents & Students Why Scholarships Matter How To Apply For Scholarships Keeping Your Scholarship Scholarship Tips Scholarship Scams Final Thoughts 2

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Questions From Parents & Students When does the scholarship search process begin ? Should I pay for a scholarship search ? Are scholarships only available to entering college freshmen ? If my child is not in the top 10% of my class, is he/she eligible for a scholarship ? 3

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Why Scholarships Matter 4 Typically recognize a student’s work or effort. Helps pay for college and living expenses so a student can have time to focus on their studies. Scholarship money does not have to be paid back.

STARTING THE SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Types Of Scholarships Need-based Scholarships Scholarships based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) —Institutional —Federal —State Academic & Merit Scholarships Merit scholarships are often related to academic performance, but can also be given to a student with artistic or athletic excellence —Institutional —State —Private —National Merit 6 In addition to completing the FAFSA, some students may need to also complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Sources of Scholarships 7 Local Ethnic Institutional Employer and Military Community Service First Generation

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Scholarship Search Engines 8 Many schools automatically consider you for grants and scholarships when you apply for admission. For grants and scholarships not offered by your school, the best place to start looking is on the internet. Websites to consider include: DiscoverStudentLoans.com/Scholarship – no registration required to search for over 3 million scholarships Studentaid.gov – a source to find and apply for federal grants Fastweb.com – sends you personalized options for grants and scholarships Scholarships.com – you customize your search results based on your profile Ed.gov/Erod – search for state scholarships by entering your state and the word “scholarship”

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Partners In The Process 9 High School Guidance Counselors College Financial Aid Administrators College Admissions Officers College Department Deans

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC General Requirement Examples Colleges seek motivated students with demonstrated leadership skills and volunteer experience Involvement in school activities, government and the community is helpful NATIONAL MERIT A limited number of students qualify, based on their PSAT scores The National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test automatically enters the student into the competition LEADERSHIP First in family to attend college Have financial need Involved in community service FIRST GENERATION 10

How To Apply For Scholarships

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Prepare A Scholarship Portfolio/Resume 1. Create a resume of your accomplishments Highlight grades and academic achievements, community service activities, leadership roles and special talents Have a parent interview you every year to ensure your accomplishments are accounted for on the resume and your scholarship applications 2. Gather letters of recommendations Provide as much notice as possible to the people you are asking Provide a copy of your resume for reference as they write your recommendation 3. Write an essay that can easily be tailored. Clearly communicate who you are Highlight what distinguishes you from other applicants 12

When To Apply For Scholarships 13 It’s never too early, but make sure you carefully read the eligibility requirements Pay attention to the application instructions – they can be different from scholarship to scholarship ©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC

Scholarship Timeline Junior Year & Prior: Begin researching scholarships as early as sophomore year of high school Look for opportunities from your parents’ employers, religious organizations, local businesses, and community groups 14 Summer Prior to Senior Year Compile a list of potential scholarships Write down application deadline dates Fall of Senior Year: Pull all information together Begin writing the essays Begin to submit the scholarship applications Winter Semester of Senior Year Track the applications

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC 15 Want More Information? The information contained in this presentation is subject to change and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult a financial planner or a tax advisor for detailed information. Discover Student Loans are not endorsed by this school. Register at CollegeCovered.com to receive: US News and World Report's Guide to Paying for College (available for a limited time) Helpful tips and information as you navigate the college planning process Tips on how to apply for a scholarship and a search of 3 million scholarships worth more than $18 billion

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Registration at CollegeCovered.com 16

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC A Strategic Approach – A Four Step Process Organization Record academic achievements, attributes and talents Develop a spreadsheet to organize requirements and due dates Research Match the attributes of the student to the scholarship Remember to search for local scholarship opportunities Action Begin the scholarship search early, but no later than beginning of the senior year of high school. Follow-up Do not assume that the scholarship sponsor received your application and the required documents – make sure you follow up to ensure receipt Send thank you notes to the scholarship sponsor and everyone involved in the process 17

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Impact Of Additional Outside Aid State & Federal Grant Loans Institutional Scholarship Outside Scholarship State & Federal Grant Loans Institutional Scholarship If a student receives additional financial assistance (outside of scholarships) that causes their financial aid package to exceed the student’s need, the school may attempt to adjust the aid package or the school may increase the student’s cost of attendance to absorb the outside aid. 18

Keeping Your Scholarship

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Have You Read The Fine Print? What are the minimum number of credits you must take and pass? What is the required GPA? Can the scholarship be deferred? Is the scholarship renewable? Do you know the criteria? Can a lost scholarship be reinstated? 20

Scholarship Tips

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Top Ten Scholarship Tips 1.Be involved in community service activities throughout high school. 2.Create and maintain a success resume from freshman year through the senior year in high school. 3.Consult with a high school guidance counselor, especially for local and regional scholarship information. 4.When writing a scholarship essay, make sure you use spell check and have it proofread by someone else. 5.Start applying for scholarships in the fall of the senior year of high school. 6.Develop a scholarship deadline spreadsheet to keep you organized and on time. 7.Be mindful of the details! Carefully read the instructions and make sure the application is filled out correctly and includes all requested items. 8.Apply and keep applying. Save time by tailoring an existing essay for multiple scholarship applications. 9.If a scholarship interview is required, dress professionally. 10.Continue to apply for upper-class scholarships during the freshman year in college. 22

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Beware Of Scams Use reliable scholarship searches. You should not be charged a fee. Be wary of things such as a finalist letter or a scholarship guarantee. If in doubt, contact the Consumer Protection Agency at the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov or call

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC Final Thoughts The majority of scholarships don’t come to you – it is competitive – you go to them Consider applying for as many scholarships as you can Meet with scholarship decision makers and Deans of your major during your college campus visit 24

©2014 Discover Bank, Member FDIC 25 ? ?