Your Target… Scholarship Dollars !

What are scholarships? Gifts of money from organizations and family memorials for worthy students to further their education. Scholarships do not have to be paid back.

SCHOLARSHIP MYTHS

Myth #1 Only students with a high GPA get scholarships.

False. Scholarships are awarded to students with a variety of talents and interests.

Myth #2 Students need a long list of activities & accomplishments to get scholarships.

False. Winning scholarships is about quality, not quantity. ✓ commitment ✓ contribution

Myth #3 Your track record established in HS determines if you get a scholarship.

False. An impressive essay and packaging strategies can help.

Scholarship Scams BEWARE:  “You are guaranteed a scholarship.”  “May I have your credit card number?”  “You have been selected as a finalist.”  “We can find you scholarships, buy our service.”  National Honor Scholars Society scam

Scholarship Resources  Counseling Office Scholarship database on website Local listing in January  Colleges Some colleges are using your UW application!  Community Parent’s employment (Alliant Energy, UPS) Organizations (American Legion, etc.) Clubs ( 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, etc.)  Internet

Preparing for the search… Resume An overview of activities & achievements that make you a strong candidate.

Getting started ✓ Brainstorm activities & accomplishments (worksheet on website) ✓ Edit and format the information Functional Chronological

Functional Resume Divides your information into categories such as: Honors and Awards School Clubs & Organizations Sports Accomplishments Achievements in the Arts Leadership Community Activities Volunteer Work Paid Work Experience

Chronological Resume List your information in chronological order from most recent. ✓ Senior Year Activities/Accomplishments ✓ Junior Year Activities/Accomplishments ✓ Sophomore Year Activities/Accomplishments ✓ Freshman Year Activities/Accomplishments

Preparing for the search… Letters of Recommendation Describes your personal qualities in school and community.

Letters of Recommendation Different perspectives  Academic abilities - teacher  Work ethic - employer, coach  Community involvement - clergy, club advisor, volunteer supervisor  Good letters require time. Please allow your writers 2-3 weeks and thank them!

Preparing for PHS scholarships Career Plan Statement Financial Need Statement

Career Plan Statement Narrative of your future plans Content: what has led you to this decision…  college plans / career goals  interests  past memorable experiences  skills / talents  PHS coursework preparation  community service in that area  employment in that field

Financial Need Statement Narrative of economic status Content: your family’s financial background…  parent’s education and occupations  disability or illness in family  single parent household  other siblings in college  how you will finance your education money saved for college family contributions your employment

Find out more…. Financial Aid Night for Students & Parents December 17 at 7:00 PHS Auditorium PHS Local Scholarship Seminar January 3, 2013 during Advisory PHS Auditorium

Thank you for attending Stop in the Counseling Office for answers to all of your scholarship questions!