FAFSA Notes Cal Grant gpa verification DONE! Thanks Mrs. Allen! FAFSA Forecaster tion=e1s1 tion=e1s1 Don’t disqualify yourself “Will File” probably won’t generate a Student Aid Report “Will File” WILL meet deadlines File on the.gov website

Scholarships… Compete to Win! Scholarships are gifts FAFSA offers gift aid –Must apply –Must meet qualifications –Meet deadlines –FILE

Scholarships Placer County students have been extremely successful in obtaining scholarships and grants. Each year our regional high school graduating seniors accept well over $25 million in scholarships!

Scholarship Myths Only the 4.0 g.p.a. students get scholarships There’s tons of money out there, going unawarded each year Outstanding students get scholarships without really trying Scholarships are only given to poor people

The Truth Scholarships go to those who seek them Many scholarships are offered based on merit not financial need There is a lot of competitive money out there, but no one gets a scholarship without applying

It’s legal to discriminate with a scholarship Race Religion Gender Talent Interest Handicap Specialty

Scholarships Play by the rules to win! Am I qualified? What’s the deadline? What’s the format?

Scholarships have one thing in common. They are all looking for a theme on the application Criteria How well does applicant fit the criteria

Scholarship selection committees will ask, “Are you prepared?” What is your goal? How have you prepared for this goal? How interesting is your preparation?

How prepared are you for your goals? Even if you’re undecided, for scholarship application, pick a major or area of interest. Show a theme related to each scholarship with your application. Link major, activities, awards, service

Beware of Messages You don’t realize you are sending Represent yourself appropriately everywhere! Scholarship sponsors confirm your application information with: –Facebook –Twitter –YouTube –Instagram – address words or images – et al

Items you need Official & Unofficial Transcripts –Three business days in advance Letters of recommendation 10 business days in advance Resume’ or Profile Tax forms Pay Stub or W2 FAFSA College & Scholarship ID Info Verification of Enrollment Volunteer Records Supplemental materials Photos Certificates News clippings Scrap book style pages Always make a copy of your application; note when it was submitted

Recommendations Choose the right recommender Ask in person Provide letter of req request form 10 business days in advance Follow up with a written thank you note. –Manners open doors that can’t be opened any other way.

Submit with Style Many scholarships are now submitted online. –Scan all documents into pdf form Some use the old fashioned snail mail. –Paper applications should be bound in presentation format unless different directions are specified –Paper applications should be mailed flat –Meet deadlines (note postmark vs received by)

Play all your “trump” cards Ethnic Religion Service Hardship Life challenge How you have prepared for your goal First in your family to attend college

What if I don’t have a sad story? Merit awards - based on all the good stuff in your life Essays Contests General Scholarships Specific Interest or Talent Scholarships Specific Major Scholarships Specific Industry or Career Scholarships

Talk to your parents about $$ Parents can write letter explaining circumstances that make it impossible to pay EFC. Scholarships don’t play by the same rules as FAFSA. Be specific about the importance of a scholarship for your family. File the FAFSA!!

Beware of Scholarship Scams If it requires a fee It should be considered suspicious Any scholarship that requires a fee is not endorsed by The College BoardWestern Sierra The UC SystemThe CSU System

Actively Search for Scholarships WSCA College & Career Center Fastweb Your college website – Apply before you are accepted! –Financial Aid –Scholarships –College Departments –Sierra College Foundation Scholarships ap due Jan 31 st.

File a FAFSA Some colleges verify information for merit- based scholarships with the FAFSA Don’t disqualify yourself from institutional merit-based scholarships

The secret to winning a scholarship… Apply!!! You can’t win if you don’t enter

Mr. Kling Mrs. Cutts Mrs. B Mrs. Allen Get on the College & Career Center website to look for scholarship updates You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!