S CHOLARSHIPS Tips for Students

Scholarship Process at CNHS: Check website frequently for the latest updates on scholarships. This will include: 1) Scholarships posted by the district (regional, national, and international) 2) CNHS specific (local) scholarships

Review the Carleton North High School Scholarships and Bursaries Brochure. Check university websites for scholarships specific to that university or college. Some schools have a page that you fill out and submit and this will enter your name for many scholarships. Other larger scholarships, you will have to apply for individually. Read carefully! example: UNB

Tips - Applying for Scholarships: Prioritize your applications by deadline and the expected value of the scholarship Use a calendar and checklist to get organized Create a resume Create an accomplishments list to give to references Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals Read and follow the instructions Make your application stand out from the crowd Ask to be nominated Practice on a copy of the application form When requested, enclose an official copy of your transcript.

When you request transcripts from the office, please do so at least a week in advance. The secretaries are very busy and they need time to get these ready for you.

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Use proper letter writing format when asked to write a personal statement or a letter. Addresses Heading (To Whom it May Concern: ) Closing (Sincerely,)

Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay Brainstorm and plan to organize your thoughts Provide details, give examples and be specific Personalize your essay and be passionate Write about something of interest to you Talk about your impact on other people Proofread a printed copy of the essay for spelling and grammar errors (use proper conventions)

Tips for Letters of Recommendation Ask the teacher whether she or he can write you a great letter of recommendation (they might say yes or no) Always ask the teacher at least two weeks before you need the recommendation letter. They are very busy. The recommendation should be relevant to the scholarship sponsor’s goal Provide the recommender with a copy of your accomplishments resume Provide the recommender with all required forms Thank the recommender for writing the letter

Other Scholarship Info Many scholarships are just forms you fill out. They don’t require an essay. There are scholarships for people entering different studies (ex. Music, art, engineering, science, math, trades, and so on). Marks are a part of the consideration, not the whole It is as much about your character, your service to others, your leadership, and what you want to study as it is about your grades for many scholarships.

Other Scholarship Application Tips Use a professional address, such as Clean up the content of your Facebook and Twitter accounts, removing inappropriate and immature material Google your name to see what shows up Make a photocopy of your application before mailing it If rejected, ask for the reviewer comments Submit your scholarship application however it says to on the application. Ex. If it says to mail it, mail it. Don’t drop it off at the house of someone who sits on a scholarship committee.

Beware of Scholarship Scams If you have to pay money to get money, it is probably a scam Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information about scholarships or to apply for a scholarship Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship Do not give out personal information like bank account numbers, credit card numbers or Social Insurance numbers Beware of the unclaimed aid myth

Most Common Application Mistakes Missing deadlines Failing to proofread the application Failing to follow directions (essay length, number of recommendations) ***Anything wrong on a scholarship application is grounds for the committee to not consider your application. Omitting required information Applying for an award when you don’t qualify Failing to apply for an award for which you are eligible Failing to tailor the application to the sponsor Writing a boring essay Making mistakes in your essay or application form

Useful websites: scholarships.html scholarships.html

Questions? Ask Mrs. Albright