1.
Private Scholarships
By:
ASA College Planning Center

2. ASA College Planning Center
About Private Scholarship
Writing The Essay
Resources
Agenda
ASA College Planning Center

3. About Private Scholarships
Presentation Title

4. What are Private Scholarships?
A private scholarship is an education award that does not need to be paid back.
It is usually given to a student by a third-party organization (not from the government or from an individual college).
These scholarships usually require their own application process, separate from the college application and school aid process, and separate from the federal aid application process.
ASA College Planning Center

5. What are Private Scholarships?
Many scholarships are merit-based, awarded to students for outstanding achievements or talents.
Some scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need.
Most private scholarships are sponsored by organizations or groups with special interests, such as:
A specific field of study or occupation
Race, ethnic group, or religious affiliation
Special skills or talents (academic, athletic, or artistic)
Community service or leadership
Students who have overcome big challenges
ASA College Planning Center

6. How do I find private scholarships?
National or Local Organizations that Support and Promote Your Intended Major or Career
Local Government, Community, and Faith-based Organizations
School Guidance Office, College Financial Aid Office
The Web (see list of recommended websites)
Libraries, Local Chamber of Commerce
How to Plan for College

7. The worst thing you can do is not to apply at all.
How to Apply: Step 3
Meet ALL Deadlines
Most scholarship programs strictly adhere to their deadlines. If you miss a deadline, get in touch with them, apply anyway and hope for the best.
The worst thing you can do is not to apply at all.
ASA College Planning Center

8. Writing the Essay
Presentation Title

9. How To Write A Winning Scholarship Essay
Video
Interviews with Scholarship Committee Members
Run time: 3.25
ASA College Planning Center

10. Tips to Writing a Winning Essay
Start Strong – The opening paragraph is your opportunity to capture the attention of the scholarship judges.
Tell a Story – Avoid always telling the audience how you felt, instead show them through the actions in your story.
Brag Within the Story – Throughout the story/essay find a way to talk about your achievements and dreams; don’t focus on the story at the expense of telling the committee why you are awesome!
Stay on Topic – Be sure not to digress or give side stories or information that is not needed. Try to be clear and concise
ASA College Planning Center

11. Tips to Writing a Winning Essay, continued
Stay on Topic – Be sure not to digress or give side stories or information that is not needed. Try to be clear and concise
You Don’t Have to Overshare – You don’t have to divulge your entire life story. Don’t write about something if you are not comfortable doing so.
Use Strong (but not advanced) Vocabulary – It’s obvious when a student uses excessively complex vocabulary in an effort to sound more intelligent. It’s OK to use a thesaurus to add depth to your essay, but try to only use words what you are familiar with, so you do not loose your authentic voice.
Break The Mold – You don’t always have to write a four or five paragraph essay. Use as many (or as few) paragraphs as necessary to communicate your story
Make It Flow – Just like a good book, a good essay flows from point to point / paragraph to paragraph. Work to create one cohesive work.
ASA College Planning Center

12. Local vs. National It’s never too early to start looking!
Questions?
Local vs. National
It’s never too early to start looking!
You should never pay to fill out an application
How to Plan for College

13. Resources
Presentation Title

14. Recommended Sites Name of Organization/Database Website URL:
American Student Assistance
(search “scholarships”)
College Board Scholarship Search
College Toolkit
FinAid
CollegeNet’s MACH 25 Database
Super College
The Princeton Review
Scholarships.com
Raise.Me
FastAid
Fast Web
The Scholarship Page
Education Grant
How to Plan for College

15. ASA College Planning Center
Introduction
Visit us at the
ASA College Planning Center
Located at the Boston Public Library
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
(The lower level of the Johnson Building)
Phone:
How to Plan for College

16. Thank you