1. Scholarships

2. 4 Categories of Scholarships
IN ORDER OF PRIORITY:
Scholarships (merit aid) from the college you attend
LOCAL Scholarships – doesn’t mean you have to go to college locally
Groups you/family are affiliated with
National Scholarships

3. College Scholarships- Merit Aid
BIGGEST source of funding – things to know
Does the college offer merit aid?
Does it have a history of being generous with merit aid?
Would you be a top student at the college?
Do you bring other things to the college – talent, geographic diversity, etc.?
Is the college a good fit for you? Do you like it?

4. Scholarships (Merit Aid) from colleges
“The simple rule of thumb: if you want more scholarships, apply to the schools most likely to accept you. ” Collegewise
READ and ASK the colleges
Pay attention to deadlines!
ACT scores are sometimes a trigger
College Navigator website – data re: admissions and how much aid a college usually gives

7. LOCAL Scholarships Smaller applicant pools = better chances
Many individual applications
Common App for Local (EPHS) Scholarships
Deadline for Class of 2017 is February 6th
Students complete one app for many scholarships
Will use recommendations already in Naviance
Labeled “survey” but requires time and careful completion!

8. Finding local scholarships
Comprehensive Local Scholarship List – arranged by month
Naviance updated every Wednesday – the most successful students check every week
Choose “local” category to see only local scholarships
Notable other local scholarships:
Schulze Family Foundation Scholarship – for middle class families - $5000 renewable
John Heinmiller Scholarship – activities and character

11. Family/personal affiliations
Churches
Masonic and other groups
Workplaces
You have to ask about these
Ask grandparents too!

12. National Scholarships
Naviance/Daily Bulletin – details in Naviance
Internet search tools – use a scholarship !
Peterson’s
Unigo
Fastweb
Cappex
Chegg
College Board
Scholarships.com
NEVER PAY FOR SCHOLARSHIP LEADS!

13. Application Strategies
Check for new scholarships weekly
Scholar Snapp
Compile an Accomplishment list
Binder, box, spreadsheet
Resume (sample)
Be ready to write!
Essays are a common and important component
Give them a reason to choose you!
Letters of recommendation
Give plenty of time – at least 2 weeks
Start discussing in spring of junior year
Nominations - If you need a nomination, you can initiate this by talking to counselors

14. Some things to remember
MODESTY DOES NOT PAY
Students need to be their own advocates
Letters of recommendation are supporting documents, make sure they support you!
Essays – start strong, finish strong, clear points
Scholarship $ often goes to the school and not to the student
Be aware that some scholarships are lead generators for companies. Use caution. Create a “scholarship address.”

15. Remember:
Money from colleges first Apply for all local scholarships Write well and give them a reason to choose you Persistence Pays

16. Questions?