1. BRHS KEY CLUB Scholarships

2. Facts About Scholarships  Scholarships tend to reward applicants who put forth the most effort.  Many scholarships have deadlines in January  It is more important what you write in the essay than how you write it.  The small amount scholarships add up.  Scholarship competition is tough, but many people do not follow the directions

3. Facts About Scholarships  The scholarship search process is tough, but worth it.  Scholarships love community service!  Scholarships are not just a one time thing  Many are renewable  Many are offered to undergraduates  Scholarships are not just for the Top Dogs  Minimum GPA of 2.5

4. The Scholarship Process  Start early  Begin investigating scholarships way before your senior year  Create a Scholarships Strategy – Organization  Keep track of all scholarships Good for future renewals Make spreadsheet  Search Scholarships  Eliminate scholarships where you do not meet the standards

5. The Scholarship Process  Assess each scholarship  Consider deadlines, difficulty of preparation, award amount, etc.  Prioritize  Create a rating system  Maybe + and - for each assessed category  Begin Applying

6. Where to find Scholarships  Braden River High School  Website and guidance office  Companies/Businesses/Organizations  Where your parents work  Places you have volunteered  Organizations you support  Community  Newspaper, news  Colleges

7. Where to find Scholarships  Internet  Make online profiles and it will tell you what you qualify for. They send emails and updates too!  www.fastweb.com  www.scholarships.com  www.zinch.com  Keep online profiles updated

8. Items needed in a Scholarship Package  Letters of Recommendation  Resumè  Essay – Personal Statement  Transcripts  Cost money!  Cover Letter  Photo

9. Letters of Rec  Most important to ask appropriate person  Relevant to scholarship  Teacher, Employer, Mentor  Not a friend or family member  Choose someone who can articulate your strengths and praise your accomplishments.  Don’t ask someone to recommend you for something about which they know nothing about.

10. Letters of Rec  Be punctual and considerate  Ask early (at least three weeks before you need it)  Give them all the necessary information Talking points – points of emphasis Tell them what you want it to say Resumè Deadlines If they have to mail it, give them envelopes and stamps  Should be on business letterhead, typed, and signed  Once they have one done for you, it is easy to adjust for future scholarships.

11. Essay – Personal Statement  Make sure it matches the topic and length given.  Check for formatting instructions.  Can adjust and reuse, but double check topic.  Check for careless errors: grammar, spelling, typos.  Get an English teacher to review/edit.  Your chance to show your personality, passion, dedication.  Brag!

12. Scholarship Tips  Apply only if you are eligible.  Complete the application.  Read and follow all instructions.  Submit a clean and neat application.  TYPE EVERYTHING.  If not possible, use best penmanship No smudges, white out, etc.  Submit a well-composed essay that makes a definite impression.  Be aware of and meet all deadlines.  Mail application to the proper address with the proper postage affixed.  Give your application materials a final review.  Have someone review the application.  Make sure you're proud of and satisfied with your application submission.

13. Scholarship Tips  Play to Your Strengths  Apply to those you have the best chance of winning  Application should be designed to highlight your strengths Including your letters of rec!  Write a Killer Essay  Put in time and effort  Know the audience and what they want Read scholarship’s mission and previous winning essays Tailor the essay to fit the needs  Pay Attention to Details  Deadlines  Formatting essays  Rules