1. The Ins & Outs of Scholarships Amy Selof, Counselor Esperanza High School

2. Sources for Scholarships Three Types –Need based –Merit based (academic, athletic, music, etc.) –Special circumstance (alumni, memorial, etc.) Information & application come directly from schools –Every school is different in what they are able to offer 1.Universities & Colleges

3. Sources for Scholarships 2. Private Organizations Includes businesses, clubs, community groups Criteria varies Organizations set criteria Many resources available for finding scholarships

4. Its about TIME….and patience!!  Check your prospective schools.  Visit the Scholarship Newsflash on the Counseling page of esperanzahs.com often.  Research community groups.  Try internet scholarship searches.  BE AWARE OF DEADLINES.

5. The Internet as a Source Can begin searching at any time; the sooner the better. Can begin searching at any time; the sooner the better. New sites available on a regular basis. New sites available on a regular basis. Search engines are a good starting point; but can be very broad. Search engines are a good starting point; but can be very broad. Our students have found success with several sites. Our students have found success with several sites.

6. Quality Internet Sites bigfuture.collegeboard.org My personal favorite Lots of awards listed fastweb.com must have major finaid.org scholarships.com scholarshipexperts.com studentscholarships.org scholarsamerica.org scholarshiphelp.org

7. Beware of Scholarship Scams If it costs money or they make guarantees, chances are it is a scam. If it costs money or they make guarantees, chances are it is a scam. Scholarships services have no better access to information than you do. Scholarships services have no better access to information than you do. NEVER give out personal information (Social Security number, credit card number, bank account information, etc.). NEVER give out personal information (Social Security number, credit card number, bank account information, etc.). If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is. If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is.

8. EHS Scholarship Newsflash Updated scholarship information and applications (when provided by organization) listed on esperanzahs.com Updated scholarship information and applications (when provided by organization) listed on esperanzahs.com Information sent to those who register their email addresses Information sent to those who register their email addresses Students/Parents can register email addresses on esperanzahs.com Students/Parents can register email addresses on esperanzahs.com

9. Hints for a Quality Application Make a list of accomplishments (start in 9 th grade). Show confidence in your accomplishments. Obtain quality letters of recommendation. Tailor your application/essay to the organization's goals. Pay attention to details. Packaging is important; get creative, but keep it professional. Deadlines are crucial.

10. Seven Scholarship Myths Myth #1 – Only students with high academic achievement win merit based scholarships. Fact – Many of the best scholarships are grade blind and emphasize other talents.

11. Seven Scholarship Myths Myth #2 – Star athletes are the big scholarship winners. Fact – Athletic prowess is just another element of a student’s record.

12. Seven Scholarship Myths Myth #3 – The student who has the most extracurricular activities generally wins. Fact – Winning is about quality not quantity. Winners distinguish themselves by the devotion they have to their activities.

13. Seven Scholarship Myths Myth #4 – Entering scholarship competitions is just like applying to college. Fact – College admissions officers compare students to a standard whereas scholarship contests directly compare students to one another. Be creative, but remain professional.

14. Seven Scholarship Myths Myth #5 – Scholarship competitions are conducted on a level playing field. Fact – Each contest has its own biases. Try to determine what they are looking for and develop your strategy accordingly.

15. Seven Scholarship Myths Myth #6 – The track record you have already accumulated determines whether you will win scholarships. Fact – Content strategies and packaging strategies are just as important as your record.

16. Seven Scholarship Myths Myth #7 – Students should focus their time and energy on only one or two scholarship applications. Fact – Applying for scholarships is a numbers game; the more applications you submit, the better your chances.

17. In Summary  Register your email address at esperanzahs.com to get updated scholarship information.  Explore the EHS Scholarship Newsflash.  Scour the internet for opportunities.  Check out what your prospective schools have to offer.  Apply broadly and often – the worst you will hear is “no”.  BE AWARE OF DEADLINES!!

18. THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING Good Luck with your scholarship search. GO AZTECS!