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The Search for Scholarships

7:00 p.m. Mon., Oct. 28

GOALS:• Understand the basics about

scholarships• Learn how to find scholarship

opportunities• Know how to apply for awards• Maximize your potential for

getting scholarships• Get your questions answered!

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a cramping and oppressive lack of

resources (i.e. money)

Definition of PENURY:

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SCHOLARSHIP BASICSCriteria, Types, & Sources

• Criteria: Need-based vs. Merit/Skill-based• Types:

Local / Regional / State / National Nomination-based / Open application Renewable / Non-renewable Contingency-based (dependent on GPA, service, etc…)

Could be terminated Could require payback (i.e. scholarship loans)

• Sources: Federal, State, Local Government Colleges/Universities Private organizations

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“Sticker Price” vs. “Out-of-Pocket Cost”

Students could have a lower or manageable “out-of-pocket” cost at a school with a higher “sticker price” because: Higher need will exist at a higher cost

school, and financial aid is proportional Less popular, less competitive, and smaller

schools may give more money Private schools might have more money to

give away Larger endowment schools give less merit

aid and more need-based aid Some schools guarantee loan-free

packages (some are “568” schools) – Davidson, Amherst, Williams

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What scholarships CAN and CAN’T do:

Scholarship money can: Lower your unmet need Decrease loan amounts Decrease the need for work/study Lead to a decrease in institutional

scholarships/grants

Scholarship money cannot: Diminish the EFC (Estimated Family Contribution),

unless that’s all that’s left of college costs Provide personal profit above the cost of

education (sum of awards cannot exceed college cost)

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More Scholarship Basics and Tips

• There is no easy road to getting scholarships• The more you apply for, the better your

chances (multiple “small” awards can add up!)• Beware of scams or marketing ploys

Avoid significant application fees or feeds paid to a scholarship search consultant, unless you truly have more money than time

Watch for red flags (“guaranteed” awards, award offers to colleges you haven’t applied to, etc….)

Educate yourself (Google “Federal Trade Commission Scholarship Scams”)

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Basics & Tips (cont.)

• You could have the best luck with local scholarships Applicant pool is smaller There are not as many competitors as you might

think!• You should know how your school advertises

scholarships• Your counselor likes to know of your interest in

awards for which nomination is required• Your counselor cannot prescribe a personalized

list of scholarships for which you should apply• You can still apply for new scholarships AFTER

enrolling in college

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HOW TO FIND SCHOLARSHIPS

• Browse individual college websites for scholarships offered institutionally

• Browse websites and search programs (College Board, CFNC, etc….) for scholarships that can be used at any college

• GOOGLE for scholarships Don’t give up easily Spend time weeding through options and

following links• Consider military options• Review your school’s newsletter, website, etc…• Narrow your options to those for which you

qualify (exceptions are rarely, if ever, made)

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When you get “stuck,” contact organizations directly

• CALL the college admissions or financial aid office when: You can’t find any info about their scholarships

(inability to find them doesn‘t mean they don’t exist!)

You want advice on how to make finances work out after you’ve received your aid package

• CALL or EMAIL the sponsoring organization if: A deadline date is not listed for a scholarship found

online (to be sure the competition is not outdated) The scholarship instructions are unclear

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Get out your Get out your smartphones and follow smartphones and follow

along!!along!!Google “Scholarships for Dancers”

Out of these many results, let’s look at one of the awards we can find, and decide whether

or not to apply:

5 Scholarship Opportunities for DancersJessica Karrat Dance Scholarship Fund

WOULD YOU APPLY?

Last listed winners were in 2011, and no year is listed in the deadline dates. Contact the

organization!

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Sample Web Resources for Finding Scholarships

www.cfnc.org – Pay – Grants and Scholarships

www.BigFuture.collegeboard.org – Pay for College – Grants and Scholarships

www.scholarshipexperts.com www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com

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HOW TOAPPLY FOR AWARDSApplication Procedures

• College/University Funded Awards Admissions application sometimes doubles as a

scholarship application Admissions application sometimes triggers an invitation

to apply for scholarship Scholarship application is sometimes a totally separate

process• Scholarships from colleges or outside organizations MIGHT

require the following: FAFSA and/or PROFILE Application form Recommendations and/or essays Transcript and test scores Interviews Family financial data

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Application Tips

• Read directions and follow them exactly !!!!• Familiarize yourself with the program

Background and purpose of the scholarship

Who funds the scholarship What the organization does

• Treat essays seriously Review samples of “standout” essay

responses (many sources on the internet) Determine your unique qualities,

experiences, perspectives, & goals Review essay writing tips Work on rough drafts

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Application Tips (cont.)

• Apply throughout the year Don’t wait for college acceptance to apply Note that updated applications often don’t come

out until 2-3 months prior to deadline• Prepare for interviews

Review sample interview questions Practice through mock interviews

Set up through school counselor or other adult Practice with an adult you do not know

Determine what is unique about yourself - What do you want the interviewers to know about you?

• Don’t let your parents do it for you! This can affect your opportunities and recommendations!

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VIDEO from FASTWEB How to make your application stand out

www.fastweb.com/content/scholarship-videos

Episode THREE

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Know What Scholarship Programs Look For

• **Academic excellence (rigorous curriculum, GPA/rank, SAT, grades)

• **Meaningful involvement in activities (clubs, sports, service, hobbies, enrichment, etc…)

AND• Professionalism (use formal instead of

familiar language, use black/blue pen instead of pencil, type instead of print when possible, etc…)

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR

ELIGIBILITY POTENTIAL

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• Creativity and originality• Clear and mature communication of

ideas, and self-advocacy• Ability to present themselves with

sincerity, rather than in trendy or “cookie-cutter” packages

• Demonstration of self-awareness, curiosity, kindness, collaboration, etc …..

• Evidence of earned respect from adults (teachers, etc…)

Know What Programs Look For (cont.)

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Create and Enhance Your Resume

• Donate your time in service to others (volunteering is a BIG plus for scholarships!)

• Take a class• Learn a new skill• Job-shadow a career professional• Go to a “camp” or a seminar (leadership training,

etc…)• Find a job• Travel somewhere new and keep a journal• Become aware of current events• LET YOUR TEACHERS GET TO KNOW YOU!!!!

Use your time for productive and enriching activities, rather than for purely recreational activities.

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QUESTIONS?

Randy NorrisCounselor, Reagan High

renorris@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Resource Handouts:Power Point Scholarships 101 Website ListInterviewing Skills Essay-Writing Tips

Go to Reagan High website, go to “Faculty/Staff Web Pages,” go to “Randy Norris,” then click on “Resources

and Handouts”