applying for scholarships… it’s easier than you think! success day at normandale february 10,...
TRANSCRIPT
Applying for Scholarships…It’s Easier Than You Think!
Success Day at Normandale
February 10, 2015
WHAT DOES NORMANDALE OFFER?WHERE ELSE SHOULD I LOOK?HOW TO APPLYWRITING AN ESSAYWHAT IS A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT…
SCHOLARSHIPS
SPONSORED BY THE NORMANDALE FOUNDATION
FUNDING FROM ENDOWMENT EARNINGS, GIFTS TO THE COLLEGE
AND GRANTS FROM OUTSIDE FOUNDATIONS.
Normandale Foundation Scholarships
Normandale Foundation Scholarships
Scholarships range from $375 - $3000 per year
Awarded to both New and Current StudentsMost are targeted toward full-time students,
with financial need, strong academic background, strong leadership and community service involvement
Some available for part-time students, or students enrolled in specific programs
Normandale Foundation Scholarships
Current/Returning Students
Application period January 2nd to April 1st
Recipients Notified by mid-May
Online application www.normandale.edu/financiaid select “Scholarships” then “Current and Returning Student Scholarships”
Results of 2015 - 2016 FAFSA (submit it by March 15)
A Letter of Recommendation
Transcript from previous schools if not already on file
All Documentation must be received in the Financial
Aid Office by April 1, 2015:
How to apply?
SCHOLARSHIP AND MENTORING OPPORTUNITY
SPONSORED BY THE NORMANDALE FOUNDATION
NormandaleAcademy of Science & Math
Academy of Science & Math
Students interested in S.T.E.M. majorsProvides mentoring services to studentsCohort of students for peer support2 year commitment to programScholarship support may be availableApplication available @
www.normandale.edu/amsMUST fill out a 2015-2016 FAFSAEmail [email protected]
Kimberly Klein Maria Clark
Office: C3132
Phone: 952-358-8844
Email:[email protected]
du
Office: C3134
Phone: 952-358-8663
Email:[email protected]
Academy of Math & ScienceProgram Coordinators/Student Advisors
Normandale Departmental Scholarships
Apply directly to the departmentApplication Periods Vary
Contact Departments for Information (ask around)
• English Department• Geology/Geography Department• World Languages Department• Biology Department• Dental Hygiene Department• Theatre Department
Where else should I look?
Lots of FREE on-line scholarship searches
We recommend using www.fastweb.com
Other helpful scholarship resourceswww.finaid.org/scholarshipswww.finaid.org/websearchwww.scholarships.com
Searching for scholarships
Start searching as soon as possible• If you wait until you need the money, you could miss
lots of deadlinesUse a free scholarship matching serviceLook for local scholarships…at your work, your
parents work, your place of worship, local businesses
Answer any optional questions on a scholarship matching service for twice as many matches
Pursue less competitive scholarships, such as small awards and essay contests
How to apply…
Prioritize applications by the deadline and expected value of the scholarship
Use a calendar and checklist to get organizedCreate a resume of accomplishmentsTailor your application to the sponsor’s goalsRead and follow the instructionsMake your application stand out from the crowdPractice on a copy of the application form
Strategies
It’s a numbers game• Even among talented students, it takes time and luck• If you qualify for it - apply for it
You can’t win if you don’t apply• 25% of students never apply for financial aid
It gets easier • Essays can be reused and tailored to each new
applicationDon’t miss deadlines!
Most common application mistakes
Missing deadlinesFailing to proofread the applicationNot following directions (essay length, number
of recommendations, leaving out required information…)
Applying for an award when you don’t qualifyFailing to apply for an award for which you are
eligibleFailing to tailor the application to the sponsorWriting a boring essay
Writing an essay
Plan what you are going to write, review the application before you complete it
Use an outline to organize your thoughtsGive examples and be specificWrite about something of interest to youPersonalize your essay and be passionateTalk about your impact on other peopleProofread, proofread, proofread….Ask someone else to read it
• Use the Normandale Writing Center , C2120, in the Tutoring Center
Tips for letters of recommendation
Ask a teacher or employer whether they can write you a great letter of recommendation
It should be relevant to the scholarship sponsor’s goal
Provide the recommender with a copy of your resume of accomplishments
Provide the recommender with instructions about where to send it and all required forms
Thank the recommender for writing the letter
Other scholarship tips
Use a professional email address, such as [email protected]
Google your name to see what shows upClean up the content of any social network
sites you use (facebook), remove inappropriate and immature material
Make a copy of your application before submitting
Beware of scholarship scams
Investigate the company, ask questions, get it in writing
There are no up-front fees for legitimate scholarships
Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information or to apply
Nobody can guarantee that you’ll winNever give out bank account numbers, credit
card numbers or Social Security numbers
www.finaid.org/scholarshipscamswww.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams
After you win a scholarship
Send a thank you!!!If your scholarship is renewable, review the
requirements for retaining eligibilityUnderstand the taxability of your
scholarships• Amounts for tuition, fees, books, supplies tax-free• Amounts for room and board, transportation and
other living expenses are taxable• www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf• www.finaid.org/taxbenefits
Brenda TraftonDirector of Scholarships
Office: [email protected]
952-358-8850
Financial Aid Office 952-358-8250
Fax 952-358-9005