BRHS KEY CLUB

Scholarships

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

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

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

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

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

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

Items needed in a Scholarship Package Letters of Recommendation Resumè Essay – Personal Statement Transcripts

Cost money! Cover Letter Photo

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.

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.

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!

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.

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