how to set yourself apart from everyone else scholarships
TRANSCRIPT
How to set yourself apart from everyone elseSCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships
Presented By:
Lorinda J. Diehl
Admissions Counselor
Grand Canyon University
Scholarships
Highlights of Grand Canyon University
Phoenix Arizona Academically Challenging NCAA Division II Sports Non-Denominational Christian University 90 acre campus Dorm Suites / ROTC Army 12 to 15 students per class College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Education,
Liberal Arts, & Ken Blanchard College of Business
What is the first question you ask yourself before you purchase an item?
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Cost of Education
Public-In Public-Out Private
Tuition $6,500 $12,000 $18,500
Fees 700 700 700
Books 800 800 800
Living Exp.
R & B 8,000 8,000 8,000
Personal 3,500 3,500 3,500
Total Cost $19,500 $25,000 $31,500
Scholarships
What is a scholarship?
Scholarship: a sum of money granted to a student to pursue his or her studies
A type of Financial Aid called merit-based…Gift Aid Based on need, academic performance, organizational
participation, athletic ability, community involvement, etc. Usually requires application, essay and letters of
recommendation May or may not be renewable May only be available at certain colleges
Scholarships
Myths Only students with 4.00 GPA get scholarships. There is a comprehensive list of all scholarships for
which a student can apply. Applying for scholarships is relatively easy & does not
require much time. Students are more interested in receiving scholarships
than their parents.
Scholarships
Who Receives Scholarships
AcademicGenderRace/EthnicityTalentsHobbiesMajor/MinorAgeFinancial Need
Athletic AbilityMembership in a
Particular OrganizationGeographic LocationLeadershipOriginalityPersonality
Scholarships
How to search for scholarships Start your search locally
Look for organizations, clubs, churches, & groups in your community Visit your post grad center/counseling office Internet research - takes the most time
Institutional Scholarships Contact your admissions counselor for a list of scholarship resources at
their University Counseling office has a list of many scholarships Financial Aid office Department of your major
National Scholarships National search engines Being specific in your search will enhance your chances
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Web Resources
Scholarship Search http://finaid.org http://collegescholarships.com http://scholarships.com http://scholarshipamerica.org/ www.fastweb.com www.petersons.com www.cesda.org www.danielsfund.org www.ncaa.org www.hsf.net www.aises.org www.scholarship.tylenol.com http://www.coca-colascholars.org www.collegeinvest.org www.collegeincolorado.org
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Other Scholarship Resources
There are over 422 books printed about scholarships. Here are some guide books to get you started.
Colorado Council on High School/College Relations, Colorado Collegiate Handbook – best for in-state information. Cost is about $6 (may be available in your high school counselor’s office)
Get Free Cash for College – Gen & Kelly Tanabe $25.00 Scholarships, Grants & Prizes – Peterson’s $25.00
Scholarships
How to apply for scholarships
Make it professional Treat every application the same Send all your materials at the same time
Include your name on all materials Find a group of references Send a thank you letter with every application
Every little bit helps! Have your personal essay reviewed by parents, teachers,
guidance counselors, etc. Order a copy of your unofficial transcript.
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The Application Follow deadlines
Is it a “Postmarked” or “received by” deadline? Beat the deadline, leaving time for follow-up if necessary.
Follow directions The application will state specifications about handwritten/typed,
official/unofficial transcripts, etc. Be neat and complete
Treat each application as if you were applying for a job. Final touches
Proofread! Copy everything you send in for your records. Bind or put in folder unless it states that you should not. Did you remember the selection criteria in every part of the application. Use heavy “resume” paper. Send a picture Rather than leave a question blank, indicate not applicable (N/A). Write clearly and not too small. Not less than 10 point font if typing.
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Content
Focus on the selection criteria Your application will be read and scored based on the stated criteria. Be exact and follow specific instructions. The two most important paragraphs are the introduction & conclusion.
Be specific and detailed about your past achievements Every space does not need to be filled. Each entry must be specific and
detailed. Instead of just “Prom Committee”, try “Designed advertising campaign for
prom.” Instead of just “Volunteer”, try “Organized yearly dance for senior citizens. BE HONEST!! Don’t invent or embellish.
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Personal Essay
Length 1 to 1 ½ pages
Content Talk about YOU Major accomplishments Activities Goals What sets you apart from everyone else
Tie it all together How does your content make you the perfect candidate for their
scholarship?
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Letters of Recommendation
Get them done NOW if you haven’t done this already. Give the individual writing the recommendation ample
time to complete. Ask to have the letter sent two weeks before the deadline. Follow-up to help the writer meet the deadline. Describe the type of letter you need and to whom it should
be addressed to. Also provide them with a stamped and addressed envelope. Ask for several copies of the letter for your records. Write a thank you note.
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Scholarship Do’s
DO understand the scholarship’s mission DO remember who your audience is DO show how you fit with the scholarship’s mission DO be proud of your accomplishments DO focus on leadership and contributions DO make your application stand out DO practice to make sure everything fits DO get editors DO include a resume DO make copies of your finished applications for reference
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Scholarship Scams
Avoid any scholarship applications that request a fee.
Ask for Credit Card or Bank Account Information
Companies that do all the work for you.
You receive notification that you have been selected as a
finalist for a contest you never entered.
NEVER PAY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP!!Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission
1-877-FTC-HELP www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml
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Additional Tips
Be persistent. Apply for numerous scholarships. Do not rely solely on scholarships to fund your education- Submit
your FASFA. Create a scholarship folder to keep track of all materials. Meet all deadlines. Presentation counts - Show you care!!! Follow-up. Thank both scholarship donor and references.
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Thank you!
Lorinda J. DiehlGrand Canyon University
Colorado Admissions Counselor(720) 272-3913