How to set yourself apart from everyone elseSCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships

Presented By:

Lorinda J. Diehl

Admissions Counselor

Grand Canyon University

ldiehl@gcu.edu

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

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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

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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.

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Who Receives Scholarships

AcademicGenderRace/EthnicityTalentsHobbiesMajor/MinorAgeFinancial Need

Athletic AbilityMembership in a

Particular OrganizationGeographic LocationLeadershipOriginalityPersonality

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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

ldiehl@gcu.edu