Scholarships: Where do I start?

Suzana Kim, CTE Advisor

Ways to Pay for CollegeIn Order of Preference

1. FAFSA or Dream Act (free money)2. Scholarships (free money)3. Work 4. Family Contributions5. Student Loans (money you pay back)

Scholarships• WHAT types of scholarships are out there?• WHERE can I find scholarships?• WHEN should I apply for scholarships?• HOW do I start?

Scholarship Types

Merit-based Need-based• Good grades• Areas of study• Athletics• Talents• Community service• Leadership abilities

• Low-income• Must demonstrate financial

need

Scholarships by Grade Level• Most scholarships will target college-bound

high school students• Scholarships are available at every grade level

(elementary, high school, undergraduate & graduate levels)

Scholarships By Type• Ethnic background • Medical disabilities (learning disability,

cancer, epilepsy, etc.)• Community service• Religious convictions• Artistic abilities (art, film, dance, music)• Environmental causes

Strategies For Winning• It’s a numbers game

• Even among talented students, who wins involves a bit of luck, not just skill

• To win more, apply more• One in four students never applies for financial aid

• It gets easier after your first 6 applications• Essays can be reused and tailored to each new application

• Start early!

When To Apply• Scholarships are offered year round

• Best time to apply is NOW

• Conduct a search regularly throughout the year to ensure you find recently added scholarships

How to Navigate the Process1. Get organized • Pull together the information that’s needed

for the application• Academic Information (GPA, SAT/ACT scores)• Recommendation letters• College choices• Personal essay• Community/volunteer work

How to Navigate the Process2. Create a list of eligible scholarships3. Sort the scholarship list by deadline4. Start applying • Be sure to read the directions, qualifications, and

fine print carefully• Watch out for scholarship scams

Searching for Scholarships• Start searching NOW!• If you wait until spring to start searching, you will miss half

the deadlines!!!• There are many scholarships available to students in grades

9, 10 and 11, not just high school seniors• Check Scholarship Bulletin regularly – updated 3x a

week on Career Center website

More Ways of Searching• Check with local organizations and community

foundations• Less competitive scholarships, such as small awards and

essay contests, are easier to win. The money adds up!• Search online using free scholarship search engines

• Answer the optional questions on a scholarship matching service for more filtered results

Scholarship Search Engines • There are so many free scholarship search engines available to

students online that it can be difficult to know which websites to use. These are the ones that have key elements and are most helpful to students.• www.fastweb.com• www.scholarships.com • www.studentscholarships.org• www.scholarshipexperts.com • www.cappex.com• www.collegeboard.com

• Prioritize: deadline, value, chances• Create a resume (or use your Senior Packet)• Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals• Follow the instructions• Make your application stand out from the

crowd

Tips to Win!

Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay• Answer all questions in the prompt• Stay within the word limit• Be concise, clear and stay on topic• Be specific; give examples• Proofread a printed copy

Tips for Letter of Rec• ASK your recommender nicely. Remember, they are not obligated to

write you anything! It takes time to write a GREAT letter of rec.

• Things to provide the recommender:• Information about the scholarship (i.e. background, application,

flyer). The rec should be relevant to the scholarship sponsor’s goal.• Copy of resume or Senior Packet• All required forms • Self-addressed stamped envelope (if mail-in rec needed)

• Later, send a Thank You card. Gratitude goes a long way.

Other Scholarship Application Tips• Use a professional email address.• Clean up the content of your social media accounts.

Temporarily make accounts private.• Google your name to see what shows up.• Make copies of your application (also, print confirmation

receipt)• If sending by mail, send by certified mail, return receipt

requested or with delivery confirmation• If rejected, ask for the reviewer comments

Beware of Scholarship Scams• Never pay for information or to apply.

• Applying for scholarships is FREE!!• If you have to pay (and they don’t offer waivers) it’s a

scam• Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship • Do not give out personal information like bank account

numbers, credit card numbers or Social Security numbers

Questions?

MKHS Scholarship Bulletin

Updated 3x a week!!!!

Asian American Association Scholarship - $800

• Eligibility: • For all seniors who will be enrolled in a college in Fall 2017.• Students must present proof of registration at a college after graduating

from high school.• Requirements:

• Online application• Essay (not to exceed 500 words): “Think of a personal quality you

have that helped you overcome a difficult issue in life or at school. How will this help you as you pursue your future goals?”

LOCAL!

Schedule an Appointment!• College apps and/or essays

• Financial aid• Resume

• Mock Interviews• Major/College Selection

• Career Planning

Mrs. KimCTE Advisor(aka College & Career Counselor)