Scholarships for High School Students

Scholarships for High School Students

• Presented by
• Neena Agnihotri
• College Counselor
• James Monroe High School

What Are Scholarships?

• Scholarships are forms of aid that help students pay for their education.
• Unlike student loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid.

How Are Scholarships Awarded?

• Scholarships are awarded based on the following criteria:
• The Basis of Financial Need
• Academic Achievement
• Community Involvement
• Specific Talent
• First Generation College Student

How Can I Get Scholarships For College?

• The scholarship application process is similar to the college application process.
• First, you should filter a large list of possible choices into a focused list that matches your needs.
• Then create compelling applications that are supported by your achievements, essays, and recommendations.

Searching For Scholarships

• Students should search for scholarships on their own using web sites and scholarship guides.
• Some college scholarships and grants are included in college financial aid packages and do not need to be applied for separately.

Scholarship Application Tips

• Start your research early.
• The more time you can put into your scholarship search, the more options you will have.
• You need time to research scholarships, request information and application materials, and complete your application.

Read Eligibility Requirements Carefully

• If you have questions about eligibility for a particular scholarship, contact the scholarship sponsors.

Get Organized!

• Create a separate file for each scholarship and file by application date.
• Keep a calendar of application deadlines and follow-up appointments.

Scholarship Requirements

• Many scholarships require you to provide the following:
• Transcript
• Standardized Test Scores
• Parents’ Financial Information, Including Tax Returns
• An Essay
• A Letter of Recommendation

Proofread Your Applications Carefully

• Use your computer’s spelling and grammar check features.
• Have a family member, teacher, counselor, or friend read your essays.

Don’t Leave Items Blank

• Contact scholarship sponsors if you are not sure how to fill out any part of the application.
• When in doubt, ask questions.

Follow Directions Carefully

• Read directions carefully.
• Avoid going over the length limit for the essay.
• Don’t send supporting materials that are not requested in the application.

Make Copies

• Be sure to make copies of everything you send.
• If application materials are lost, having copies on hand makes it easier to resend your application quickly.

Double Check Your Application

• If you are reusing material (such as a cover letter or essay) from another scholarship, check to make sure you haven’t left in any incorrect names or blank fields.
• Don’t forget to sign and date your scholarship application.

Get Your Application In Early

• You miss out if you miss deadlines
• If you need to mail the scholarship application, consider using certified mail.

Scholarship Search Engines

• www.fastweb.com
• A comprehensive scholarship search engine
• With his site, you can match scholarships that fit your specific criteria.
• You will be notified when new awards, that match your profile, are added to their database.

Scholarship Search Engines

• www.collegeboard.com
• Lists 2,300 private scholarships, contests, internships, and loans for undergraduates

Scholarship Search Engines

• www.finaid.org
• Another comprehensive scholarship and financial aid site

Scholarship Search Engines

• www.collegeanswer.com
• Scholarships and tools that help families compare affordability of different colleges

Scholarship Opportunities

• The College Office has up-to-date scholarship for high school students.
• Scholarships are updated regularly, so come in monthly to get an updated scholarship list.

Scholarship Scams

• Never pay for a scholarship or grant! Remember, scholarships and grants are free money.

Scholarship Scams

• If you hear these lines from a scholarship service, you may be getting duped:
• “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
• “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
• “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”

Scholarship Scams

• “We’ll do the work for you.”
• “The scholarship will cost money.”
• “You’ve been selected to receive a scholarship.”

Scholarship Summary

• Remember, nothing in life is free. You need to work for the rewards in life.
• Follow the tips presented tonight to help offset your college costs.