The Scholarship Search Process

PLAN $ SEARCH $ APPLY

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OBJECTIVES

To know the different kinds of financial aid

To learn about the resources for identifying scholarships

To be able to implement a system to efficiently keep up with the different options to fund your education

To track your scholarships that you apply for

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF AID

Gi f t A id Loans

Money that you do not have to pay back

It can be in the form of: Scholarships Tuition Discounts Grants

Money that must be repaid

There are two types – Subsidized & Unsubsidized

Subsidized – you do not accrue interest until 6 months after you graduate

Unsubsidized – you begin accruing interest as soon as your money is disbursed

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF AID

Mer i t Based Need Based

Can be in the form of a gift or loans

Usually awarded based on your individual characteristics or accomplishments

Financial need usually does not enter into the decision

Money awarded to you based on financial need

Can be in the form of grants, loans or work study funds

Can be from private, federal, state or institutional sources

FAFSA normally will need to be completed

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SCHOLARSHIP CATEGORIES

Scholarships can be specific to many different characteristics. You just have to see where you fit. When searching, it is important to really identify “what

makes you…you”.

Academic Major EthnicityMerit/Service Membership/Affiliation MilitaryTalent Religious Religion

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GET READY – GET ORGANIZED

Create a method for tracking your applications, deadlines, follow-ups, etc.

Create a filing system for: Your documents Completed applications Things you should always have on hand for

scholarship applications such as personal statements, official high school or college transcripts, reference lists, etc.

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GET READY – GET ORGANIZED

Gather and/or Prepare These Documents

Cover Letter References for Letters of Recommendation

Resume Transcripts/Transcript Request Forms

Portfolio Financial Information (tax returns)

College Essay Student Aid Report (from your FAFSA)

Documentation of Ethnicity Self Addressed, Stamped Envelopes

Documentation of Disability Thank You Cards/ Envelopes

Letters of Acceptance from Colleges/Universities

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS

There is no typical application process. Each process is unique to the scholarship you are applying for.

It’s important to read all criteria and instructions carefully.

Consider keeping a calendar of all due dates, submission dates and award dates.

Depending on the scholarship requirements, you may be asked to write an essay, submit an audition tape or video, try out or interview in person. Just be prepared.

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THE COVER LETTERTake the cover letter seriously. This can be the first impression you give the scholarship committee.

Think of it in 3 parts:

Paragraph 1 – Why are you applying?

Paragraph 2 – Why should you be considered (what are your goals and aspirations). How will this scholarship help you meet those goals?

Paragraph 3 – Thank them for considering you for the scholarship in order to help you achieve your educational goals.

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Some Places to Start Your Search

While there are many online scholarship search sites such as fastweb.com, don’t overlook your local opportunities such as:

$ Your local school guidance counselor$ Parent Teacher Organization$ Contact your local city councilmember, alderman, mayor or

other government officials$ Banking institutions – branch managers$ Religious institutions$ Local businesses$ Chamber of Commerce$ Service Organizations (Rotary Club, Lions Club, Women’s

Organizations, Kiwanis, Church groups, etc.)

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SOME TIPS TO REMEMBEROnly apply for scholarships from agencies where you meet the minimum

criteria. This is just common sense!

Apply for admissions to your school NOW. If you don’t apply, you won’t know if you’ve been accepted and this could make a different down the road.

Make copies of all applications before you submit them.

Follow-up on your scholarship submissions.

Beat the deadline by at least 2 weeks!

Always send thank you notes, even if you were not funded.

Send a progress note to let your funder know they have made a good investment (this could greatly increase your change of further scholarships).

Focus on local scholarships first – you are more likely to have success.

Don’t disregard smaller scholarships ($250 - $1,000) – few students might apply for these.