SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION TIPS A Guide to Helping Students Find and Complete Scholarship Applications to win the $$$ 1
WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS There are many ONLINE resources to check out: CAPPEX.com Scholarships.com Fastweb.com Californiacolleges.edu Scholarships America Most websites have you submit a profile and they e mail you or create list of scholarships that fit your profile. 2
TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS NATIONAL- competing against students from the entire nation. STATE- only in your state with a certain number of winners REGIONAL- your County, your School District, your League COUNTY - SLO Community Foundation LOCAL- your HIGH SCHOOL only OFFERRED at your COLLEGE of CHOICE – for STUDENTS only enrolling at a specific university OFFERRED by your employer or your parents 3
THINK “OUTSIDE THE BOX” FOR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Check with your parent’s employer to see if they offer any scholarship programs. Check with local non profits and community foundations, PG & E Be sure to check the colleges & universities you are applying to; they often have a separate application for first time freshmen and returning undergraduates. Check with your local high school EARLY! 4
APPROACH APPLICATIONS LIKE AN ASSIGNMENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE A PRODUCT OF YOUR BEST WORK. Spending the time to create a complete application takes time and attention . Some simple steps might help set you apart from others and have you be a winner! SCHOLARSHIPS are NOT the “Night Before” kind of project. 5
WHAT SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDERS ARE LOOKING FOR: Leadership • Community Service • Academic Achievement • Work Experience • Pursuit of Passions • T eenagers who have learned to care for others • while achieving good things. 6
FIRST STEPS Before filling out a paper application, make a complete blank copy of the form ( Just in case you make a mistake ). A huge part of applying for scholarships is proving that you can FOLLOW DIRECTIONS precisely. If it says, “please print”; do so. If the application asks for a signature; do that too. Neatness will count! Make sure your writing is legible. TYPE EVERYTHING IF POSSIBLE Online applications must be completed with details. 7
MORE BASIC HINTS: Each scholarship fund has its own guidelines. Before applying, be certain that you meet all the necessary qualifications: academic standing specified financial situation personal background. If you do not meet the basic requirements – Do not spend the time on this scholarship…move to the next application. If you want to be taken seriously, consider getting a generic EMAIL ADDRESS . Example: s.student@gmail.com. Consider setting up a separate e mail account for college and scholarship information only. Use the same legal name on all tests, applications and transcripts. 8
MORE HINTS: Make a copy of your ENTIRE completed application and file it. That way, if your submission is lost, you can easily and quickly send another copy. TAKE SCREEN SHOTS ALONG THE WAY Put your name on all of the materials : applications, photos, every page of the essay, recommendations, etc. If part of your application is misplaced, they will know it’s you. PROOF READ! PROOF READ! PROOF READ! 9
TRANSCRIPTS If the grantor is asking for sealed transcripts, be sure there is a signature or stamp across the envelope seal. If they accept unofficial transcripts, place them as a full page (DO NOT FOLD). Have or make more copies of transcripts than you need today—you will need plenty as scholarship season progresses. 10
COVER LETTER AND OTHER ADDENDUMS Do Not include a cover letter if the application forbids it. Include contact information on your cover letter. Show appreciation to group or organization. Thank them! Provide evidence that you have made something happen-leadership, initiative, service! Spell out abbreviations. Keep it brief! 11
COVER LETTER CONTENTS Joe Needmoney 1111 Win One Street Pensacola, Fl 32503 9 September 1999 Mary Smith, President Whatever Scholarship Committee Orlando Central Parkway Orlando, Florida (zip code) Dear Ms. Smith, This letter is an introduction of myself, (your name), and my desire to participate in the (whatever it is called) Scholarship Program. I have applied to (Name of your College) for the 2010 fall term. I would like to thank you and the (whatever) Scholarship Committee for supporting college bound students with an opportunity for financial assistance through your scholarship program. Enclosed you will find my application form, high school transcript, ACT results, letters of recommendation, and other pertinent information. Again, thank you for your interest on my behalf and for the youth of our state. Respectfully, Joe Needmoney (Your Signature) 12
RESUMES ALWAYS include a resume, unless the grantor specifically states they do not want any extra papers. Your resume should include: T est Scores (SAT, ACT, AP) List of extracurricular and GPA activities Academic/Career Interests Honors & Awards Hobbies & Special Interests Travel abroad experience Volunteer/Paid Work Special circumstances Experiences Personal References Leadership roles Characteristics that describe yourself 13
MORE ON RESUMES As the objective statement to your resume, state: “To be accepted to an accredited 4 year university with scholarship funding.” Keep it to one side unless you can fill an entire 2 nd pg. Consider scanning a picture of yourself in the corner. N EVER THINK THAT ANY ACCOMPLISHMENT OR ACTIVITY IS TOO INSIGNIFICANT TO BE MENTIONED . I F YOU ’ RE PROUD OF IT , PASSIONATE ABOUT IT , OR THINK THERE IS SOMETHING EVEN SLIGHTLY INTERESTING OR UNIQUE ABOUT IT , INCLUDE IT ! 14
Jane E. Doe 1212 Main Street, 999-999-9999 Anytown, State, Zip Code janeedoe@email.com To be a candidate for college admission to the University of State. Objective 2066-2095 Anytown Senior High School Anytown, State School voted “One of the Best 25 High Schools in the United States”. Educational Anytown SHS offers 20 honors and 10 Advanced Placement courses. Experience G.P.A 3.7 including 5 honors and 3 Advanced Placement courses. “A” honor roll, Triple A candidate, All Academic Team 2000-2009 Anytown SHS Volleyball Joe Smith, Coach 999-999-9991 Played varsity for three years and junior varsity for one year. Extracurricular Positioned as an outside hitter. Activities Voted MVP in school conference. 2008-2009 Anytown SHS Diversity Club Pat Jones, Advisor 999-999-9992 Chapter Secretary for one year. Co-chair for school-wide diversity week. 2008 Anytown Humane Society (150 hours) Assisted organization with cleaning, caring, and playing with animals. 2009 Fifth Grade Volleyball Coach (80 hours) Co-coached fifth graders in the fundamentals of volleyball skills. 2007-2009 Dollars for Scholars Fundraiser (200 hours) Volunteer Experiences Assisted local organization in fundraising for senior scholarships. Our team raised $14,000 in scholarships for the class of 2005. 2006 Meals on Wheels Volunteer (150 hours) Delivered meals to the elderly and offered companionship. Awarded Junior Volunteer honor. CPR certified, fundraising experience, 65 WPM, polite Spanish and French, and general interest in helping Talents and Skills others. 15
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION are a very important part of your private university and/or scholarship application. They provide information about you as a person, not just as a student. When you ask a teacher or community member to write a letter for you, show them your appreciation. Ask them in writing. Include in your brief, typed note when you need the letter and how you will retrieve the letter from them, or if they mail it directly. Provide them with background information about yourself (your completed resume ). Include your completed RESUME with the request note. Make sure you provide detailed information about yourself on the resume. Provide everything they may need including stamped envelopes. Send your letter writer a thank you, or even a candy bar! 16
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION GUIDELINES PLEASE provide PLENTY of lead time for this letter (AT LEAST TWO WEEKS!). Consider getting extra signed copies addressed to : “To whom it may concern” for your next round of applications. Your letter is a great place to talk about things that make you “stand out” among thousands of applicants. When you ask a teacher, counselor or community member to write a letter for you, show them your appreciation and professional manner; ask them in WRITING. 17
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE… The amount of effort that YOU invest in your resume and pre-letter information packet is indicative of your work ethic and your desire to be accepted to the college of your choice and win those scholarships! 18
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