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SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP SEMINAR. The Money Is There, But You Have To Ask For It. How To Apply for a Scholarship. Filter a large list of possible choices into a focused list that matches you.
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SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP SEMINAR The Money Is There, But You Have To Ask For It
How To Apply for a Scholarship • Filter a large list of possible choices into a focused list that matches you. • Create compelling applications supported by your achievements, essays, recommendations and interviews.
Application Tips • Use your common sense • Follow directions carefully • Check your parents employer
START YOUR RESEARCH Early • The more time you put into your search, the more options you will have; • Research scholarship, request info and application materials, complete your application, follow deadlines; • Use www.FastWeb.com and Scholarship Search from College Board.
Eligibility Requirements • Read requirements carefully • If you have a question about your eligibility for a particular scholarship, contact the scholarship sponsors
Organize Scholarship Materials • Create a separate file for each scholarship and file by application date • Keep a calendar of application deadlines and follow-up appointments • You may need to provide – transcript, test scores, one or more essays, one or more letters of recommendation, proof of eligibility
S U G G E S T I O N S • Proofread your application carefully • Use spelling and grammar check features • Have a parent, teacher or friend read your essays
S U G G E S T I O N S • Don’t leave items blank • Contact scholarship sponsors if you aren't sure how to fill out any part of the application
S U G G E S T I O N S • Follow instructions to the letter • Avoid going over the length limit • Resist the temptation to send supporting materials that are not requested
S U G G E S T I O N S • Make sure your application is legible • Type or print your application form and essays
S U G G E S T I O N S • Make copies of everything you send • Double-check your application • If you're reusing material (cover letter or essay) from another scholarship application, be especially careful you haven't left in any incorrect names or blank fields • Don’t forget to sign and date your application
S U G G E S T I O N S • Get your applications in early • You’ll miss out if you miss deadlines!
F I N A L L Y . . . • Check with your college to see if any scholarship effects your aid package…some can be used to reduce expected family contribution • Contact the financial aid office to inquire about their policies regarding outside scholarships
For Any $cholarship you Receive . . . • Add any awards or scholarships to your resume, regardless of the amount….simply list the name • Remember to thank the scholarship presenter • After you enroll, check with your college financial aid office or the department you are majoring in to request other sources for aid.
START the SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH Below are sites that you may find helpful in securing a scholarship:FASTWEB ( http://www.fastweb.com) Database of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans. Student Financial Assistance( http://www.nerdworld.com/nw1178.html )
Continuing The Search . . . • College Net( http:// www.collegenet.com ) Scholarships available in database based on profile you enter. • CollegeView( http://www.collegeview.com ) Financial aid section and scholarship search database. • College Board Fund Finder( http://www.collegeboard.org ) Complete a personal profile, and the FUND FINDER will match your qualifications with the requirements for scholarships, grants, internships, and loans.
Continuing The Search . . . • U.S. Department of Education( http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/express.html ) • Go College( http://www.gocollege.com ) Scholarship searches. Student Financial Aid(http://www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide/) Government sources of student aid.
Continuing The Search . . . Resources for Minority students • Scholarships for Hispanics: www.scholarships.hacu.net www.hsf.net • United Negro College Fund: www.uncf.org/scholarship
COUNSELING & GUIDANCE • Steven Bjork, College Counselor , Department Chair • Larry Bartek, Career Counselor • Dan Cox, Guidance Counselor • Howe Siegel, Guidance Counselor