Presentation Transcript

1. Success Day at Normandale February 12, 2013 ScholarshipsFree Money…Find Out How…

2. SCHOLARSHIPS

   types of Scholarships Normandale “Outside” How to win a scholarship
3. Normandale Scholarships Normandale Foundation Scholarships Academy of Math & Science Departmental Scholarships

4. Normandale Foundation Scholarships

   Sponsored by the Normandale foundation
5. Normandale Foundation Scholarships Scholarships range from $375 - $3000 per school year Awarded to both New and Current Students Most are targeted toward full-time students, with financial need, strong academic background, strong leadership and community service involvement Some available for part-time students, or students enrolled in specific programs
6. Normandale Foundation Scholarships Current/Returning Students Application period January 2nd to April 1stRecipients Notified by mid-May
7. All Documentationmust be received by April 1, 2013: How to apply? Online Normandale scholarship application Results of 2013 - 2014 FAFSA allow 4 weeks for processingA Letter of RecommendationTranscript from previous schools if not already on file

8. Academy of Science & Math

   Scholarship and mentoring opportunity Sponsored by the normandale foundation
9. Academy of Science & Math Students interested in S.T.E.M. majors Provides mentoring services to students Cohort of students for peer support 2 year commitment to program Scholarship support may be available MUST fill out a FAFSA Application available on Financial Aid & Scholarship website or outside the office
10. Academy of Math & ScienceProgram Coordinators/Student Advisors Kimberly Klein Maria Mhiripiri Office: C3132 Phone: 952-358-8844 Email: kimberly.klein@normandale.edu Office: C3134 Phone: 952-358-8663 Email: maria.mhiripiri@normandale.edu
11. Departmental Scholarships Apply directly to the department Application Periods Vary Contact Departments for Information English Department Geology/Geography Department World Languages Department Biology Department Dental Hygiene Department Theatre Department
12. “Outside” Scholarships Lots of FREE on-line scholarship searches We recommend using www.fastweb.com Other helpful scholarship resources www.finaid.org/scholarships www.finaid.org/websearch
13. Beware of scholarship scams Investigate the company, ask questions, get it in writing There are no up-front fees for legitimate scholarships Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information or to apply Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win Never give out bank account numbers, credit card numbers or Social Security numbers www.finaid.org/scholarshipscams www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams
14. How to win a scholarship
15. Searching for scholarships Start searching as soon as possible If you wait until you need the money, you could miss lots of deadlines Use a free scholarship matching service Look for scholarship listing books at the library or a bookstore, but check the publication date Look for local scholarships Answer any optional questions on a scholarship matching service for twice as many matches Pursue less competitive scholarships, such as small awards and essay contests
16. Strategies It’s a numbers game Even among talented students, it takes time and luck To win more scholarships, if you qualify for it - apply for it You can’t win if you don’t apply One in four students never applies for financial aid It gets easier Essays can be reused and tailored to each new application Don’t miss deadlines!
17. Tips on winning scholarships Prioritize applications by the deadline and expected value of the scholarship Use a calendar and checklist to get organized Create a resume of accomplishments Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals Read and follow the instructions Make your application stand out from the crowd Practice on a copy of the application form
18. Writing a scholarship essay Plan what you are going to write Use an outline to organize your thoughts Give examples and be specific Write about something of interest to you Personalize your essay and be passionate Talk about your impact on other people Proofread a printed copy of the essay for spelling and grammar errors Ask someone else to read it Use the Normandale Writing Center , C2120, in the Tutoring Center
19. Tips for letters of recommendation Ask a teacher whether he/she can write you a great letter of recommendation It should be relevant to the scholarship sponsor’s goal Provide the recommender with a copy of your resume of accomplishments Provide the recommender with a SASE and all required forms Thank the recommender for writing the letter
20. Other scholarship tips Use a professional email address, such as firstname.lastname@gmail.com Google your name to see what shows up Clean up the content of any social network sites you use (facebook), remove inappropriate and immature material Make a copy of your application before mailing or sending it
21. After you win a scholarship Send a thank you!!! If your scholarship is renewable, review the requirements for retaining eligibility Understand the taxability of your scholarships Amounts for tuition, fees, books, supplies tax-free Amounts for room and board, transportation and other living expenses are taxable www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf www.finaid.org/taxbenefits
22. Most common application mistakes Missing deadlines Failing to proofread the application Not following directions (essay length, number of recommendations, leaving out required information…) Applying for an award when you don’t qualify Failing to apply for an award for which you are eligible Failing to tailor the application to the sponsor Writing a boring essay
23. Brenda Trafton Director of Scholarships Office: C1074 brenda.trafton@normandale.edu finaid@normandale.edu 952-358-8850 Financial Aid Office 952-358-8250 Fax 952-358-9005