How to set yourself apart from everyone else

1. SCHOLARSHIPS How to set yourself apart from everyone else

2. Presented By: • Lorinda J. Diehl • Admissions Counselor • Grand Canyon University • ldiehl@gcu.edu

3. Highlights of Grand Canyon University • Phoenix Arizona • Academically Challenging • NCAA Division II Sports • Non-Denominational Christian University • 90 acre campus • Dorm Suites / ROTC Army • 12 to 15 students per class • College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Education, Liberal Arts, & Ken Blanchard College of Business • What is the first question you ask yourself before you purchase an item?

4. Cost of Education

5. What is a scholarship? • Scholarship: a sum of money granted to a student to pursue his or her studies • A type of Financial Aid called merit-based…Gift Aid • Based on need, academic performance, organizational participation, athletic ability, community involvement, etc. • Usually requires application, essay and letters of recommendation • May or may not be renewable • May only be available at certain colleges

6. Myths • Only students with 4.00 GPA get scholarships. • There is a comprehensive list of all scholarships for which a student can apply. • Applying for scholarships is relatively easy & does not require much time. • Students are more interested in receiving scholarships than their parents.

7. Academic Gender Race/Ethnicity Talents Hobbies Major/Minor Age Financial Need Athletic Ability Membership in a Particular Organization Geographic Location Leadership Originality Personality Who Receives Scholarships

8. How to search for scholarships • Start your search locally • Look for organizations, clubs, churches, & groups in your community • Visit your post grad center/counseling office • Internet research - takes the most time • Institutional Scholarships • Contact your admissions counselor for a list of scholarship resources at their University • Counseling office has a list of many scholarships • Financial Aid office • Department of your major • National Scholarships • National search engines • Being specific in your search will enhance your chances

9. Web Resources • Scholarship Search • http://finaid.org • http://collegescholarships.com • http://scholarships.com • http://scholarshipamerica.org/ • www.fastweb.com • www.petersons.com • www.cesda.org • www.danielsfund.org • www.ncaa.org • www.hsf.net • www.aises.org • www.scholarship.tylenol.com • http://www.coca-colascholars.org • www.collegeinvest.org • www.collegeincolorado.org

10. Other Scholarship Resources • There are over 422 books printed about scholarships. Here are some guide books to get you started. • Colorado Council on High School/College Relations, Colorado Collegiate Handbook – best for in-state information. Cost is about $6 (may be available in your high school counselor’s office) • Get Free Cash for College – Gen & Kelly Tanabe $25.00 • Scholarships, Grants & Prizes – Peterson’s $25.00

11. How to apply for scholarships • Make it professional • Treat every application the same • Send all your materials at the same time • Include your name on all materials • Find a group of references • Send a thank you letter with every application • Every little bit helps! • Have your personal essay reviewed by parents, teachers, guidance counselors, etc. • Order a copy of your unofficial transcript.

12. The Application • Follow deadlines • Is it a “Postmarked” or “received by” deadline? • Beat the deadline, leaving time for follow-up if necessary. • Follow directions • The application will state specifications about handwritten/typed, official/unofficial transcripts, etc. • Be neat and complete • Treat each application as if you were applying for a job. • Final touches • Proofread! • Copy everything you send in for your records. • Bind or put in folder unless it states that you should not. • Did you remember the selection criteria in every part of the application. • Use heavy “resume” paper. • Send a picture • Rather than leave a question blank, indicate not applicable (N/A). • Write clearly and not too small. Not less than 10 point font if typing.

13. Content • Focus on the selection criteria • Your application will be read and scored based on the stated criteria. • Be exact and follow specific instructions. • The two most important paragraphs are the introduction & conclusion. • Be specific and detailed about your past achievements • Every space does not need to be filled. Each entry must be specific and detailed. • Instead of just “Prom Committee”, try “Designed advertising campaign for prom.” • Instead of just “Volunteer”, try “Organized yearly dance for senior citizens. • BE HONEST!! Don’t invent or embellish.

14. Personal Essay • Length • 1 to 1 ½ pages • Content • Talk about YOU • Major accomplishments • Activities • Goals • What sets you apart from everyone else • Tie it all together • How does your content make you the perfect candidate for their scholarship?

15. Letters of Recommendation • Get them done NOW if you haven’t done this already. • Give the individual writing the recommendation ample time to complete. • Ask to have the letter sent two weeks before the deadline. • Follow-up to help the writer meet the deadline. • Describe the type of letter you need and to whom it should be addressed to. • Also provide them with a stamped and addressed envelope. • Ask for several copies of the letter for your records. • Write a thank you note.

16. Scholarship Do’s DO understand the scholarship’s mission DO remember who your audience is DO show how you fit with the scholarship’s mission DO be proud of your accomplishments DO focus on leadership and contributions DO make your application stand out DO practice to make sure everything fits DO get editors DO include a resume DO make copies of your finished applications for reference

17. Scholarship Scams • Avoid any scholarship applications that request a fee. • Ask for Credit Card or Bank Account Information • Companies that do all the work for you. • You receive notification that you have been selected as a finalist for a contest you never entered. • NEVER PAY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP!! • Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission • 1-877-FTC-HELP • www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml

18. Additional Tips • Be persistent. • Apply for numerous scholarships. • Do not rely solely on scholarships to fund your education- Submit your FASFA. • Create a scholarship folder to keep track of all materials. • Meet all deadlines. • Presentation counts - Show you care!!! • Follow-up. • Thank both scholarship donor and references.

19. Thank you! Lorinda J. Diehl Grand Canyon University Colorado Admissions Counselor (720) 272-3913 ldiehl@gcu.edu