Welcome To: Carroll High School Scholarship Information Session Hosted by Cecilia Stanford & Tonya Hughes Guidance Counselors September 27, 2018

Where do scholarships come from? Understanding “The Basics” What is a scholarship? A scholarship is an offering of FREE MONEY based on a set of student skills or qualifications. Where do scholarships come from? The academic institution (college/university) Community organizations/businesses Private sponsors/donors

What types of scholarships are out there? MORE BASICS What types of scholarships are out there? Career and College Major Institutional (from college) High School Specific Clubs & Associations Merit Businesses Ethnicity, Race, & Gender Military Community Organizations Employers Credit Unions & Banks Personal & Family Status Competitions & Essays

Where should I look for scholarships? GETTING STARTED Where should I look for scholarships? $ The College & Career Center at Carroll High. Your High School Website and other school websites! Financial aid offices at your school of choice (or their websites) Scholarship resource books at libraries or HS College & Career Center Community Service & civic organizations (Rotary, Elks Club, etc.) Area employers and retailers Free Websites (Fast Web, FinAid, etc) Alabama Career Planning System (ACPS) https://al.kuder.com/landing-page Alabama Student Assistance program https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/alabama-student-assistance-program Facebook & Google!!!

Alabama University System Scholarships for the Alabama University System can be found on their websites. Look on their scholarship page and/or their financial aid page. AND On their foundation websites!!!

GETTING ORGANIZED Starting a “Scholarship File” What goes in a “Scholarship File?” Activities and Awards Sheet (To brag about you!) Essays Written Official and Unofficial Transcripts SAT/ACT Scores Letters of Recommendation Any other document highlighting something about you, such as published works.

Top 10 things scholarship committees look at: SCHOLARSHIP TIPS Top 10 things scholarship committees look at: An application submitted on time General qualification, criteria, and completeness Community volunteer involvement Leadership & Personal Development Extracurricular Activities Applicant’s personal situation The Essay References & Recommendations (Student asks for this! Not the parent!)..Well known means letter is detailed. Grade Point Average (GPA) SAT & ACT Scores

MORE SCHOLARSHIP TIPS Always make a copy of your application Be honest about your grades, test scores, experiences, memberships, qualifications, etc. Follow instructions CAREFULLY, including word limits on essays. Strictly observe deadlines, and send in applications early if possible. Proofread, and let at least one other person read your application (including essays). Be creative about presenting yourself. Your essay and application represents you and should set you apart. Follow up to ensure your application was received. Send thank you notes to everyone who helped you.

Scholarship Websites Collegeboard.com Fastweb.com Collegenet.com Scholarships.com Scholarshipmonkey.com Alabamastudentaid.gov

PHRASES WE WOULD CONSIDER “RED FLAGS” A Word About SCAMS…. PHRASES WE WOULD CONSIDER “RED FLAGS” “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.” “You can’t get this information anywhere else.” “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship” “We’ll do all the work.” “The scholarship will cost money.” “You’ve been selected” by a “National Foundation” to receive a scholarship. “You’re a finalist!” or “You’ve won!” (before you’ve applied) “First come, first served.” “Millions of dollars go unclaimed.” “Please include a picture…”

FINAL WORDS To Students: Winning Scholarships is not easy! You are asking someone to give you a lot of money! Give it your best effort! Do your best work! Set a goal of how many scholarships you will apply for. Get organized and pace yourselves. Parents: Remember--the students who are the most qualified to win scholarships are also the busiest! You can help out by searching, organizing, and gently reminding your students about due dates.

YOU CAN’T WIN IF YOU DON’T APPLY! REMEMBER… YOU CAN’T WIN IF YOU DON’T APPLY!

Alabama College Application Week DON’T MISS IT!!!!!!! Carroll High School Supporting: Alabama College Application Week Oct. 29- Nov. 2, MPR Room