Applying for Scholarships… It’s Easier Than You Think! Success Day at Normandale February 10, 2015

 WHAT DOES NORMANDALE OFFER?  WHERE ELSE SHOULD I LOOK?  HOW TO APPLY  WRITING AN ESSAY  WHAT IS A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?  OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT… SCHOLARSHIPS

SPONSORED BY THE NORMANDALE FOUNDATION FUNDING FROM ENDOWMENT EARNINGS, GIFTS TO THE COLLEGE AND GRANTS FROM OUTSIDE FOUNDATIONS. Normandale Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships range from $375 - $3000 per 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

Normandale Foundation Scholarships Current/Returning Students Application period January 2 nd to April 1st Recipients Notified by mid-May

Online application select “Scholarships” then “Current and Returning Student Scholarships” Results of FAFSA ( submit it by March 15) A Letter of Recommendation Transcript from previous schools if not already on file How to apply?

SCHOLARSHIP AND MENTORING OPPORTUNITY SPONSORED BY THE NORMANDALE FOUNDATION Normandale Academy of Science & Math

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 Application MUST fill out a FAFSA

Kimberly Klein Maria Clark Office: C3132 Phone: Office: C3134 Phone: Academy of Math & Science Program Coordinators/Student Advisors

Normandale Departmental Scholarships Apply directly to the department Application Periods Vary Contact Departments for Information (ask around) English Department Geology/Geography Department World Languages Department Biology Department Dental Hygiene Department Theatre Department

Where else should I look? FREE Lots of FREE on-line scholarship searches We recommend using Other helpful scholarship resources

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 local scholarships…at your work, your parents work, your place of worship, local businesses 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

How to apply… 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

Strategies It’s a numbers game Even among talented students, it takes time and luck If you qualify for it - apply for it You can’t win if you don’t apply 25% of students never apply for financial aid It gets easier Essays can be reused and tailored to each new application Don’t miss deadlines!

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

Writing an essay Plan what you are going to write, review the application before you complete it 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, proofread, proofread…. Ask someone else to read it Use the Normandale Writing Center, C2120, in the Tutoring Center

Tips for letters of recommendation Ask a teacher or employer whether they 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 instructions about where to send it and all required forms Thank the recommender for writing the letter

Other scholarship tips Use a professional address, such as 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 submitting

Beware 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

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

Brenda Trafton Director of Scholarships Office: C Financial Aid Office Fax