HOW TO EARN “FREE” MONEY SCHOLARSHIPS:

SCHOLARSHIPS WHAT are scholarships? WHAT types of scholarships are out there? WHEN should students apply for scholarships? WHERE can scholarships be found? HOW do you apply for scholarships? HOW do you navigate the process?

WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP? A gift of money that does not need to be paid back Sometimes a check to student Sometimes a check directly to the college or university Offered to students who meet certain requirements Majority will target college-bound high school students School or organization’s financial investment into a student’s potential to succeed, make a difference and embody their institution’s core values

TWO CATEGORIES OF SCHOLARSHIPS

TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS Also known as “Institutional Awards” Most common type of scholarship Based on a variety of factors: Merit, financial need, intended major, ethnicity University-wide or particular college or major Honors Colleges/Programs within a college or university

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS Might be automatic when submit financial aid forms School’s financial aid officer will have details Watch deadlines !!!! Scholarship deadline might be BEFORE the college application deadline If you miss it, you will not be considered for any institutional scholarships

INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS—IN STATE COLLEGES Washington State University University Achievement Award GPA and SAT/ACT requirements $2,000 to $4,000 for 2 years Regents Scholars Program Competitive merit scholarship, Nominated by high school GPA and SAT/ACT requirements All nominated earn $4,000 for 4 years Distinguished Regence Scholar: Full tuition and fees for 4 years 10 Per Year WSU Visit Program Awards Destination WSU: Come to visit in spring  $1,000/year for 4 years

INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS—OUT OF STATE COLLEGES Boise State University Gem Scholarship 3.6 GPA (AND) SAT combined Reading and Math 1170 (or ) ACT 26 Waiver of entire full time nonresident portion of tuition for out of state residents (about $12,000/year) Renewable for 3 more years

INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS— PRIVATE COLLEGES Gonzaga University Freshmen Merit Scholarships GPA and SAT/ACT and maintenance of good academic standing $3,500-$16,000 per year for 4 years Seattle University Trustee Scholarship -- $20,000/year Campion Scholarship -- $16,000/year Bellarmine Scholarship -- $12,000/year Arrupe Scholarship -- $7,000/year All Renewable up to 4 years

WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE (WUE) Regional Tuition-Reciprocity Agreement 150 participating 2 year and 4 year STATE FUNDED institutions 150% Resident Tuition Rate Example: Resident Tuition Rate: $10,000 WUE Rate: $10,000 x 1.5 = $15,000 Non-Resident Rate: $20,000 Savings: $20,000-$15,000 = $ 5,000 (per year)

WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE (WUE) Number of WUE Awards Changes Each Year Some institutions off all or most of majors Some select majors Check institutions profile on website Can Be Selective Most Do Not Require Financial Need

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PARTICULAR FIELD OF STUDY Professional organizations or companies affiliated with majors offer scholarships to entice students into their field. Based on a student’s intended are of study Most common areas of study: education, health, science, technology

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES Traditional Athletic scholarships Sponsored by the college or university Very competitive Must market self to recruiters Get advice from coaches Run by the NCAA, NAIA or NJCAA Be familiar with regulations Grades important / minimum standards

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES Athletic-Related Scholarships Sponsored by sports related companies, foundations, associations Often connected with athletics some way Based on accomplishments in high school—not on playing at the college level Can find in same ways you find other scholarships

OTHER TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS National Scholarships: More competitive Examples: National Merit Scholarship Gates Millennium Scholars Intel Science Talent Search Coca Cola Scholars Foundation

OTHER TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS Local Scholarships Northshore Scholarship Foundation Northshore PTSA WHS PTSA NEOPA Rotary Club or the Kiwanis Scholarships from: Parent’s employer Your Employer

OTHER TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarships based on: Artistic abilities (art, film, dance, music) Ethnic background Medical disabilities (Cancer, Epilepsy, etc.) Community service Religious affiliations/communities Environmental causes Military Union affiliation Parents’ fraternity or sorority

TIMELINE FOR APPLYING

FROM SCHOLARSHIPS.COM Large majority of scholarship deadlines are within the months of February-April. When to apply for scholarships?

WHEN TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS? Year Round Majority of deadlines February, March and April Search regularly Variety of grade levels

FINDING SCHOLARSHIPS

WHERE TO FIND SCHOLARSHIPS Check College and Career Center at WHS Updated Monthly list Online on the Career Center’s Website Check the website and Financial Aid Office of the school the student plans on attending (institutional awards) Check with local organizations and community foundations

WHERE TO FIND SCHOLARSHIPS Purchase a scholarship book Not all scholarships are online “The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2014” or “2014 Scholarship Book” See Senior Handbook : Useful Web Resources Downloadable at the College and Career Center Website Create profiles with online scholarship search sites Billions of dollars of scholarships

INTERNET SEARCHES Student creates a profile Narrows scholarships applicable to them Some offer other college planning tools too thewashboard.org fastweb.com scholarships.com bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search petersons.com/college-search/scholarship-search.aspx scholarshipexperts.com collegescholarships.com—list of sites LIST in Senior Handbook

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH SERVICE Profile matches are key. Look for sophisticated matching technology. Beware of simple keyword search services. Beware if only ask a few questions. Easy process Check that it is easy to edit and save student’s profile.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH SERVICE Up to date scholarship information Look for current academic year. A Focus on finding scholarships Look for primary purpose is to help find scholarships. Avoid overly commercial sites. Avoid sites that compromise privacy.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

A lot like applying for college Start with large number  Narrow down so it’s manageable and not overwhelming. Complete and Submit Applications Essays Recommendations List of Achievements High School Transcript Standardized Test Scores Financial Aid Forms (i.e.. FAFSA) Parents’ Financial Information Proof of Eligibility for Scholarship

NAVIGATING THE PROCESS

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS Get organized Pull together the necessary information. Academic Information GPA, SAT/ACT scores Recommendation letters Personal essay Resume: Extracurricular activities, community service, volunteer work, job, list of obstacles overcome College choices

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS Create a list of eligible scholarships Create a personal inventory: Who are you? Where are you headed? Create a resume or list of accomplishments Create a list of affiliations You need to be a great self advocate

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS Set Timelines Create a scholarships calendar with deadlines See Chart “Timeline for Applying for Scholarships” From University of Portland Create a spreadsheet of deadlines and requirements

ScholarshipDeadlineAmountLetter of RecEssayTranscript Test Scores (SAT or ACT)Other

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS Start applying Be sure to read the directions, qualifications, and fine print carefully Stay Organized Separate file for each scholarship Organize in order of deadline

Accordion File Folder Systems

Mini-File Cabinets / Accordion Files

SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS Illegitimate programs take advantage of loose rules and regulations regarding scholarships. Red Flags for Suspicious Scholarships: Application fees – if there is a fee it should be VERY MINIMAL Hard-to-Reach scholarship provider No recent winners Website woes Unsolicited scholarship offers - you should have to take part in an application process Limited time offers “Free Seminar” or “Candidate Review”

SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS Red Flags for Suspicious Search Services: “Secret” scholarships or “Exclusive” searches “Guaranteed” scholarships If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! How to Investigate: Better Business Bureau Trade Commission State Department of Consumer Protection

FINAL THOUGHTS Applying takes time and dedication. Thousands of dollars that can be earned makes the effort worthwhile. Stay positive. Hard work and time will pay off eventually Remember : Determination might not be the most glamorous talent, but it works!

RESOURCES Useful Scholarship Tips and Advice Scholarships.com Scholarshipexperts.com Collegeboard.org Petersons.com WHS Senior Handbook

THANK YOU! HAPPY SEARCHING!