SCHOLARSHIPS 101 Presented by Holy Trinity Student Services

There are thousands of scholarships, bursaries and awards available in Canada. With a bit of planning and effort on your part you can win some!

Terminology Scholarship Bursary Award Loan

I’m just an average student… How can I compete with all those brainiacs? ? ? ?

Education Costs Reality Check ExpensesApproximate $ Accommodation (on-campus)5,000 Tuition (varies by program/college/univ.)3000—11,500 Food3,500 Books & Supplies (computer is extra)1000 Clothing400 Miscellaneous(phone, personal items, etc.)500 Transportation (local)200—400 Recreation & Entertainment850 Total$14,450--$23,150

The Big Picture Student’s savings and employment Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards Student Line of Credit Parent’s Contribution And RESP’s OSAP and other Gov’t programs

Do you have enough money??? Money Available – Total School Costs = Surplus or Deficit

The Economics of Applying for Scholarships and Bursaries If you worked at a part-time job at $11 per hour to save $500, that would be over 45 hours of work Or you could spend a couple of hours work in preparing a scholarship application and the reward may pay out big time ($100 up to full tuition or more).

Preliminary Preparation 1. Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) 2. Keep track of all the activities you have been involved with, led or have been a member of such as: Awards (honour roll) Extra-curricular activities Co-op experiences International or educational exchanges Part-time jobs Scholastic achievement (aim for >85%) School clubs, sports teams, and associations Student council (SAC, Prefect, etc.) Volunteer work at school or in the community

Do Your Research Websites: Other: Employers & unions Parents and relatives Community associations (church, service clubs, Legion) College/University Financial Aid Office Websites

Types of Scholarships Entrance scholarships Automatic…based on admission average (80% or higher) and may be renewable (Lakehead U. example)Automatic…based on admission average (80% or higher) and may be renewable (Lakehead U. example) University/College scholarships needing application Check the college/university Financial Aid Office websites or look in E!NFOCheck the college/university Financial Aid Office websites or look in E!NFO Foundation scholarships (i.e. Terry Fox, Loran) Usually need high marks and outstanding community service or demonstrated leadershipUsually need high marks and outstanding community service or demonstrated leadership You may need to be nominated by the schoolYou may need to be nominated by the school Business or employer scholarships (i.e. Wendy’s)

OSAP: Ontario Student Assistant Program  Every student should apply for OSAP (in May)  Apply after you have accepted your offer of admission  OSAP seminar will be held in April/May  You may be eligible for 30% off Ontario tuition  There are also grants and bursaries tied to the OSAP application (these do not have to be paid back)  Interest free loan while in school full time  6 month grace from payment period once finished

How do You Become a Scholarship Candidate? 1. Get Involved in School and the community 2. Keep a folder/portfolio: 3. Maintain an updated resume & get your SIN 4. Good Marks: 5. Research School Choices and Programs:

1) Applying for Scholarships Remember: this is a competition so be honest, accurate and complete.  Do you qualify? ◦ Check the criteria carefully ◦ Principal’s nomination? ◦ Limit on number from each school?  Due Dates ◦ Postmark date or arrival? (a fax may not be allowed) ◦ Count on doing everything a week early  Academic Information ◦ Official transcript (ask Mrs. Clancy in Guidance at least a week in advance) ◦ Credit counselling summary (ask your counsellor)

2) Applying for Scholarships References, Principal’s Statement, etc. Who to ask? (ask someone in a position of responsibility who will say great things about you) Give them ample time (at least a week) with polite reminders Give them the info. they need: scholarship criteria, your resume Review the letter and ask for revisions diplomatically Thank them with a note (or a coffee or chocolate) Personal Statement, Essay, etc. This takes the place of a face-to-face interview Address the criteria of the schWrite in a formal, direct tone and check for accuracy and clarity olarship Proofread, revise and make it your best effort (Ask your guidance counsellor or others to edit and improve it)

3) Applying for Scholarships The Application Is the original required? Blank spaces may be viewed as errors – if the answer is zero, say 0 Type where possible or print neatly in ink Answer all questions to the best of your ability Assemble the Package (one week early) Are all pages and documents enclosed? Make a copy of everything Check the order and put in an envelope