1. Senior: Going to College Presentation 1 Congratulations !!! Class of 2014 Welcome to your Senior Year

2. Senior: Going to College Presentation 2 Scholarships & Financial Aid Acceptance at a college puts you in a strong position when weighing scholarship and other financial aid options. Research Scholarships: There are scholarships available that are specific to …... colleges... major... need-based... and unspecific scholarships.

3. Senior: Going to College Presentation 3 Research Scholarships Use Websites to find scholarships available. Be aware of special Scholarship/Loans that can be “worked off” (available for teaching and nursing, commit to working in NC within specific profession).

4. Beware of False Claims “For a small fee, we’ll give you a list of scholarships.” Never spend money on a fee- based matching service. The biggest and best award databases are available for free on the Internet “We will do all the work for you.” To win a legitimate scholarship, you must submit your own applications, write your own essays and solicit your own letters of recommendation Senior: Going to College Presentation 4

5. How do I recognize a scholarship scammer? Indicates you won an award for which you didn’t apply Does not supply valid contact information Guarantees you will win an award Requires personal financial information (such as, credit card numbers, checking account numbers, and/or Social Security numbers to verify or hold a scholarship) Senior: Going to College Presentation 5

6. 6 Research Scholarships (continued) (for both 2-year or 4-year colleges) Individual College Websites Each College has their own process for scholarships. Go to their websites to learn theirs. www.cfnc.org College Foundation of North Carolina links to public and private colleges, admission requirements, financial aid advice, etc. Go To: “Paying for College”, then to “Scholarships & Grants” www.fastweb.com Scholarship data bank. Sorts scholarship search by major, college, merit or need, etc. www.fafsa.ed.gov Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (Not available until after Jan 1 st. ) Complete application online. First must apply for PIN (both student and parent). www.studentaid.ed.gov US Department of Education www.studentaid.ed.gov Provides information about loans, scholarships, and career planning. http://www.scholarshipplus.com/cabarrus/scholarships.cfm

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14. Senior: Going to College Presentation 14 Apply! Apply!! Apply!!! Pay close attention to DEADLINES. You can ’ t be offered money that you don ’ t apply for. Apply for scholarships. Apply for financial aid. (FAFSA).

15. Concord High School Scholarships Applications will go out in the spring. All students can apply if they meet the requirements… Some are academic, some require an essay, some require you to major or attend a certain school. Senior: Going to College Presentation 15

16. What Do Judges or Evaluators Look For? Do you qualify? Every year, students waste time by applying for awards they aren’t eligible to win. If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, don’t enter! Is your application presented well? Type your essay and check for grammar and spelling errors. Place the application, essay and other contents in a large folder for mailing. Do not fold any of the materials. Senior: Going to College Presentation 16

17. What Do Judges or Evaluators Look For? Did you include all required documents? Make sure you include all required academic transcripts, references and letters of recommendation. Did you answer all of the questions? Double- check that you haven’t forgotten any required information Senior: Going to College Presentation 17

18. Acceptance Letter Now What??? Senior: Going to College Presentation 18

19. Be prepared to appeal??? Not happy or content with the initial aid award’s package, give the admissions office a call, don’t be afraid to go to the TOP… Director of Financial Aid…(Have a strong case!!!) Colleges often have funds at their disposal to offer students with special circumstances… Sometimes increased aid comes with higher test scores (ACT/SAT) or higher grades… Senior: Going to College Presentation 19

20. Senior: Going to College Presentation 20 Comparing Offers Know the estimated cost for each college you are interested in attending. The scholarships you decided to accept will depend on WHERE you attend and HOW MUCH that college costs.

21. Senior: Going to College Presentation 21 Timeline: January Last minute college applications: Apply to colleges by end of January. Many have Feb 1 st Deadline. Remind parents to complete 2013 taxes by end of month, if possible (needed for the FAFSA form). Continue applying for scholarships Pay close attention to deadlines.

22. Senior: Going to College Presentation 22 Timeline: February Complete FAFSA by March 1 st …… at latest There will be a FAFSA Day in the middle of February hosted at local colleges to assist with completing the application. Continue completing scholarship applications. College acceptance letters? Pay attention to response deadlines.

23. Senior: Going to College Presentation 23 When you have questions ??? Contact the School Counseling office. We will assist you in anyway we can & point you in the right direction.

24. Senior: Going to College Presentation 24 Be willing to put EFFORT to make YOUR dreams come true. Practice patience & perseverance. Don’t ever, ever, EVER give up!!!!

25. Scholarship Questions Mr. Lipscomb concordscholarshipquestions@gmail.com Senior: Going to College Presentation 25