1. Myths, Facts, and Helpful Tips
Scholarships
Myths, Facts, and Helpful Tips

2. Introduction & Agenda Scholarship Applications: Facts, & Breakdowns
Scholarship Essays: Tips and Common Mistakes
Scholarship Scams
Resources

3. Only students with the best grades wins scholarships?
FACT OR FICTION?

4. FICTION
Students with better grades are more likely to win scholarships, but B and C students also have an opportunity to qualify.

5. Let’s Put A Number On It
Though GPAs are not the only determining factor to win scholarships, chances to win a scholarship improve with a higher GPA
Additionally, students with above- average SAT and ACT test scores are twice as likely to win scholarships then those with below average test scores. According to College Board 2/3 of private scholarships are won by students with above-average SAT and ACT test scores.
35 students
19 students
The chart demonstrates the percentage of students who are awarded scholarships based on GPA. The breakdown is as follow:
54.5% (GPA ) Win
30.0% (GPA ) Win
8.1% (GPA ) Win
6.2% (GPA ) Win
1.3% (GPA below 2.0) Win
The numbers in the bubble demonstrate the number of students that win out of 64-the same number of students that is in UB
5 students
4 students
1 students

6. Its Not All About Grades
Less than 10% of private scholarships are based on academic performance. Every scholarship sponsor is looking for the students who best match their criteria. Instead of academic talent, they might be looking for artistic talent or athletic talent or even something a bit unusual.
DUCK Brand Duct Tape Stuck at Prom Contest

7. Most scholarships are restricted to minority students
FACT OR FICTION?

8. FICTION
Though there are scholarships available specifically to minority students, the majority of scholarships are won by white, middle-class students.

9. Let’s Put A Number On It 10.5% 14.4% 9.1% 11.4%
Though there is an increasing representation of minority students at 4-year colleges , minority students still represent 38.2% of the college population in comparison to white students who represent 61.8%.
Therefore, the odds of winning a scholarship are 14.4% for White students compared with 11.2% for minority students.
Other factors that contribute to the lack of representation of scholarships awarded to minority students include but are not limited to: sponsors’ interests and values, and specific criteria; scholarships tailored to specific majors or sports; preparedness
10.5%
In this section we are trying to breakdown a myth. We want to emphasize that even though the numbers show that the majority of scholarships go to white students we also need to remind them that there are scholarships for everyone.
14.4%
9.1%
11.4%

10. There’s a Scholarship For Everyone

11. Only athletes win scholarships
FACT OR FICTION?

12. FICTION
Students are more likely to win private scholarships than athletic scholarships

13. Athletic Scholarships
Receiving athletic scholarships is a great honor for many students. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Athletic scholarships are remote
Most high school athletic scholarship recipients hold a B to A- Average
Full ride scholarships are scarce
A verbal agreement is not an official agreement
For more information:
know-about-sports-scholarships
many-are-there

14. It is very easy to win enough scholarships to cover all college costs
FACT OR FICTION?

15. Very few students win a completely free ride each year
FICTION
Very few students win a completely free ride each year

16. Let’s Put A Number To It
Students and parents often overestimate their eligibility for merit-based scholarships and underestimate their eligibility for need-based aid. Therefore, it is important to apply to forms of financial aid by filling out the FAFSA application and searching for applicable scholarships. Scholarships are part of the plan for paying for college, but not the entire plan. Most students will have to rely on student loans, student employment and need-based grants, as well as scholarships, to pay for college.
42 students
The chart demonstrates the percentage of students who are awarded full-ride scholarships. The breakdown is as follow:
.3% Scholarships cover full COA
1% Scholarships cover 90% COA
3.4% Scholarships cover 75% COA
14.3% Scholarships cover 50% COA
66% Scholarships receive less than $2,500
The numbers in the bubble demonstrate the number of students that would win out of 64-the same number of students that is in UB
Chances do increase on the type of university a student attends. For example 8.3% of students attending 4-year college versus 2.6% of students who attend a 2-year college
9 students
1 student
1 student
2 students

17. Only poor students win scholarships.
FACT OR FICTION?

18. FICTION
Students who are from middle-class income are more likely to win a private scholarships than low-income or upper-income

19. Not All Scholarships Are Equal
Need-Based Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarship
These awards are limited to students who can show financial need
DON’T assume that your family does not qualify for a particular need-based scholarship until you know how financial need is defined
These awards are based on your achievements, ambitions and potential
The term merit is broadly defined and does not necessarily mean academic achievement. Family finances are not considered

20. There’s A Scholarship For Everyone
TRIO SLC Scholarship
Scholarships in the slide are all need-based. The TRIO SLC Scholarship has been available every year. Open to all UB Seniors.

21. Only HS student seniors are eligible to apply for scholarships
FACT OR FICTION?

22. FICTION
Students can apply for scholarships at every grade level, including kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, & college

23. Research, Plan, Apply
Many families wait until spring of the senior year in high school to figure out how to pay for college. But there are scholarships with deadlines in every month of the year. The deadlines tend to peak in the fall and spring, so a student who waits until spring of the senior year in high school will miss about half of the deadlines for seniors.
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APRIL
MAY
JUN
Scholarships are winding
down. Time to research!
Scholarships open back up.
Time to plan & update
New scholarships open up.
Time to begin & submit
applications
Scholarships deadlines
Time to wrap up.
2014/01/16/follow-a-scholarship-application-calendar-in-2014

24. Searching & applying for scholarships is too much work, especially for small scholarships
FACT OR FICTION?

25. The amount of work is minimal compared with the potential rewards.
REALITY
The amount of work is minimal compared with the potential rewards.

26. Let’s Consider MORE LESS EFFORT COMPETITION
Applying for scholarships is hard, but then so is applying for college admission. It gets much easier after the first half-dozen applications, since the student can reuse and adapt previous application essays.
No scholarship or essay contest is too small. Sometimes these are easier to win because some students don’t like them. Small scholarships can also add up. These scholarships add lines to your resume, making it easier for you to win bigger awards.
MORE
EFFORT
LESS
COMPETITION

27. Strategies & Tips For Winning Scholarships
It’s a number game
To win more scholarships, apply to more scholarships – but only if you qualify
You can’t win if you don’t apply
One in four students never applies for FAFSA – If you qualify, apply
It gets easier after your first patch of applications
Essays can be reused and tailored to each new application.

28. Strategies & Tips on Winning Scholarships Cont.
PRIORITIZE your application deadlines and the expected value of the scholarship
Use a calendar/planner/phone calendar and checklist to get organized
Create an accomplishment resume/brag sheet
READ & FOLLOW instructions
Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals
ASK to be nominated

29. Strategies & Tips on Winning Scholarship Cont.
Use a professional address as:
Clean up the content on your social media (i.e. FB, IG, Snapchat)
Make a photocopy of your application before mailing it
Send applications by certified mail
If rejected, ask for the reviewer comments

30. Scholarship
Essays

31. Scholarship Essay Writing Tips

32. College Prompt or Scholarship Essay?
Pick an experience from your own life and explain how it has influenced your development.
COLLEGE
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
SCHOLARSHIP
COLLEGE
Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations
SCHOLARSHIP
Explain the importance of (your major) in today’s society.
Choose a book or books and that have affected you deeply and explain why.
SCHOLARSHIP
COLLEGE

33. Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay
Answer the essay question
Use an outline to organize your thoughts
Give examples to support your claims and be specific
Write about your passions and interests
Talk about your impact on other people
Proofread your essay for spelling and grammar

34. Most Common Application Mistakes
Missing deadlines
Failing to proofread the application
Failing to follow directions (i.e. essay length, number of recommendations)
Omitting required information
Not meeting application qualifications

35. Scholarship Scams Never pay for scholarship paper
Never pay to have someone prepare the FAFSA
Nobody can guarantee that you’ll win a scholarship
Do NOT give out personal information like bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers

36. Scholarship
Resources

37. Scholarship Where Are You?
Your high school has some great scholarships available at your college center
Community Organizations (i.e. nonprofits)
Community Businesses
Local Foundations
Prospective college campuses
Internet
Talk to your UB Coordinator

38. Key Scholarship Resources

39. Top Ten Most Unusual Scholarships
Scholarship for Left-Handed Students
Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck at Prom Contest
David Letterman Telecommunications Scholarship
Zolp Scholarships
Patrick Kerr Skateboard Scholarship
Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year Award
National Marbles Tournament Scholarships
Klingon Language Institute Scholarship
National Beef Ambassador Program
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

40. Top Nine Most Prestigious Scholarships
Marshall Scholarships
Rhodes Scholarship
Winston Churchill Scholarship Program
Harry S. Truman Scholarships
Henry Luce Foundation Scholarship
Morris K. Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest
National Merit Scholarship Corporation

41. Top Ten Most Generous Scholarships
Intel Science Talent Search
Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition
Davidson Fellows
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships
Collegiate Inventors Competition
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
Gates Millennium Scholars

42. Top Ten Scholarships for Age 13 and Under
National Spelling Bee
National Geography Bee
National History Day Contest
Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Christopher Columbus Community Service Awards
Dick Blick Linoleum Block Print Contest
Gloria Barron Prize for Your Heroes
Patriot’s Pen
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

43. Top Ten Scholarships for Community Service
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
The Do Something Awards
Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship
Discover Card Tribute Award
Echoing Green Fellowship
The Heart of America Christopher Reeve Award
Kohl’s Kids Who Care Program
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
National Caring Award
Youth Action Net

44. Top Ten Scholarships that Don’t Need an “A”
US Department of Education
AXA Achievement Scholarship Program
Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
Ayn Rand Institute
Girls Going Places Scholarship
Holocaust Remembrance Project Essay Contest
Americanism Essay Contest
AFSA National Scholarship Essay Contest
Red Vines Drawing Contest
Community Foundation Scholarships

45. Thank You Questions or Concerns?
Contact Information:
Birmingham Community Charter High School - College Center
17000 Haynes Street
Lake Balboa, CA 91406
Phone: (818) 758 – 5200 ext. 5250
College Counselors:
Rochelle Kronstadt
Cynthia Cifuentes