1. College Essays And Scholarships
College Essays And Scholarships
Henderson Upper School
December 2016

2. ASA College Planning Center
About Us
ASA College Planning Center

3. ASA College Planning Center
What we do
Free Services
Walk-in only, no appointment necessary!
One-on-one Advising
Assistance completing applications and forms
Resources on education, financial aid and loan counseling
Multilingual Advisors
English, Spanish, Chinese, French, and Haitian-Creole
@ASAPlan4College
ASA College Planning Center

4. ASA College Planning Center
Come visit us!
Main location: Boston Public Library, Copley Square
700 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02116
(617) or Toll-free: (877)
Mon-Thurs. 9AM-7:30PM Friday-Saturday 9AM-5PM
Satellite Location: Bunker Hill Community College – Chelsea
70 Everett Ave. Chelsea, MA 02150
Every Monday, 11AM-5PM
Satellite Location: Asian American Civic Association
87 Tyler St. Boston, MA 02111
Every Wednesday 9AM-12PM and 1PM-5PM
ASA College Planning Center

5. College Essay - Purpose - Show don’t Tell - “You” Question
- “Why Us” Question
- “Creative” Question
How to Plan for College

6. The Admissions Essay
This is your opportunity to showcase your best qualities, both in writing style and in content. And to show the Admissions Committees what makes you stand out!
If you can, find out from each school how they view the essay as an Admissions component. Some schools will consider it more than others, but usually it is of considerable or moderate importance.
A powerful, well-written essay can also tip the balance in your favor! Especially where Admissions Officers are looking at applicants with very similar grades and SAT scores.
How to Plan for College

7. The Admissions Essay
SHOW, don’t TELL
In short answers ( words) or longer essays (max. 650 words), you have to be concise and to the point.
Avoid always telling the audience how you felt, instead show them with a story that shows the feeling, without always having to tell them with the same few words. (i.e. “I was so happy”)
How to Plan for College

8. The Admissions Essay: Three Types of Questions
Type 1: The “You” Question
The College wants to get to know you better- to see how students introduce themselves.
Example: "The University of Montana values a diverse student body. What contributions might you make to our campus community outside of academic achievement?"
Pros: Direct question, offers a chance to reveal something other than grades and scores.
Cons: They can be so open-ended that it could lead to the narrative being a bit scattered.
Source:
Focus on just a few things and avoid the urge to "spill everything" at once.
Do not simply write out your resume in paragraph form. It's better to develop one small event, person, place or feeling with a lot of narrative and specifics.
This is a "tell us a story" question. You should tell a story that only you can tell
Advisor’s Tips:
How to Plan for College

9. The Admissions Essay: Three Types of Questions
Type 2: The “Why Us” Question
Admissions Officers want to get to know your goals and interest in their particular college.
Example: "How did you become interested in Boston University?"
Pros: Provides a focus for the essay; that is, why the student chose this particular college or path — and the answer to that will (hopefully) be clear.
Cons: Any factual errors in the essay will reveal that the student really hasn't thought deeply about the choice.
Source:
Students should make absolutely sure they know their subject well.
Don’t go overboard with flattery. You should sound sincere and authentic.
Keep a solid focus, and don’t forget to showcase your attributes as well.
Advisor’s Tips:
How to Plan for College

10. The Admissions Essay: Three Types of Questions
Type 3: The “Creative” Question
The purpose of this question is to evaluate a candidate's ability to think and write creatively and to assess the breadth of the student’s knowledge.
Example: "Sharing intellectual interests is an important aspect of university life. Describe an experience or idea that you find intellectually exciting, and explain why."
Pros: This kind of question gives you an opportunity to convey your personality and views.
Cons: Easy to take "creative" aspect of the question as license to be obscure, or to not have a clear outline.
Source:
Importance of writing an informed essay. Don’t make factual errors, even if it a creative piece.
Don’t write about a topic that you’re not comfortable just because you think it will sound impressive.
Less is more. SHOW don’t TELL
Advisor’s Tips:
How to Plan for College

11. Scholarships - What are they? - Merit Based and Need Based
- Searching for Scholarships
- How to Apply
How to Plan for College

12. What are Private Scholarships?
A private scholarship is an education award that does not need to be paid back
Usually given to a student by a third-party organization (not from the government or from an individual college)
These scholarships usually require their own application process, separate from the college application and school aid process, and separate from the federal aid application process
How to Plan for College

13. A specific field of study or occupation
Merit and Need Based
Many scholarships are merit-based, awarded to students for outstanding achievements or talents. Some scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need. Most private scholarships are sponsored by organizations or groups with special interests, such as:
A specific field of study or occupation
Race, ethnic group, or religious affiliation
Special skills or talents (academic, athletic, or artistic)
Community service or leadership
Students who have overcome big challenges
How to Plan for College

14. How do I find private scholarships?
National or Local Organizations that Support and Promote Your Intended Major or Career
Local Government, Community, and Faith-based Organizations
School Guidance Office, College Financial Aid Office
The Web (see list of recommended websites)
Libraries, Local Chamber of Commerce
How to Plan for College

15. Pay attention to eligibility requirements and deadlines.
How do I apply?
Research – and start early!
Begin researching private scholarships early. Allow enough time to find applications forms and make sure that you meet eligibility requirements
Most scholarships will have deadlines in January, February, March, and April
Submit all required materials, such as essays, school transcripts, etc.
Give your references (teachers, youth leaders, and others who know you well) enough time to submit their recommendations.
Pay attention to eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Advisor’s Tips:
How to Plan for College

16. Local vs. National It’s never too early to start looking!
Questions?
Local vs. National
It’s never too early to start looking!
You should never pay to fill out an application
How to Plan for College

17. Recommended Sites Name of Organization/Database Website URL:
American Student Assistance
(search “scholarships”)
College Board Scholarship Search
College Toolkit
FinAid
CollegeNet’s MACH 25 Database
Super College
The Princeton Review
Scholarships.com
Raise.Me
FastAid
Fast Web
The Scholarship Page
Education Grant
How to Plan for College

18. Thank you