1. Private Scholarship Search
Carrie Adams
Financial Aid Liaison

2. Scholarship Basics What is a scholarship? Gift aid or “free money”
Money used to help pay for college
Awarded on various criteria
Come from a variety of sources.

3. Scholarship Basics What types of scholarships are available? Athletics
Talent
Academics
Interests
Community Involvement
Race, gender, or religion

4. Scholarship Basics Where do I find scholarships? Library
Newspapers or Magazines
Local organizations
College you attend
Internet

5. Scholarship Basics Helpful scholarship sources include:

6. Scholarship Basics Tips on Searching for Scholarships Start early.
Give yourself enough time.
Apply to as many as possible.
Seek out less competitive scholarships.
Keep at it.

7. Application Process Get started Be organized.
Complete the application packet.
Winning a scholarship.

8. Application Process Getting Started
Request or download the application.
Read instructions.
Apply only if you qualify.
Determine what is needed.
Essay
Letters of recommendation

9. Application Process Be organized Meet deadlines.
Know the requirements.
Label everything.
Keep copies.
IDEA: Keep a file folder with all
scholarship information
and attach a deadline
listing on the cover.

10. Application Process Completing the application packet
Follow all instructions.
Use N/A.
Neatness counts.
Write an interesting essay.
Have strong references.

11. Application Process Writing the Essay Plan ahead/create goals
Make an outline
Start writing
Edit/Proof
Final copy

12. Application Process Writing the Essay
Create Goals
What do you want the
essay to say about you?
Personal traits
Emphasize a balance
Highlight achievements
Demonstrate personal circumstances.
Plan Ahead
Understand the purpose.
Analyze the question.
Research?

13. Application Process Writing the Essay
Make an outline
Free flow of ideas
Organize
Focus

14. Application Process Writing the Essay
Start writing
Use outline as a guideline.
Get your story out.

15. Application Process Writing the Essay
Helpful Writing Tips
Show, don’t tell.
Use present tense.
Strong vocabulary.
Be inviting.
Smooth transitions.
Compelling conclusion.

16. Application Process Writing the Essay
Edit/Proof
Grammer
Typos
Re-read
Take a break
Have others read it.

17. Application Process Writing the Essay
Final Copy
Type
Meet deadline
Keep a copy
Breathe

18. Application Process Recommendations
Have strong recommendations
Someone who writes well
Someone you impress
Someone who is relevant
Remember a recommendation is used to provide third party documentation to help validate your background.

19. Application Process Recommendations
Help your Reference
Supply all materials.
Provide information about the scholarship.
Create a list of accomplishments.
Allow for enough time before deadline.

20. Application Process Winning a Scholarship Double check everything.
Meet all requirements and deadlines.
Show your best you.
Keep at it!

21. Scholarship Scams How do I recognize a scholarship scammer??
You’ve won, but you did not apply
No contact information provided
Guarantees
Requires credit card information

22. Be on the lookout for these phrases:
Scholarship Scams
Be on the lookout for these phrases:
“We’ll do all the work.”
“The scholarship is guaranteed or your
money back.”
“You’re a finalist.”
“Just provide your credit card number
to hold this scholarship.”
“You can’t get this information
anywhere else.”

23. Scholarship Scams What if you suspect a scam? Save all forms received.
Keep detailed copies of correspondences.
Date everything.
Report the scammers.

24. Scholarship Scams Protect Yourself
Federal Trade Commission 877-FTC-HELP
National Fraud Info. Center
Better Business Bureau

25. Couple of Reminders Start early. Be organized. Don’t give up.
Make your application stand out.
Apply for many.
Be careful of scammers.

26. Questions????
Do you have any questions?

27. Thank You! adamshc@cctech.edu Please feel free to contact:
Carrie Adams
Financial Aid Liaison