1. Welcome To: Carroll High School Scholarship Information Session
Hosted by
Cecilia Stanford & Tonya Hughes
Guidance Counselors
September 27, 2018

2. Where do scholarships come from?
Understanding
“The Basics”
What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is an offering of FREE MONEY based on a set of student skills or qualifications.
Where do scholarships come from?
The academic institution (college/university)
Community organizations/businesses
Private sponsors/donors

3. What types of scholarships are out there?
MORE BASICS
What types of scholarships are out there?
Career and College Major
Institutional (from college)
High School Specific
Clubs & Associations
Merit
Businesses
Ethnicity, Race, & Gender
Military
Community Organizations
Employers
Credit Unions & Banks
Personal & Family Status
Competitions & Essays

4. Where should I look for scholarships?
GETTING STARTED
Where should I look for scholarships?
$ The College & Career Center at Carroll High.
Your High School Website and other school websites!
Financial aid offices at your school of choice (or their websites)
Scholarship resource books at libraries or HS College & Career Center
Community Service & civic organizations (Rotary, Elks Club, etc.)
Area employers and retailers
Free Websites (Fast Web, FinAid, etc)
Alabama Career Planning System (ACPS)
Alabama Student Assistance program
Facebook & Google!!!

5. Alabama University System
Scholarships for the Alabama University System can be found on their websites. Look on their scholarship page and/or their financial aid page.
AND
On their foundation websites!!!

6. GETTING ORGANIZED Starting a “Scholarship File”
What goes in a “Scholarship File?”
Activities and Awards Sheet (To brag about you!)
Essays Written
Official and Unofficial Transcripts
SAT/ACT Scores
Letters of Recommendation
Any other document highlighting something about you, such as published works.

7. Top 10 things scholarship committees look at:
SCHOLARSHIP TIPS
Top 10 things scholarship committees look at:
An application submitted on time
General qualification, criteria, and completeness
Community volunteer involvement
Leadership & Personal Development
Extracurricular Activities
Applicant’s personal situation
The Essay
References & Recommendations (Student asks for this! Not the parent!)..Well known means letter is detailed.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
SAT & ACT Scores

8. MORE SCHOLARSHIP TIPS Always make a copy of your application
Be honest about your grades, test scores, experiences, memberships, qualifications, etc.
Follow instructions CAREFULLY, including word limits on essays.
Strictly observe deadlines, and send in applications early if possible.
Proofread, and let at least one other person read your application (including essays).
Be creative about presenting yourself. Your essay and application represents you and should set you apart.
Follow up to ensure your application was received.
Send thank you notes to everyone who helped you.

9. Scholarship Websites Collegeboard.com Fastweb.com Collegenet.com
Scholarships.com
Scholarshipmonkey.com
Alabamastudentaid.gov

10. PHRASES WE WOULD CONSIDER “RED FLAGS”
A Word About SCAMS….
PHRASES WE WOULD CONSIDER “RED FLAGS”
“The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
“You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
“I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship”
“We’ll do all the work.”
“The scholarship will cost money.”
“You’ve been selected” by a “National Foundation” to receive a scholarship.
“You’re a finalist!” or “You’ve won!” (before you’ve applied)
“First come, first served.”
“Millions of dollars go unclaimed.”
“Please include a picture…”

11. FINAL WORDS
To Students: Winning Scholarships is not easy! You are asking someone to give you a lot of money! Give it your best effort! Do your best work! Set a goal of how many scholarships you will apply for. Get organized and pace yourselves.
Parents: Remember--the students who are the most qualified to win scholarships are also the busiest! You can help out by searching, organizing, and gently reminding your students about due dates.

12. YOU CAN’T WIN IF YOU DON’T APPLY!
REMEMBER…
YOU CAN’T WIN IF YOU DON’T APPLY!

13. Alabama College Application Week
DON’T MISS IT!!!!!!!
Carroll High School
Supporting:
Alabama College Application Week
Oct. 29- Nov. 2,
MPR Room