SCHOLARSHIPS:
HOW TO EARN “FREE” MONEY
SCHOLARSHIPS
• WHAT are scholarships?
• WHAT types of scholarships are out there?
• WHEN should students apply for scholarships?
• WHERE can scholarships be found?
• HOW do you apply for scholarships?
• HOW do you navigate the process?
WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP?
• A gift of money that does not need to be paid back
• Sometimes a check to student
• Sometimes a check directly to the college or university
• Offered to students who meet certain requirements
• Majority will target college-bound high school students
• School or organization’s financial investment into a
student’s potential to succeed, make a difference and
embody their institution’s core values
TWO CATEGORIES OF SCHOLARSHIPS
• Awarded to
recognize
outstanding
academic
performance,
athletics, talents
and/or leadership
abilities.
• Awarded to those
who demonstrate
financial need.
TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
• Also known as “Institutional Awards”
• Most common type of scholarship
• Based on a variety of factors:
• Merit, financial need, intended major, ethnicity
• University-wide or particular college or major
• Honors Colleges/Programs within a college or
university
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
• Might be automatic when submit financial
aid forms
• School’s financial aid officer will have details
• Watch deadlines!!!!
• Scholarship deadline might be BEFORE the
college application deadline
• If you miss it, you will not be considered for any
institutional scholarships
INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS—IN
STATE COLLEGES
Washington State University
• University Achievement Award
• GPA and SAT/ACT requirements $2,000 to $4,000 for 2 years
• Regents Scholars Program
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Competitive merit scholarship, Nominated by high school
GPA and SAT/ACT requirements
All nominated earn $4,000 for 4 years
Distinguished Regence Scholar:
• Full tuition and fees for 4 years
• 10 Per Year
• WSU Visit Program Awards
• Destination WSU: Come to visit in spring $1,000/year for 4
years
INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS—OUT
OF STATE COLLEGES
Boise State University
• Gem Scholarship
3.6 GPA (AND)
SAT combined Reading and Math 1170 (or )
ACT 26
Waiver of entire full time nonresident portion of tuition for
out of state residents (about $12,000/year)
• Renewable for 3 more years
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INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS—
PRIVATE COLLEGES
Gonzaga University
• Freshmen Merit Scholarships
• GPA and SAT/ACT and maintenance of good academic
standing
• $3,500-$16,000 per year for 4 years
Seattle University
• Trustee Scholarship -- $20,000/year
• Campion Scholarship -- $16,000/year
• Bellarmine Scholarship -- $12,000/year
• Arrupe Scholarship -- $7,000/year
• All Renewable up to 4 years
WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE
EXCHANGE (WUE)
Regional Tuition-Reciprocity Agreement
• 150 participating 2 year and 4 year STATE FUNDED
institutions
• 150% Resident Tuition Rate
• Example:
• Resident Tuition Rate:
$10,000
• WUE Rate: $10,000 x 1.5 = $15,000
• Non-Resident Rate:
$20,000
• Savings: $20,000-$15,000 = $ 5,000 (per year)
WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE
EXCHANGE (WUE)
• Number of WUE Awards Changes Each Year
• Some institutions off all or most of majors
• Some select majors
• Check institutions profile on website
• Can Be Selective
• Most Do Not Require Financial Need
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PARTICULAR
FIELD OF STUDY
Professional organizations or companies affiliated
with majors offer scholarships to entice
students into their field.
• Based on a student’s intended are of study
• Most common areas of study: education, health,
science, technology
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR
STUDENT ATHLETES
Traditional Athletic scholarships
• Sponsored by the college or university
• Very competitive
• Must market self to recruiters
• Get advice from coaches
• Run by the NCAA, NAIA or NJCAA
• Be familiar with regulations
• Grades important / minimum standards
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR
STUDENT ATHLETES
• Athletic-Related Scholarships
• Sponsored by sports related companies,
foundations, associations
• Often connected with athletics some way
• Based on accomplishments in high school—not
on playing at the college level
• Can find in same ways you find other scholarships
OTHER TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS
• National Scholarships:
• More competitive
• Examples:
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National Merit Scholarship
Gates Millennium Scholars
Intel Science Talent Search
Coca Cola Scholars Foundation
OTHER TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS
• Local Scholarships
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Northshore Scholarship Foundation
Northshore PTSA
WHS PTSA
NEOPA
Rotary Club or the Kiwanis
• Scholarships from:
• Parent’s employer
• Your Employer
OTHER TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships based on:
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Artistic abilities (art, film, dance, music)
Ethnic background
Medical disabilities (Cancer, Epilepsy, etc.)
Community service
Religious affiliations/communities
Environmental causes
Military
Union affiliation
Parents’ fraternity or sorority
TIMELINE FOR APPLYING
When to apply for scholarships?
January
FEB
February
March
April
MARCH
May
June
APRIL
July
August
September
October
November
December
Large majority of scholarship deadlines are within the
months of February-April.
FROM
SCHOLARSHIPS.COM
WHEN TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS?
• Year Round
• Majority of deadlines February, March and April
• Search regularly
• Variety of grade levels
FINDING SCHOLARSHIPS
WHERE TO FIND SCHOLARSHIPS
• Check College and Career Center at WHS
• Updated Monthly list
• Online on the Career Center’s Website
• Check the website and Financial Aid Office of the
school the student plans on attending
(institutional awards)
• Check with local organizations and community
foundations
WHERE TO FIND SCHOLARSHIPS
• Purchase a scholarship book
• Not all scholarships are online
• “The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2014” or
“2014 Scholarship Book”
• See Senior Handbook: Useful Web Resources
• Downloadable at the College and Career Center
Website
• Create profiles with online scholarship search sites
• Billions of dollars of scholarships
INTERNET SEARCHES
• Student creates a profile
• Narrows scholarships applicable to them
• Some offer other college planning tools too
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thewashboard.org
fastweb.com
scholarships.com
bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
petersons.com/college-search/scholarship-search.aspx
scholarshipexperts.com
collegescholarships.com—list of sites
LIST in Senior Handbook
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A
SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH SERVICE
• Profile matches are key.
• Look for sophisticated matching technology.
• Beware of simple keyword search services.
• Beware if only ask a few questions.
• Easy process
• Check that it is easy to edit and save student’s profile.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A
SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH SERVICE
• Up to date scholarship information
• Look for current academic year.
• A Focus on finding scholarships
• Look for primary purpose is to help find scholarships.
• Avoid overly commercial sites.
• Avoid sites that compromise privacy.
HOW TO APPLY FOR
SCHOLARSHIPS
HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
• A lot like applying for college
• Start with large number  Narrow down so it’s manageable
and not overwhelming.
• Complete and Submit Applications
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Essays
Recommendations
List of Achievements
High School Transcript
Standardized Test Scores
Financial Aid Forms (i.e.. FAFSA)
Parents’ Financial Information
Proof of Eligibility for Scholarship
NAVIGATING THE PROCESS
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS
Get organized
• Pull together the necessary information.
• Academic Information
• GPA, SAT/ACT scores
• Recommendation letters
• Personal essay
• Resume:
• Extracurricular activities, community service,
volunteer work, job, list of obstacles overcome
• College choices
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS
Create a list of eligible scholarships
• Create a personal inventory:
• Who are you? Where are you headed?
• Create a resume or list of
accomplishments
• Create a list of affiliations
• You need to be a great self advocate
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS
Set Timelines
• Create a scholarships calendar with
deadlines
• See Chart “Timeline for Applying for Scholarships”
• From University of Portland
• Create a spreadsheet of deadlines and
requirements
Scholarship
Deadline
Amount
Letter of Rec
Essay
Test Scores
Transcript (SAT or ACT)
Other
HOW TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS
Start applying
• Be sure to read the directions, qualifications, and
fine print carefully
Stay Organized
• Separate file for each scholarship
• Organize in order of deadline
Accordion File Folder Systems
Mini-File Cabinets / Accordion Files
SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS
Illegitimate programs take advantage of
loose rules and regulations regarding scholarships.
Red Flags for Suspicious Scholarships:
• Application fees – if there is a fee it should be VERY
MINIMAL
• Hard-to-Reach scholarship provider
• No recent winners
• Website woes
• Unsolicited scholarship offers- you should have to take
part in an application process
• Limited time offers
• “Free Seminar” or “Candidate Review”
SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS
Red Flags for Suspicious Search Services:
• “Secret” scholarships or “Exclusive” searches
• “Guaranteed” scholarships
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
How to Investigate:
• Better Business Bureau
• Trade Commission
• State Department of Consumer Protection
FINAL THOUGHTS
• Applying takes time and dedication.
• Thousands of dollars that can be earned makes the effort
worthwhile.
• Stay positive.
• Hard work and time will pay off eventually
• Remember: Determination might not be the most
glamorous talent, but it works!
RESOURCES
Useful Scholarship Tips and Advice
• Scholarships.com
• Scholarshipexperts.com
• Collegeboard.org
• Petersons.com
• WHS Senior Handbook
THANK YOU!
HAPPY SEARCHING!