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Scholarships Free Money…Find Out How… Success Day at Normandal e February 12, 2013

Scholarships Free Money…Find Out How… Success Day at Normandale February 12, 2013

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ScholarshipsFree Money…Find Out How…

Success Day at Normandale

February 12, 2013

TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS•Normandale•“Outside”

HOW TO WIN A SCHOLARSHIP

SCHOLARSHIPS

Normandale Scholarships

Normandale Foundation ScholarshipsAcademy of Math & Science Departmental Scholarships

SPONSORED BY THE NORMANDALE FOUNDATION

Normandale Foundation Scholarships

Normandale Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships range from $375 - $3000 per school year

Awarded to both New and Current StudentsMost are targeted toward full-time students,

with financial need, strong academic background, strong leadership and community service involvement

Some available for part-time students, or students enrolled in specific programs

Normandale Foundation Scholarships

Current/Returning StudentsApplication period

January 2nd to April 1st

Recipients Notified by mid-May

Online Normandale scholarship application

Results of 2013 - 2014 FAFSA allow 4 weeks for processing

A Letter of Recommendation

Transcript from previous schools if not already on file

All Documentationmust be received by

April 1, 2013:How to apply?

SCHOLARSHIP AND MENTORING OPPORTUNITY

SPONSORED BY THE NORMANDALE FOUNDATION

Academy of Science & Math

Academy of Science & Math

Students interested in S.T.E.M. majorsProvides mentoring services to studentsCohort of students for peer support2 year commitment to programScholarship support may be availableMUST fill out a FAFSAApplication available on Financial Aid &

Scholarship website or outside the office

Kimberly Klein Maria Mhiripiri

Office: C3132

Phone: 952-358-8844

Email:[email protected]

du

Office: C3134

Phone: 952-358-8663

Email:maria.mhiripiri@normandale.

edu

Academy of Math & ScienceProgram Coordinators/Student Advisors

Departmental Scholarships

Apply directly to the departmentApplication Periods Vary

Contact Departments for Information• English Department• Geology/Geography Department• World Languages Department• Biology Department• Dental Hygiene Department• Theatre Department

“Outside” Scholarships

Lots of FREE on-line scholarship searches

We recommend using www.fastweb.com

Other helpful scholarship resourceswww.finaid.org/scholarshipswww.finaid.org/websearch

Beware of scholarship scams

Investigate the company, ask questions, get it in writing

There are no up-front fees for legitimate scholarships

Never invest more than a postage stamp to get information or to apply

Nobody can guarantee that you’ll winNever give out bank account numbers, credit

card numbers or Social Security numbers

www.finaid.org/scholarshipscamswww.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams

How to win a scholarship

Searching for scholarships

Start searching as soon as possible• If you wait until you need the money, you could miss lots

of deadlinesUse a free scholarship matching serviceLook for scholarship listing books at the library

or a bookstore, but check the publication dateLook for local scholarshipsAnswer any optional questions on a scholarship

matching service for twice as many matchesPursue less competitive scholarships, such as

small awards and essay contests

Strategies

It’s a numbers game• Even among talented students, it takes time and luck• To win more scholarships, if you qualify for it - apply

for it You can’t win if you don’t apply• One in four students never applies for financial aid

It gets easier • Essays can be reused and tailored to each new

applicationDon’t miss deadlines!

Tips on winning scholarships

Prioritize applications by the deadline and expected value of the scholarship

Use a calendar and checklist to get organizedCreate a resume of accomplishmentsTailor your application to the sponsor’s goalsRead and follow the instructionsMake your application stand out from the

crowdPractice on a copy of the application form

Writing a scholarship essay

Plan what you are going to writeUse an outline to organize your thoughtsGive examples and be specificWrite about something of interest to youPersonalize your essay and be passionateTalk about your impact on other peopleProofread a printed copy of the essay for

spelling and grammar errorsAsk someone else to read it• Use the Normandale Writing Center , C2120, in the

Tutoring Center

Tips for letters of recommendation

Ask a teacher whether he/she can write you a great letter of recommendation

It should be relevant to the scholarship sponsor’s goal

Provide the recommender with a copy of your resume of accomplishments

Provide the recommender with a SASE and all required forms

Thank the recommender for writing the letter

Other scholarship tips

Use a professional email address, such as [email protected]

Google your name to see what shows upClean up the content of any social network

sites you use (facebook), remove inappropriate and immature material

Make a copy of your application before mailing or sending it

After you win a scholarship

Send a thank you!!!If your scholarship is renewable, review the

requirements for retaining eligibilityUnderstand the taxability of your

scholarships• Amounts for tuition, fees, books, supplies tax-free• Amounts for room and board, transportation and

other living expenses are taxable• www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf• www.finaid.org/taxbenefits

Most common application mistakes

Missing deadlinesFailing to proofread the applicationNot following directions (essay length, number

of recommendations, leaving out required information…)

Applying for an award when you don’t qualifyFailing to apply for an award for which you are

eligibleFailing to tailor the application to the sponsorWriting a boring essay

Brenda TraftonDirector of Scholarships

Office: [email protected]

[email protected]

952-358-8850Financial Aid Office

952-358-8250Fax 952-358-9005