Your Target… Scholarship Dollars!

What are scholarships?

Gifts of money from organizations and family memorials for worthy students to further their education.

Scholarships do not have to be paid back.

SCHOLARSHIP MYTHS

Myth #1

Only students with a high GPA get scholarships.

False.

Scholarships are awarded to students with a variety of talents and interests.

Myth #2

Students need a long list of activities & accomplishments to get scholarships.

False.

Winning scholarships is about quality, not quantity.

✓commitment ✓contribution

Myth #3

Your track record established in HS determines if you get a scholarship.

False.

An impressive essayand packagingstrategies can help.

Scholarship Scams

BEWARE:

“You are guaranteed a scholarship.” “May I have your credit card number?” “You have been selected as a finalist.” “We can find you scholarships, buy our service.” National Honor Scholars Society scam

Scholarship Resources

Counseling OfficeScholarship database on websiteLocal listing in January

CollegesSome colleges are using your UW application!

CommunityParent’s employment (Alliant Energy, UPS)Organizations (American Legion, etc.)Clubs ( 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, etc.)

Internet

Preparing for the search…

• Resume

An overview of activities & achievements that make you a strong candidate.

Getting started✓ Brainstorm activities & accomplishments (worksheet on website)

✓ Edit and format the information • Functional

• Chronological

Functional ResumeDivides your information into categories such as:

Honors and AwardsSchool Clubs & OrganizationsSports AccomplishmentsAchievements in the ArtsLeadershipCommunity ActivitiesVolunteer WorkPaid Work Experience

Chronological Resume

List your information in chronological order from most recent.

✓Senior Year Activities/Accomplishments

✓Junior Year Activities/Accomplishments

✓Sophomore Year Activities/Accomplishments

✓Freshman Year Activities/Accomplishments

Preparing for the search…

• Letters of Recommendation

Describes your personal qualities

in school and community.

Letters of Recommendation Different perspectives

Academic abilities - teacher

Work ethic - employer, coach

Community involvement - clergy, club advisor, volunteer supervisor

Good letters require time.

Please allow your writers 2-3 weeks and thank them!

Preparing for PHS scholarships

• Career Plan Statement

• Financial Need Statement

Career Plan Statement Narrative of your future plans

Content: what has led you to this decision…

college plans / career goals interests past memorable experiences skills / talents PHS coursework preparation community service in that area employment in that field

Financial Need Statement Narrative of economic status

Content: your family’s financial background…

parent’s education and occupations disability or illness in family single parent household other siblings in college how you will finance your education

money saved for collegefamily contributions

your employment

Find out more….

• Financial Aid Night for Students & ParentsDecember 17 at 7:00PHS Auditorium

• PHS Local Scholarship SeminarJanuary 3, 2013 during AdvisoryPHS Auditorium

Thank you for

attending

Stop in the Counseling Office for answers to all of your scholarship questions!