Your Target Scholarship Dollars What are scholarships

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 essay and packaging strategies 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 Office Scholarship database on website Local listing in January Colleges Some colleges are using your UW application! Community Parent’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 Resume Divides your information into categories such as: Honors and Awards School Clubs & Organizations Sports Accomplishments Achievements in the Arts Leadership Community Activities Volunteer Work Paid 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… 4 4 4 4 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 4 disability or illness in family 4 single parent household 4 other siblings in college 4 how you will finance your education money saved for college family contributions your employment 4

Find out more…. • Financial Aid Night for Students & Parents December 17 at 7: 00 PHS Auditorium • PHS Local Scholarship Seminar January 3, 2013 during Advisory PHS Auditorium

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