Student Scholarships

 

When the doldrums of winter hit and you are looking for something to do…check out www.fastweb.com and www.scholarshipamerica.org  and www.educationplanner.org and www.scholarships.com.  All are free scholarship search sites that offer:

·         Current, relevant and accurate sources of scholarships available

·         Personalized matching of scholarships to your unique profile

·         Millions of scholarships worth billions of dollars

·         New scholarships added every day

 

Before your son or daughter submits a scholarship application, follow these 10 tips provided by scholarship sponsors nationwide:

 

#1        Apply only if you are eligible.

Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully to make sure you are eligible before you send your application.

#2        Complete the application in full.

If a question doesn’t apply, note that on the application.  Don’t just leave a blank.  Supply all additional supporting material, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation and essays.

#3        Follow directions.

Provide everything that is required, but don’t supply things that are not requested – you could be disqualified.

#4        Neatness counts.

Always type your application, or if you must print, do so neatly and legibly.  Make a couple photocopies of all the forms before you fill them out.  Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet.

#5        Write an essay that makes a strong impression.

The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific.  Include concrete details to make your experience come alive; the who, what, where, and when of your topic.  The simplest experience can be monumental if you present honestly how you were affected.

#6        Watch all deadlines.

To help keep yourself on track, impose your own deadline that is at least two weeks prior to the official deadline.  Use the buffer time to make sure everything is ready on time.  Don’t rely on extensions – very few scholarship providers allow them at all.

#7        Make sure your application gets where it needs to go.

Put your name on all pages of the application.  Pieces of your application may get lost unless they are clearly identified.

#8        Keep a back-up file in case anything goes wrong.

Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet.  If your application goes astray, you will be able to reproduce it quickly.

#9        Give it a final “once-over.”

Proofread the entire application carefully.  Be on the lookout for misspelled words or grammatical errors.  Ask a friend, teacher, or parent to proofread it as well.

#10      Ask for help if you need it.

If you have problems with the application, don’t hesitate to call the funding organization.

 

BEWARE of Scholarship Scams – Warning Signs

 

    • You have to pay a fee

    • Money-back offers or guarantees

    • Credit card or back account information required

    • Provides “exclusive” information

 

NEVER give out Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers to unsolicited e-mails or calls.

 

BE CAREFUL to whom you give out your contact information or
e-mail address.

45th Anniversary Planner

Please join us in celebrating our 45th Anniversary.  All events with an  asterisk are open to the public. JANUARY   24 Joan Chambers Concert Series Alia Musica Chamber Concert 7:00 p.m. Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center   28 La Cultura Lecture Series Paul S. Adams Assistant Professor of Political Science "No End of History in Sight: Changes and Continuity from the Cold War to the Post-Cold War Eras" 7:00 p.m. Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center   FEBRUARY   13-14 Student Play “The Vagina Monologues” Benefits programs to end domestic violence 7:30 p.m. Ferguson Theater   28 Mezzo-Soprano Cynthia Ortiz-Bartley 7:00 p.m. Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center