SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP SEMINAR

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SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP SEMINAR

• The Money Is There, But You Have To Ask For It

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How To Apply for a Scholarship

• Filter a large list of possible choices into a
  focused list that matches you.
• Create compelling applications supported by your
  achievements, essays, recommendations and
  interviews.

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Application Tips

• Use your common sense
• Follow directions carefully
• Check your parents employer

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START YOUR RESEARCH Early

• The more time you put into your search, the more
  options you will have
• Research scholarship, request info and
  application materials, complete your application,
  follow deadlines
• Use www.FastWeb.com and Scholarship Search from
  College Board.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Read requirements carefully
• If you have a question about your eligibility for
  a particular scholarship, contact the scholarship
  sponsors

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Organize Scholarship Materials

• Create a separate file for each scholarship and
  file by application date
• Keep a calendar of application deadlines and
  follow-up appointments
• You may need to provide transcript, test
  scores, one or more essays, one or more letters
  of recommendation, proof of eligibility

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S U G G E S T I O N S

• Proofread your application carefully
• Use spelling and grammar check features
• Have a parent, teacher or friend read your essays

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S U G G E S T I O N S

• Dont leave items blank
• Contact scholarship sponsors if you aren't sure
  how to fill out any part of the application

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S U G G E S T I O N S

• Follow instructions to the letter
• Avoid going over the length limit
• Resist the temptation to send supporting
  materials that are not requested

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S U G G E S T I O N S

• Make sure your application is legible
• Type or print your application form and essays

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S U G G E S T I O N S

• Make copies of everything you send
• Double-check your application
• If you're reusing material (cover letter or
  essay) from another scholarship application, be
  especially careful you haven't left in any
  incorrect names or blank fields
• Dont forget to sign and date your application

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S U G G E S T I O N S

• Get your applications in early
• Youll miss out if you miss
• deadlines!

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F I N A L L Y . . .

• Check with your college to see if any scholarship
  effects your aid packagesome can be used to
  reduce expected family contribution
• Contact the financial aid office to inquire about
  their policies regarding outside scholarships

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For Any cholarship you Receive . . .

• Add any awards or scholarships to your resume,
  regardless of the amount.simply list the name
• Remember to thank the scholarship presenter
• After you enroll, check with your college
  financial aid office or the department you are
  majoring in to request other sources for aid.

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START the SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH

•    
• Below are sites that you may find helpful
• in securing a scholarship FASTWEB (
  http//www.fastweb.com ) Database of
  scholarships, grants, fellowships, and
  loans. Student Financial Assistance(
  http//www.nerdworld.com/nw1178.html )

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Continuing The Search . . .

• College Net( http// www.collegenet.com )
  Scholarships available in database based on
  profile you enter.
• CollegeView( http//www.collegeview.com )
  Financial aid section and scholarship search
  database.
• College Board Fund Finder( http//www.collegeboard
  .org ) Complete a personal profile, and the FUND
  FINDER will match your qualifications with the
  requirements for scholarships, grants,
  internships, and loans.

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Continuing The Search . . .

• U.S. Department of Education( http//www.ed.gov/o
  ffices/OPE/express.html )
• Go College( http//www.gocollege.com )
  Scholarship searches. Student Financial Aid
  (http//www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide/)
  Government sources of student aid.

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Continuing The Search . . .

• Resources for Minority students
• Scholarships for Hispanics
• www.scholarships.hacu.net
• www.hsf.net
• United Negro College Fund
• www.uncf.org/scholarship

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COUNSELING GUIDANCE

• Steven Bjork, College Counselor, Department Chair
• Larry Bartek, Career Counselor
• Dan Cox, Guidance Counselor
• Howe Siegel, Guidance Counselor