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FINDING SCHOLARSHIPS

LEARN

OVER

LUNCH

:

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BEFORE WE DIVE IN…

Don’t forget to complete the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act–you only need to do one!

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Financial Aid Night is this Thursday in the CCC from 5:30pm-8:00pm

Bring a laptop and information from the Financial Aid Checklist

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Can’t make it? Sign up for a Money Monday session for help.

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TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Institutional
    • Money awarded by the college or university
    • Typically merit-based (GPA & test scores), but sometimes consider other factors (demographic, major, etc.)
    • You are usually automatically considered for scholarships when you apply to the college
  • Private
    • Scholarships you apply to that awarded by organizations other than the college or university
    • Many, but not all, are need-based; not all require a specific GPA
  • Determine if college will allow “stacking” scholarships.

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WHERE TO START

  • Your chosen college
    • Go to the Fin. Aid/Scholarship page at your school; some are automatic based on merit or need; others require applications�
  • Private Scholarships recommended by WHS
    • We know our students have gotten these
    • Organizations reach out to us to publicize
    • Regularly updated; keep checking
    • Watch for the WHS Scholarship in the spring! It is only for WHS seniors.�

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WHERE TO START (CONT.)

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  • Organizations you or your family are connected to:
    • Parents’ employer or student employer (i.e. Medtronic)
    • Church or religious affiliation
    • Club/organization affiliation (i.e. Scouts, NHS)�
  • National Search Engines (listed in private list)

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  • Xello

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SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH TIPS

  • Visit the Financial Aid pages of your top choice schools
  • Spend your time on local scholarships!
    • Odds of winning are greater because they’re open to a smaller applicant pool.
  • Apply to scholarships with small awards
    • Money adds up, so apply for the little ones too!
  • More work = fewer applicants = better chances
    • Students typically shy away from harder applications so your chances of winning are better.
  • Get personal
    • Tell your story, stand out, and give personal details.

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SCHOLARSHIP CAUTIONS

  • Don’t rush!
    • Give yourself time to meet timelines
    • If it requires a letter of rec, you should give teachers at least two weeks notice (teachers can re-use or edit one they wrote for your college application)

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  • Read the requirements carefully

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  • Follow all guidelines
    • They are not flexible, i.e. 300 words, not 301

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  • Do NOT enter sweepstake scholarships
    • They are just trying to get your info

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STAYING ORGANIZED

Create a system for staying organized with deadlines & requirements! �

  • Spreadsheets
  • College Workbook

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KEY UPCOMING SCHOLARSHIPS & DEADLINES

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The Washburn Scholarship application will open on March 2, stay tuned for more information!

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Questions?