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SCHOLARSHIP REMINDERS

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SCHOLARSHIPS

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  • Scholarships are free money! (don’t have to pay back)
    • Institutional Scholarships vs. Private Scholarships
    • Need-based scholarships vs. Merit-based scholarships

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FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION: FAFSA OR MN DREAM ACT

  • FAFSA: It is OPEN!
  • MN Dream Act: It is OPEN!

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Sign Up for Money Mondays at Washburn

They are every week on Monday during 5th and 6th hour!

    • Financial Aid Checklist
    • Bring a laptop if possible
    • Language support can be provided with advance notice

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FINANCIAL AID FACTS

  • Most schools require students to complete the FAFSA to be considered for all forms of aid (need-based or merit-based)
    • If your family is not planning on filling it out, the CCC recommends that you reach out to the Financial Aid Office �
  • 90% of merit aid comes direct from the institutions
    • Most merit aid is determined by the app for admission
    • Some scholarships require a separate app (Madison)
    • Some have one scholarship application (Normandale)�
  • More need-based aid than merit-based aid is available

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�MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS�

  • Some of the most competitive schools do not offer merit-based scholarships.
    • Colorado College
    • Carleton College
  • Determine if college will allow “stacking” scholarships.

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SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH TIPS

  • Visit the Financial Aid/Scholarship pages of your top choice schools; many have a “general scholarship application”
  • 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
  • Read the requirements carefully
  • Follow all guidelines - they are not flexible
    • i.e. 300 words, not 301
  • Do NOT enter sweepstake scholarships
    • They are just trying to get your info

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WHERE TO START

  • Your chosen college (reminder: 90% of given money)
    • Go to the Fin. Aid/Scholarship page at your school; some are automatic based on merit or need; others require applications�
  • Organizations you or your family are connected to:
    • Parents’ employer or student employer (i.e. Target)
    • Church or religious affiliation
    • Club/organization affiliation (i.e. Scouts, NHS)�
  • Washburn Scholarship
    • Now open – due March 25th!
    • One application for multiple scholarships
    • Only for WHS seniors

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WHERE TO START (CONT.)

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  • Private Scholarships recommended by WHS
    • We know our students have gotten these
    • Organizations reach out to us to publicize
    • Regularly updated; keep checking�
  • National Search Engines (listed in private list)

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SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHTS (full list on CCC Website)

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FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTERS

  • Many students won’t be receiving these until March at the earliest (Exception: CSS Profile schools)
  • Acceptance letters that list a given scholarship is not the same as an official financial aid award letter�
  • Some are more clear than others�
  • You should view the award letter before paying enrollment fees�
  • Financial Aid Award letters outline:

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    • Cost of tuition (and housing if applicable)
    • Amount of free money you’re offered
    • Amount of loans you’re offered
    • State your total out-of-pocket expense for attending that school

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The CCC is here to help!�

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR 1-ON-1 SUPPORT