3. Today's objective
Get overview on scholarships
Learn which are the TOP scholarships for SLA
students
Create Fastweb account/Research
scholarships/Organizational system
5. Why Should Students Apply
for Scholarships?
Help students succeed in college by reducing
loan and work burden.
Scholarship recipients are more likely to
graduate.
Students who graduate with no debt or low debt
are more likely to attend graduate programs.
6. Types of scholarships
College - most common way to earn
Outside - given by organizations not associated
with college or the federal government
o Local (Merritt Wilson, Philadelphia City scholarship,
Phi Delta Kappa)
o State (PA House of Representatives, PA Legislative
Black Caucus)
o National (GM, NMS, Coca-Cola, Robert Byrd)
7. How much $money$ is out
there?
• 750,ooo scholarships earmarked
• 1.2 billion in government and private
scholarships
• Average government grant is $2,001.
• Average private scholarship is $2,051.
8. Who tends to win
scholarships?
• Students with better grades and above
average test scores.
• Students who demonstrate leadership
abilities through extra-curriculars and
community service.
• Students majoring in STEM fields.
• Students with specific talent (athletic,
artistic, etc.)
*Very few students win a completely free ride.*
10. How do I improve my
chances?
• Increase the number of applications
• Search offline in addition to online
• Include a resume
• Network
11. Will my online presence
affect scholarship chances?
1/4 of scholarship providers are reviewing
Unprofessional appearance can affect your
chances
Use school e-mail (but make sure to check it!)
12. What are the top
scholarship search sites?
Naviance - Scholarship Match
College News Blog - Scholarship tab
SDP Scholarship Clearinghouse
Fastweb
College Board
Sallie Mae
13. What are SLA's top
scholarships?
Gates Millenium
QuestBridge
FIBOT
Liberty Scholars
National Merit Scholarship
*College Scholarships
14. What is typically needed to
complete scholarships?
Application form
Essays
Resume
Transcript
Recommendation letters
Financial documentation
15. When Should I Begin
Searching for Scholarships?
The earlier you start to organize and prep, the
more likely you will complete scholarship
application and feel less stressed!
ASAP!
16. Words of wisdom….
• “Juniors should start looking for scholarships as soon as
possible because the competition is really intense.”
Christian
• “Juniors should already start looking for scholarships.
You want to get a lot of things done. Senior year will be
really crazy. Know the game and play it well.” Pauline
• “Remember that senior year will be filled with many
deadlines and scholarship deadlines will be one of them.
Get started early in the summer of Junior year because it
will be hectic when we get back to school.” Shamarlon
17. Set up Fastweb account!
fastweb.com
Review match list
Under 'status' select 'might apply'
Complete profile will increase matches
18. Organize scholarship list
using Naviance worksheet!
•
• Under links section select 'scholarship
wksht'
• Copy and paste into a google doc
• Research a minimum of three scholarships
from Fastweb account
Log in to Naviance
19. Other worthy of bookmarks
College News Blog
SDP Scholarship Clearinghouse
College Board
Sallie Mae
20. In sum….
• College tuition is costly and students need to
be proactively pursuing free money.
• There are lots of scholarships opportunities!
• Start researching and organizing EARLY!
