BRHS Key Club

1. BRHS Key Club Scholarships

2. Facts About Scholarships • Scholarships tend to reward applicants who put forth the most effort. • Many scholarships have deadlines in January • It is more important what you write in the essay than how you write it. • The small amount scholarships add up. • Scholarship competition is tough, but many people do not follow the directions

3. Facts About Scholarships • The scholarship search process is tough, but worth it. • Scholarships love community service! • Scholarships are not just a one time thing • Many are renewable • Many are offered to undergraduates • Scholarships are not just for the Top Dogs • Minimum GPA of 2.5

4. The Scholarship Process • Start early • Begin investigating scholarships way before your senior year • Create a Scholarships Strategy – Organization • Keep track of all scholarships • Good for future renewals • Make spreadsheet • Search Scholarships • Eliminate scholarships where you do not meet the standards

5. The Scholarship Process • Assess each scholarship • Consider deadlines, difficulty of preparation, award amount, etc. • Prioritize • Create a rating system • Maybe + and - for each assessed category • Begin Applying

6. Where to find Scholarships • Braden River High School • Website and guidance office • Companies/Businesses/Organizations • Where your parents work • Places you have volunteered • Organizations you support • Community • Newspaper, news • Colleges

7. Where to find Scholarships • Internet • Make online profiles and it will tell you what you qualify for. They send emails and updates too! • www.fastweb.com • www.scholarships.com • www.zinch.com • Keep online profiles updated

8. Items needed in a Scholarship Package • Letters of Recommendation • Resumè • Essay – Personal Statement • Transcripts • Cost money! • Cover Letter • Photo

9. Letters of Rec • Most important to ask appropriate person • Relevant to scholarship • Teacher, Employer, Mentor • Not a friend or family member • Choose someone who can articulate your strengths and praise your accomplishments. • Don’t ask someone to recommend you for something about which they know nothing about.

10. Letters of Rec • Be punctual and considerate • Ask early (at least three weeks before you need it) • Give them all the necessary information • Talking points – points of emphasis • Tell them what you want it to say • Resumè • Deadlines • If they have to mail it, give them envelopes and stamps • Should be on business letterhead, typed, and signed • Once they have one done for you, it is easy to adjust for future scholarships.

11. Essay – Personal Statement • Make sure it matches the topic and length given. • Check for formatting instructions. • Can adjust and reuse, but double check topic. • Check for careless errors: grammar, spelling, typos. • Get an English teacher to review/edit. • Your chance to show your personality, passion, dedication. • Brag!

12. Scholarship Tips • Apply only if you are eligible. • Complete the application. • Read and follow all instructions. • Submit a clean and neat application. • TYPE EVERYTHING. • If not possible, use best penmanship • No smudges, white out, etc. • Submit a well-composed essay that makes a definite impression. • Be aware of and meet all deadlines. • Mail application to the proper address with the proper postage affixed. • Give your application materials a final review. • Have someone review the application. • Make sure you're proud of and satisfied with your application submission.

13. Scholarship Tips • Play to Your Strengths • Apply to those you have the best chance of winning • Application should be designed to highlight your strengths • Including your letters of rec! • Write a Killer Essay • Put in time and effort • Know the audience and what they want • Read scholarship’s mission and previous winning essays • Tailor the essay to fit the needs • Pay Attention to Details • Deadlines • Formatting essays • Rules