Scholarships

METCALFE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

College Funding: Exploring The Options

• FAFSA - www.fafsa.gov• Federal Loans and Grants ( Pell Grant, Stafford

Loan, Perkins Loan)• College Savings Accounts• Scholarships• Private Lending Agencies: Student Loans

College Funding: Scholarships

• WHAT types of scholarships are out there?

• WHERE can scholarships be found?

• WHEN should students apply for scholarships?

• HOW do we navigate the process?

College Funding: Scholarships

Merit-based• Academic or merit-based scholarships are

awarded to recognize outstanding academic performance, talents and leadership abilities.

Need-based• Need-based scholarships are awarded to

those who demonstrate financial need

College Funding: Scholarships

Academics/ Career Specific•Scholarships awarded based on a student’s intended are of study•Most common areas of study: education, health, science, technology•Professional organizations or companies affiliated with majors offer scholarships to entice students into their field.

College Funding: Scholarships

Athletics• Traditional athletic scholarships are very

competitive• Scholarships offered by colleges will be run by the

NCAA or NAIAStudent Specific

• Scholarships offered based on race, gender, religion, medical disabilities or community service

College Funding: Scholarships

• Where to find scholarships– High school guidance office/ website– Check the Financial Aid Office of the school the

student plans on attending– Check with local organizations and community

foundations– Sign up with scholarship search sites like

Scholarships.com

College Funding: Scholarships

Metcalfe County High School website:

www.metcalfe.kyschools.us- go to ScholarshipsEric Sexton website on high school web pageILP -www2.careercruising.com

College Funding: Scholarships

College Funding: Scholarships

• When to apply for scholarships?

– Scholarships are offered year round -Large majority

of local scholarship deadlines are within the months

of February-April

– Best time to apply is NOW

– Conduct a search regularly throughout the year to

ensure you find recently added scholarships

College Funding: Scholarships

• How to navigate the process1. Get organized • Pull together the information that may be needed for

all scholarship applications –Academic Information (GPA, SAT/ACT scores)–Recommendation letters–College choices–Personal essay–Community/volunteer work

College Funding: Scholarships

• How to navigate the process2. Create a list of eligible scholarships3. Sort the scholarship list by deadline4. Start applying

–Be sure to read the directions, qualifications, and

fine print carefully

–Watch out for scholarship scams- they should be

free to apply

College Funding: Scholarships• Read eligibility requirements CAREFULLY and

THOROUGHLY.• Keep extra official transcripts.• Request letters of recommendation at least one

month in advance.• Make several copies of the application so you can

start fresh if you make mistakes.• Check spelling and grammar.• Answer all questions.• Be concise • Make a copy of your application for your personal file.