W. F. Herman Secondary School

SCHOLARSHIP&

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WORKSHOPS

Fall 2012

Session 1 - Getting Started

LOOKING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP?LOOKING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP? There are currently over There are currently over 60,00060,000 Canadian scholarships, awards and Canadian scholarships, awards and

bursaries. bursaries.

Not all scholarships/awards are based solely upon your academic record. Not all scholarships/awards are based solely upon your academic record. Many consider community activities, leadership and athletics. Others are Many consider community activities, leadership and athletics. Others are offered to specific groups based upon parental employment, heritage or offered to specific groups based upon parental employment, heritage or financial need. financial need.

There are also automatic entrance scholarships thatThere are also automatic entrance scholarships that are offered by are offered by universities and colleges. universities and colleges.

Many scholarships and bursaries go Many scholarships and bursaries go unclaimedunclaimed every year due to the every year due to the fact that many students “just can’t be bothered to apply” or “think that they fact that many students “just can’t be bothered to apply” or “think that they have no chance of being chosen”!have no chance of being chosen”!

If you don’t apply …there is a 100% chance that you won’t be chosen!If you don’t apply …there is a 100% chance that you won’t be chosen!

If you apply…your chances increase tremendously!!If you apply…your chances increase tremendously!!

OutlineOutline Terms and DefinitionsTerms and Definitions Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions Application ChecklistApplication Checklist Letters of Recommendation and Letters of Recommendation and

TranscriptsTranscripts Educational RésuméEducational Résumé

This glossary contains some of the most commonly found terms This glossary contains some of the most commonly found terms used in scholarship listings:used in scholarship listings:

Administrator, or Scholarship AdministratorAdministrator, or Scholarship Administrator: An individual or : An individual or committee in a company, school, association, or branch of committee in a company, school, association, or branch of government that manages one or more scholarships. The government that manages one or more scholarships. The administrator considers applications and determines suitable administrator considers applications and determines suitable candidates for awards, scholarships and bursaries.candidates for awards, scholarships and bursaries.

Admission AwardAdmission Award: A scholarship or award given to a student : A scholarship or award given to a student entering his/her first year at a post-secondary institution. Also entering his/her first year at a post-secondary institution. Also referred to as an Entrance Award.referred to as an Entrance Award.

AwardAward: An award is given in recognition of outstanding : An award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement. Awards may be in the form of books, plaques, achievement. Awards may be in the form of books, plaques, subscriptions or money. A monetary award is usually called a subscriptions or money. A monetary award is usually called a scholarship or bursary.scholarship or bursary.

BursaryBursary: A non-repayable grant of money, Bursaries are awarded : A non-repayable grant of money, Bursaries are awarded primarily based on financial need, but academic achievement is also primarily based on financial need, but academic achievement is also considered. Usually, the applicant must provide detailed considered. Usually, the applicant must provide detailed documentation describing their financial situation when applying for documentation describing their financial situation when applying for the bursary. the bursary.

GrantGrant: A non-repayable sum of money that is given based primarily : A non-repayable sum of money that is given based primarily on financial need, but academic achievement may also be on financial need, but academic achievement may also be considered. Usually, official documentation describing your financial considered. Usually, official documentation describing your financial situation is required when applying. situation is required when applying.

Entrance Award/ScholarshipEntrance Award/Scholarship: A scholarship or award given to a : A scholarship or award given to a student entering his/her first year at a post-secondary institution. student entering his/her first year at a post-secondary institution. Also referred to as an Admission Award.Also referred to as an Admission Award.

Graduate AwardGraduate Award: Awarded to students pursuing post-graduate : Awarded to students pursuing post-graduate levels of study (Master's or Doctorate degrees.) Recipients usually levels of study (Master's or Doctorate degrees.) Recipients usually hold at least one degree and are engaged in some sort of research hold at least one degree and are engaged in some sort of research project.project.

InternshipInternship: Describes a professional/educational experience : Describes a professional/educational experience conducted in a non-university setting, usually with the corporation conducted in a non-university setting, usually with the corporation that donates the money for the scholarship.that donates the money for the scholarship.

LoanLoan: Awarded as financial assistance that must be repaid.: Awarded as financial assistance that must be repaid.

Permanent DisabilityPermanent Disability: A functional limitation caused by a physical : A functional limitation caused by a physical or mental impairment that restricts the ability of a person to perform or mental impairment that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in studies at the post-the daily activities necessary to participate in studies at the post-secondary level. Students are usually required to show secondary level. Students are usually required to show documentation demonstrating that they have a permanent disability.documentation demonstrating that they have a permanent disability.

PrizePrize: Usually a cash prize or trophy given to a student for : Usually a cash prize or trophy given to a student for outstanding achievement.outstanding achievement.

ScholarshipScholarship: A non-repayable sum of money awarded to a student : A non-repayable sum of money awarded to a student to help finance further education. Most scholarships are based on to help finance further education. Most scholarships are based on merit in areas ranging from academic achievement to athletics. merit in areas ranging from academic achievement to athletics. Usually, scholarships are not based on financial need.Usually, scholarships are not based on financial need.

TranscriptTranscript: An official school document that shows courses taken : An official school document that shows courses taken by a student and grades received.by a student and grades received.

Undergraduate Award/ScholarshipUndergraduate Award/Scholarship: A scholarship or award given : A scholarship or award given to a student who is pursuing their first degree at a post-secondary to a student who is pursuing their first degree at a post-secondary institution.institution.

Why are scholarships available?Why are scholarships available?It seems too good to be true - all this money offered out of nowhere just for It seems too good to be true - all this money offered out of nowhere just for you. But, scholarships have a distinct purpose. They are available to not you. But, scholarships have a distinct purpose. They are available to not only foster your reputation, but also your school's. Awards and scholarships only foster your reputation, but also your school's. Awards and scholarships are a way of attracting and keeping students that will make valuable are a way of attracting and keeping students that will make valuable contributions to an institution. Scholarships, like internships and fellowships, contributions to an institution. Scholarships, like internships and fellowships, can also be a way of preparing students to be productive representatives of can also be a way of preparing students to be productive representatives of their college or university upon graduation. Or, sometimes scholarships are their college or university upon graduation. Or, sometimes scholarships are awarded by companies to help employees and their families fund their awarded by companies to help employees and their families fund their education.education.

Who is eligible for scholarships?Who is eligible for scholarships?There's a scholarship out there for everyone. They are awarded at all levels There's a scholarship out there for everyone. They are awarded at all levels for students of all disciplines and backgrounds. Some you may have to for students of all disciplines and backgrounds. Some you may have to apply for, while others you may automatically be considered for. The criteria apply for, while others you may automatically be considered for. The criteria for these awards vary. Academic achievement is not always mandatory for for these awards vary. Academic achievement is not always mandatory for eligibility. Often, students who participate in school or community activities eligibility. Often, students who participate in school or community activities can win scholarships based largely on their extra curricular involvement. can win scholarships based largely on their extra curricular involvement. Likewise, students with specific talents, hobbies, ethnic backgrounds or Likewise, students with specific talents, hobbies, ethnic backgrounds or family affiliations can meet award qualifications.family affiliations can meet award qualifications.

Who administers scholarships?Who administers scholarships?You may think of schools as being the only administrators of awards. You may think of schools as being the only administrators of awards. However, there are many other kinds of institutions and groups that provide However, there are many other kinds of institutions and groups that provide and facilitate scholarships. Sometimes you have to apply directly to these and facilitate scholarships. Sometimes you have to apply directly to these organizations, not your school. Examples of administrators include organizations, not your school. Examples of administrators include governments, trade unions, companies, corporations and individuals.governments, trade unions, companies, corporations and individuals.

How do I get a scholarship?How do I get a scholarship?Apply. It's that simple. Many students assume that they won't win, so they Apply. It's that simple. Many students assume that they won't win, so they don't bother to apply. That's why many scholarships go untouched each don't bother to apply. That's why many scholarships go untouched each year. Once you've identified which awards you qualify for, read over and year. Once you've identified which awards you qualify for, read over and carefully fill out the applications, gather any additional documentation and carefully fill out the applications, gather any additional documentation and send them in early. Check out our Cool Tips and Application Checklist to send them in early. Check out our Cool Tips and Application Checklist to find out more about how to apply for scholarships.find out more about how to apply for scholarships.

How long do scholarships last?How long do scholarships last?As if getting money isn't good enough, there are scholarships that extend As if getting money isn't good enough, there are scholarships that extend beyond the initial amount that you were awarded. These scholarships are beyond the initial amount that you were awarded. These scholarships are renewable. Yet, many of them are conditional upon maintaining a high renewable. Yet, many of them are conditional upon maintaining a high academic average or an uninterrupted course of full-time studies. Some of academic average or an uninterrupted course of full-time studies. Some of these scholarships renew automatically, while others do not. The number of these scholarships renew automatically, while others do not. The number of years or semesters that they last also differs.years or semesters that they last also differs.

Who can help me find more scholarship Who can help me find more scholarship information?information?

There's lots of help out there - it just a matter of talking to the right There's lots of help out there - it just a matter of talking to the right people. If you're a high school student, you can speak to your people. If you're a high school student, you can speak to your guidance counselor or contact the financial aid officers at the guidance counselor or contact the financial aid officers at the colleges or universities you're considering. If you're already in colleges or universities you're considering. If you're already in university, you can speak to either your school's financial aid officer university, you can speak to either your school's financial aid officer or your department. Don't be shy - that's what they're there for!or your department. Don't be shy - that's what they're there for!

After you have compiled your list, think about how your experiences After you have compiled your list, think about how your experiences during high school have contributed to your personal growth. Did during high school have contributed to your personal growth. Did they help you develop maturity, responsibility, teamwork skills, they help you develop maturity, responsibility, teamwork skills, punctuality, or leadership skills? Introduce your involvement by punctuality, or leadership skills? Introduce your involvement by assigning at least one skill or quality that you gained from the assigning at least one skill or quality that you gained from the experience to the activity.experience to the activity.

Read the application thoroughly to make sure you have Read the application thoroughly to make sure you have enough time to acquire any requested documents.enough time to acquire any requested documents.

Make a photocopy of the application and complete it Make a photocopy of the application and complete it before you fill out the good copy.before you fill out the good copy.

Complete your application using the computer if it is Complete your application using the computer if it is available on-line.available on-line.

Be concise, but answer all of the questions as Be concise, but answer all of the questions as completely as possible.completely as possible.

Show the practice copy to someone who knows you well Show the practice copy to someone who knows you well in order to get feedback on content, grammar, spelling, in order to get feedback on content, grammar, spelling, etc.etc.

Type the final application form or print very clearly.Type the final application form or print very clearly.

Spell check! Spell check!Spell check! Spell check!

Show the final version to someone in order to do a final Show the final version to someone in order to do a final check on spelling, grammar, and little things that are check on spelling, grammar, and little things that are easy to miss.easy to miss.

Remember to attach all requested documents.Remember to attach all requested documents.

Photocopy all of your completed forms and references Photocopy all of your completed forms and references for your own records.for your own records.

Take note of the date by which you should receive Take note of the date by which you should receive notification of your scholarship standing.notification of your scholarship standing.

Sign, seal and send your application at least two weeks Sign, seal and send your application at least two weeks before the application deadline. Check application for before the application deadline. Check application for special instructions regarding deadlines and type of special instructions regarding deadlines and type of delivery services accepted.delivery services accepted.

PROVIDE YOUR REFERENCES WITH A COPY OF YOUR PROVIDE YOUR REFERENCES WITH A COPY OF YOUR RÉSUMÉ.RÉSUMÉ.

CHOOSE A VARIETY OF REFERENCESCHOOSE A VARIETY OF REFERENCES e.g. TEACHERe.g. TEACHER

EMPLOYEREMPLOYER COMMUNITY LEADERCOMMUNITY LEADER

GIVE YOUR REFERENCES TIME TO WRITE THEIR LETTERS - GIVE YOUR REFERENCES TIME TO WRITE THEIR LETTERS - DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!

REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS AND CREDIT COUNSELLING REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS AND CREDIT COUNSELLING SUMMARIES WELL BEFORE THE DUE DATE.SUMMARIES WELL BEFORE THE DUE DATE.

**Official TranscriptOfficial Transcript lists all lists all finalfinal marks to date marks to date Printed by the school and sealedPrinted by the school and sealed

****Credit Counselling SummaryCredit Counselling Summary “ “unofficial”unofficial” lists all courses and grades from previous lists all courses and grades from previous

years, as well as years, as well as currentcurrent courses courses

EDUCATIONAL EDUCATIONAL

RÉSUMÉRÉSUMÉ

Before you start your resume…..Before you start your resume…..

Before you start your resume, compile a list of all the activities you Before you start your resume, compile a list of all the activities you have taken an interest in, been involved with, lead or have been a have taken an interest in, been involved with, lead or have been a member of. The following list will help you develop your ideas and member of. The following list will help you develop your ideas and create the most complete listing possible:create the most complete listing possible:

Awards: Awards: Were you the student of the month, student of the year? Were you the student of the month, student of the year? Did you receive an award for your extra-curricular activities? Did you receive an award for your extra-curricular activities?

Clubs: Clubs: What clubs at school were you involved in? Were you in any What clubs at school were you involved in? Were you in any school plays? Did you write for the school paper or yearbook? Were school plays? Did you write for the school paper or yearbook? Were you involved with a religious youth group?you involved with a religious youth group?

Co-op Jobs: Co-op Jobs: Where did you work? What did you do? What did you Where did you work? What did you do? What did you learn? learn?

Part-time Jobs: Part-time Jobs: Were you a cashier or clerk, babysitter, delivery Were you a cashier or clerk, babysitter, delivery person, courier, waiter, lawn care worker, camp counsellor, painter, person, courier, waiter, lawn care worker, camp counsellor, painter, etc.? Even if you had a really menial job that you hated, include it.etc.? Even if you had a really menial job that you hated, include it.

Projects: Projects: Did you work on any large projects that you are Did you work on any large projects that you are particularly proud of? particularly proud of?

Scholastic Achievement: Scholastic Achievement: Did you get high marks? What was your Did you get high marks? What was your average? Were you on the honor list? Which subject(s) do you excel average? Were you on the honor list? Which subject(s) do you excel in? in?

Sports: Sports: What was your position on the school team? Were you the What was your position on the school team? Were you the captain, co-captain, or manager? What skills did you learn? captain, co-captain, or manager? What skills did you learn?

Student Government: Student Government: Were you the president, secretary, Were you the president, secretary, treasurer, vice-president, class representative, or grade treasurer, vice-president, class representative, or grade representative? representative?

Volunteer work in and out of school: Volunteer work in and out of school: Were you a tutor? Coach's Were you a tutor? Coach's assistant? Office helper? Library assistant? Teacher's assistant? assistant? Office helper? Library assistant? Teacher's assistant? Technical support?Technical support? Did you help out at a Local hospital? School? Did you help out at a Local hospital? School? Local organization? Government office? Community newspaper? Local organization? Government office? Community newspaper? Sports team? Daycare centre? Nursing home? Describe your duties Sports team? Daycare centre? Nursing home? Describe your duties and state what you learned as a result of these experiences. and state what you learned as a result of these experiences.

Joe / Anne GriffinJoe / Anne Griffin1234 Wyandotte Street East1234 Wyandotte Street East

Windsor, OntarioWindsor, OntarioN8S 1G6N8S 1G6

(519) 948-1234(519) 948-1234ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTSACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS::

W. F. Herman Secondary School, Windsor, ONW. F. Herman Secondary School, Windsor, ON

Honour RollHonour RollGrade 12Grade 12 88.3%88.3%Grade 11Grade 11 83.8%83.8%Grade 10Grade 10 86.4%86.4%Grade 9Grade 9 90.5%90.5%

Awards ReceivedAwards Received20102010 Subject Distinction Awards in English and Business.Subject Distinction Awards in English and Business.20112011 Awarded third place in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #255 Remembrance Day Poetry Contest.Awarded third place in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #255 Remembrance Day Poetry Contest.

IN-SCHOOL ACTIVITIESIN-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES::

2009 - 20122009 - 2012 Section Editor of the Student Life Section of the Yearbook in Grade 11 and Grade 12.Section Editor of the Student Life Section of the Yearbook in Grade 11 and Grade 12.Staff member of Organizations Section of the Yearbook in Grade 10.Staff member of Organizations Section of the Yearbook in Grade 10.Responsibilities included constructing page layouts, cropping photographs and organizing meetings.Responsibilities included constructing page layouts, cropping photographs and organizing meetings.

2009 - 20122009 - 2012 Member of Herman Concert Band.Member of Herman Concert Band.Played the clarinetPlayed the clarinet

2009 - 20122009 - 2012 Member of Griffin Tennis Team.Member of Griffin Tennis Team.Played female doubles and attended WSSAA.Played female doubles and attended WSSAA.In Grade 9, advanced to semi-finals in WSSAA.In Grade 9, advanced to semi-finals in WSSAA.

2009 - 20122009 - 2012 Member of Griffin Badminton Team.Member of Griffin Badminton Team.Attended WSSAA.Attended WSSAA.

2009 - 20122009 - 2012 Member of Dance Committee.Member of Dance Committee.Helped organize many dances throughout the year.Helped organize many dances throughout the year.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCEVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE::

June 2011June 2011 London-Life Sunshine Foundation:London-Life Sunshine Foundation:Raised money and participated in a walk-a-thon for ill and less fortunate young Raised money and participated in a walk-a-thon for ill and less fortunate young children.children.

Sept. 2010 -Sept. 2010 - Windsor Health Care Centre:Windsor Health Care Centre:Dec. 2012Dec. 2012 Supervisor: Suzanne Goodmurphy, Assistant Activation ManagerSupervisor: Suzanne Goodmurphy, Assistant Activation Manager

Visited with residents; served snacks and beverages.Visited with residents; served snacks and beverages.Set up for activities and was involved in clean-up afterwards.Set up for activities and was involved in clean-up afterwards.

WORK EXPERIENCEWORK EXPERIENCE::

May 2011 –May 2011 – Lifestyle Clothing Inc.:Lifestyle Clothing Inc.:PresentPresent Sales AssociateSales Associate

Manager: Sherry JonesManager: Sherry JonesResponsibilities include opening and closing the store, helping customer, selling Responsibilities include opening and closing the store, helping customer, selling merchandise, ringing in sales, inventory duties and vacuuming.merchandise, ringing in sales, inventory duties and vacuuming.

2010 - Present2010 - Present For various families:For various families:Child Care AttendantChild Care AttendantResponsibilities include taking care of children’s physical and emotional needs.Responsibilities include taking care of children’s physical and emotional needs.Children ranged from one year to six years of age.Children ranged from one year to six years of age.

DecemberDecember The Bay, Devonshire Mall:The Bay, Devonshire Mall:20112011 Temporary Sales Associate (Christmas Help)Temporary Sales Associate (Christmas Help)

Manager:Manager: Noelle BradleyNoelle BradleyResponsibilities included helping customers, folding and sizing merchandise.Responsibilities included helping customers, folding and sizing merchandise.

March - Nov.March - Nov. Tony’s Pizzeria:Tony’s Pizzeria:20112011 Cashier/Phone PersonCashier/Phone Person

Manager:Manager: Randy MaineRandy MaineResponsibilities included answering phones, taking orders, working cash register, Responsibilities included answering phones, taking orders, working cash register,

preparing preparing dinners, washing dishes and cleaning the lobby.dinners, washing dishes and cleaning the lobby.