Scholarship Tip #10: Others

To finish out this series on scholarships, I'd like to write about "others"--those types of money that are given for college, but don't fit the standard definition of a scholarship.  Don't overlook these ways to pay for a college education, because they can be a great way of footing the bill (and not going into debt).

1.  Tuition Reimbursement.
Many companies have a "tuition reimbursement" plan, varying in the amount given, how many years given, if the degree needs to connect to your job, and other factors.  Some tuition reimbursement plans are very lenient:  benefits start on the 1st day of your job and can be applied to any major! Other programs are more specific:  you must have worked there for a year, can only be used at one college, or require you to major in a field related to your work.  Maybe not every plan is right for you, but there is probably one that will be right for your plans.  Even though you need to do some homework to find a good match, don't bypass it because you think that "it's too good to be true".  Tuition Reimbursement programs come in all shapes and sizes...they are good AND true!

Sidenote:  many of these companies apply tuition reimbursement to their "part-time workers" (average of 20 hours / week).  Even though it's tricky to balance work with school, research continues to show that having a part-time job actually helps you manage your time better than if you didn't work at all.  What does that mean?  It means that you are forced to work for 20 hours, followed by focused studying in the 2-3 hour windows you have throughout the day.  Did you catch that?  Focused studying instead of what you would do without a job, which usually involves procrastinating for those same 20 hours and studying at the last-minute anyway.  There is a point where working combined with school can be too much, but most students that work 10-20 hours a week find that the work schedule actually helps them balance their studies, rather than hurting their grades.

Check out these links to find a company that would fit with your education plans, and verify that the program is still being used.  Also note that these links are only a beginning--there are many companies that have tuition-reimbursement plans that don't advertise their perks.  Be willing to ask friends and family to find local companies that would do the same.  Here is a start to finding a job that will not only a paycheck, but help with college costs:

15 Companies That Will Pay for Your Tuition

4 Fast Food Jobs that Pay For Tuition

Free College Education

You probably noticed that Starbucks and UPS came up on multiple lists, and for good reason.  It's because their programs have been up-and-running for multiple years.  They are stable and a good bet for many students looking for a tuition reimbursement program that is here to stay.

2.  Activity Waiver
Activity Waivers are given to students in return for their work in a specific department in college.  These often aren't given to incoming freshman, but if a student proves they are committed in that first year of college, a student should ask about activity waivers and being recommended for one. (Note:  activity waivers are used quite a bit within Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and other departments where work outside of class is a norm).

3. Resident Assistant
Commonly known as "R.A.", this is a job on-campus where a student lives in a dorm, and help monitor student life.  In exchange for their time, they are given free board and room, and sometimes a stipend or help with tuition.  This is an opportunity for college students once they are sophomores or older.

4.  Student Ambassador
This is open to all college students, beginning as Freshman.  What's great is that a student can be an Ambassador for ALL 4 years.  In exchange for working several hours a week, the student is giving anywhere from half to full-tuition (check out Utah State and Weber State--they are very generous with full tuition programs for their ambassadors!).  

5.  Time-Loan Programs
Sometimes a student can receive a "loan" for college, and instead of paying back money, they pay back in time.  One such example is the T.H. Bell Program, where a student can receive $$$ to attend college to earn a teaching degree, and then "pay back" the loan by teaching in-state for the same amount of time they were in college.  (If the college degree takes 4 years, they will teach in Utah for 4 years).

Scholarship Tip #9: Essays to Write, Reuse, Recycle

Essays.  These lovely little pieces of writing are a staple in a scholarship application.  They allow a scholarship board to see the student beyond the grades and test scores, and get a picture of who the person is.  Even though students write about themselves, it is trickier to explain their story than they usually believe.  The good news is that once a student has written a few essays for scholarships, they can usually be reused and recycled with minimal tweaking.  (And once a student writes a few scholarship essays, they become more comfortable telling their stories, and the writing becomes easier).

Here are 5 prompts that we see time and again.  Usually these essays need to be around 500 words.

1.  Choose an activity you have been involved in, describe it briefly and explain why it was meaningful to you.  What did you learn and what did you accomplish?

2.  Explain a time where you used your leadership skills to help a group?  Include the process and what you learned through this experience.

3.  How have you served your community and made an impact?  

4.  Describe two or three unique things about yourself.  If possible, include challenges you have overcome and describe any distinctive experiences that have affected you.

5.  What do you hope to gain, experience, or accomplish by attending college?

Here are my suggestions:

• If you are a Junior, write (and re-write and re-write) these essays during the summer between 11th and 12th grades.  Having these essays completed before Senior Year begins will be a HUGE load off your shoulders and mind!
• If you are in 9th - 11th grades, read through these essays and think of what to say.  If you don't have an activity that you can write about, chances are you are not vested in anything of personal importance.  Work to change that--put your time into efforts so that you have something to write about when your senior year comes!

Also, if you are planning to complete the Common App, they use close to the same prompts each year. Here are the prompts from the 2017 - 2018 school year:

1.  Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.  If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2.  The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success.  Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure.  How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3.  Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea.  What prompted your thinking?  What was the outcome?

4.  Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve.  It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma--anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale.  Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

5.  Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6.  Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time.  Why does it captivate you?  What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?  

Scholarship Tip #8: Repeaters

Repeaters = Scholarships that are the same every year.  They ask the same questions, have the same requirements, and have close to the same deadline (usually within 10 days each year).  It's great to know about these, because you can look through the requirements and begin preparing far in advance.  

As you go through this list, add them to your own personal scholarship spreadsheet and be sure to follow the deadline advice.  

1.  Coca Cola Scholarship  Open to  H.S. Seniors.  Deadline:  5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), October 31, 2017.  Amount:  $20,000 to 150 students.  Minimum GPA:  3.0 cum.  They are looking for students who excel academically, give service, and have overcome a trial.  Application currently OPEN.

2.   Voice of Democracy: Essay Scholarship  Open to 9-12 can enter by writing and recording a speech on a specific prompt.  Check it out--there are state winners and a national winner, ranging from $1,000 - $30,000.  Deadline:  October 31st, by Noon to your local post.
***Also--for students in grades 6-8, check out the Patriot's Pen program.  It has multiple awards between $500 - $5,000.

3.  Horatio Alger Scholarships  Open to H.S. Seniors.  Multiple Scholarships available--for those interested in a 4-year college OR a Tech College.  Money ranging from $1,000 - $25,000 (multiple awards given of each amount).  Click on all the different tabs--you can apply for MULTIPLE awards from the Foundation.  Earliest Deadline:  October 25, 2017 (Noon, Eastern Standard Time).  Application currently OPEN.

4.  Daniel's Fund    Open to H.S. Seniors.     Deadline:  November 30, 2017, 4:00 p.m. MST.    Requirements:  ACT score of 17 or higher, U.S. citizen, demonstrate financial need, high school senior.  Amount:  Remaining amount of money needed to pay for college (whatever college the student is accepted to).

5.  Doodle 4 Google  Open to K-12.  Window:  OPENS September 14 (no deadline listed yet).  This is a fun scholarship!  Simply 'doodle' the 'google' logo, according to the year's prompt.  (Each year a different prompt / theme).  It's such a fun scholarship--AND it's open to all students K-12!  In fact, most years, younger students win, because I think they have fun with it and enter, while the older students overthink it and convince themselves they don't have a chance.  Don't make that mistake!  Pick up some drawing pencils, some brushes--whatever medium you want--and get to it!

6.  Elks Most Valuable Student  Open to H.S. Seniors.  Window:  OPENS September 1 - November 27.  Requirements: U.S. citizen, high school senior.  Judged on scholarship, leadership, financial need.  500 awards are given per year, ranging from $4,000 - $50,000.

7.  Quest Bridge  Open to H.S. Seniors.   Another BIG scholarship.  It matches students up with colleges, and grant full-tuition, room and board scholarships.  Basically--if you get this--college is paid for.  They are looking for students who have "achieved academic excellence in the face of economic challenges".  The application window is open NOW and closes September 27.

8.  Prudential Spirit of Community  Open to Grades 7-12.    Deadline:  November 27, 2017 (Noon, MST).  This is a Service Award.  They are looking for individuals who have made a difference in the community, and the application covers these areas.  Awards range up to a $5,000 award.

9.  Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program  Open to H.S. Seniors.  Deadline: November 14, 2017 at Noon EST.  This isn't just a scholarship--although it starts with that (giving up to $40,00 PER YEAR for 4 years)--it's also a mentoring program to help students succeed in college, helping them with internships, advising, and college success.  Minimum requirements:  3.5 cum GPA, 26 on the ACT, financial need (they define financial need as having a family gross income below $95,000...well above the standard for most scholarships).  Check out their other programs, including the young scholars program or how to receive a scholarship when you transfer from a community college to a 4-year college. 

10.  Sterling Scholar  Open to H.S. Juniors (application in April)  This is a program that begins at the high school level, and ends at the Wasatch Front Region (for our school, at least).  It awards students who excel in one particular academic area, as well as involvement in leadership and service.  Juniors will receive information on this during Junior Advisory with Mrs. Krim (Mondays from March - May)

11.  Regents' Scholarship  Open to H.S. Seniors--BEGIN from 9th grade.  This is a scholarship that gives money to graduating seniors that have completed certain classes in high school.  Check the program guide and be sure you are on track with the classes you are taking, GPA earned (minim cum GPA of 3.3), and ACT (minimum score of 23).  The application opens in November of each year, and has a priority deadline in December.

12.  New Century Scholarship    Open to H.S. Seniors:  BEGIN in 9th grade.  This scholarship is for students that will complete their Associate Degree while in High School.  This scholarship requires early planning, but it is possible, and a great way to earn a scholarship (and get ahead on college credits)

13.  Raise.Me   Paid out in 12th grade; BEGIN in 9th grade.  Raise.Me is a program that students sign up for that links them to colleges of interest, and shows them what $$$ they are earning.  It's a great program to earn money for community service, leadership, activities, and good grades.  Students can (and should!) use this beginning in 9th grade, and should check in after each school term ends, as well as at the end of the summer to update their activities and accomplishments.  

Scholarship Tip #7: Big Three

Sterling Scholar is probably one of the most recognized scholarship names in the state, but very few people have actually seen a Sterling Scholar Application.  This post is going to change that--and with good reason.  I feel like every high school student would be aided to see a Sterling Scholar Application because this particular application has all the questions that every other scholarship application has.  It is THE template to track your own progress on the "Big Three" that compile 99.9% of all scholarship application questions.  The "Big Three" in this context does not refer to the 3 characters on the popular T.V. show...no, I'm talking about the "Big Three" pursuits that applications ask for.  They are:

                             1. Activities
                             2.  Leadership
                             3.  Community Service / Citizenship

Those are the "Big Three"--and students would do well to regularly check in how well they could fill out an application where they must list and explain their involvement in all three categories.  Since Sterling Scholar has the "Big Three", it is the best one to use for tracking a student's progress on scholarship readiness.   Take a moment, and check out this passage from the Sterling Scholar Application:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First Section:  Activities

I.  Category Scholarship Activities

a.  In 20 words or less, list up to six activities, honors and awards, relating to your subject*
     1.
     2.
     3.
     4.
     5.
     6.

                 *since you compete in a specific area in Sterling Scholar, they are particularly interested
                   that you have activities IN that specific area.  If you aim to compete in Science--you
                   should have Science Activities.  The same goes for any activity. 

II.  Category Scholarship Activities Description

a.  Choose one of the activities, honors or awards, from the list above.  Describe it briefly, and explain why it was meaningful to you.  What did you learn, and what did you accomplish?  (Max:  500 words)

III. Supporting Documents

a.  upload a file or document that supplements the answers given in I and II.

Next Section:  Leadership

I.   Leadership

a.  In 20 words or less, list up to six activities, honors and awards, that relate to leadership qualifications
     1.
     2.
     3.
     4.
     5.
     6.

II.  Leadership Description

a.  Choose one of the activities, honors or awards, from the list above.  Describe it briefly, and explain why it was meaningful to you.  What did you learn, and what did you accomplish?  (Max:  500 words)

III. Supporting Documents

a.  upload a file or document that supplements the answers given in I and II.

Next Section:  Community Service / Citizenship

I.  Community Service / Citizenship List

a.  List up to six activities / honors / awards of Community Service / Citizenship you are involved in
     1.
     2.
     3.
     4.
     5.
     6. 

II.  Leadership Description

a.  Choose one of the activities, honors or awards, from the list above.  Describe it briefly, and explain why it was meaningful to you.  What did you learn, and what did you accomplish?  (Max:  500 words)

III.  Supporting Documents

a.  upload a file or document that supplements the answers given in I and II.

My Conclusion

Did you catch the pattern?  You need several activities in each area, and one needs to be meaningful enough that you can write about it for 500 words, including things you have learned and accomplished.  This is a good place to point out that serving for 2 hours at a Homeless Shelter is not enough!  You definitely can't fill up a good essay with that experience, and honestly, you'd be better to just leave it off the list.  And if all you have done in high school is serve for 2 hours at the Homeless Shelter, then GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER AND DO SOMETHING!  Serve!  Join a Club!  Get a Job!  Do something you can put on an application! 

The pattern is a classic example of how to be competitive for scholarships, because it shows that students need both BREADTH and DEPTH!  They need breadth:  the number of activities in each section (activities, leadership, service) is six!  That means that students are committing themselves to several different activities, building breadth.  The other part, depth, comes through on the long answer.  It shows that a student was involved in something where they actually learned, helped others, and accomplished something.  That is the depth part, and it is every bit as important as the breadth--if not more important.  


Well, that's it!  Those are the "Big Three":  activities, leadership, service.  If you keep focused on the "Big Three" during high school, you'll not only be competitive for scholarships, you'll discover that high school is a great place to discover yourself!

Scholarship Tip #6: Where to Search, Part 2

Back to the question:  where does one actually find scholarships.  In a previous post, I talked about using online sources, and I hope you are using those techniques (search engines, college websites, google, and pinterest).  In this post, I'd like to talk about a few ways to find scholarships that are NOT on the computer. 

The first is a book (remember those?).  way to find scholarships that is often overlooked...because it uses a book.  few other tried-and-true ways to find scholarships.

Yes, a book (remember those?).  There is one book in particular that is updated every year and is the standout resource for scholarship listings.  It's the Ultimate Scholarship Book 2018.  I included the link to buy it on Amazon, but you can buy it through Walmart, Target, or any other book seller.  My advice is to buy it your 9th or 10th grade year, so that you have time to really research and use the book to find the scholarships that are best for you.  By the time you are headed to your senior year, you'll have found the scholarships best for you--and all that information will be on your own personal scholarship spreadsheet (see Scholarship Tip #4: How to Organize).

Here's how the book, Ultimate Scholarship Book 2018, works:

Each scholarship includes a summary, as well as critical information such as what ages / grades can apply for it; award amount, deadline, and how to submit.  There is a CODE for each scholarship, and you enter that code on the online website: www.ultimatescholarshipbook.com  After that, you'll be directed to the website for that specific scholarship page.  The perks to using the book are that you direct you own search, and you can save the URL addresses on your scholarship spreadsheet for future reference, without flooding your inbox.

It does take quite a bit of time and research, but it can yield great results.  The size of the book is a little intimidating, but if you use this book in tandem with your own personal spreadsheet, you'll be on your way to scholarship success!

Scholarship Tip #5: Be RAD

This Scholarship Tip is one of my favorites because it helps students enjoy the journey.  Too many times, well-meaning people will say something like, "Be sure to do that...it will look great on your resume."  The problem is that you can fill up a resume and still lack direction, and definitely shortchange the person you could become.  Instead of focusing on the resume, I like to tell students to "Be RAD", because this way they enjoy the process and become the person they want to be (and by the way...the resume takes care of itself if a student is really working to Be RAD).

I know:  Be RAD.  It sounds like a logo on a 1980s t-shirt...but it's actually a motto I hope every student remembers, and uses to direct their experiences during high school.  It is very easy to feel overwhelmed during these years with all the "should dos" that get piled up, and to feel the need to join lots of clubs and activities in an attempt to stand-out.  Twenty years ago, the phrase that every student wanted to have ascribed to them, and that every parent wanted associated with their child was to be a "well-rounded student".  The goal was to be involved in multiple activities, to perform well in them, and build up a lengthy resume.

Well, my friends, times have changed.  I honestly think it's a healthy change, because the things that now help a high school student stand out on college and scholarship applications are the same things that help them later on in college and careers.  It's to build expertise in a few focused areas, rather than this "well-rounded student" that is good at many things, but never goes beyond the surface level.  To help with this new approach, I've come up with the acronym "Be RAD".

R = RIGOR
A = AUTHENTICITY
D = DEPTH

Now, for specifics.

RIGOR.  Rigor means to be challenged, to be stretched, to find a task demanding and difficult and still keep at it.  If you have RIGOR in a task, you will learn and become better.  On the flip side, if something is too easy for you--you aren't advancing, you're essentially treading water.  This concept of needing "Rigor" to advance is true with academics, sports, arts, music, performing, etc.  It is true for every area!  So, whatever you are pursuing, be sure you are challenging yourself--applying "RIGOR" to your learning and activities.

AUTHENTICITY  Authenticity can also be thought of as genuine and real.  This is a guiding principle so that students don't feel like they have to go with the most popular trend at their school, or pursue an interest because their friends are.  Be sure that you don't copycat other's interest because you can supposedly be successful or well-paid.  You will be happy AND successful by following your own authentic interests.  If you are interested in math, don't let disparaging comments deter you from seeing all the possibilities of higher-level math classes and careers.  This is true for any interest--if it is an authentic interest to you--run with it!  See what happens!

DEPTH  Depth is exactly what it sounds like...going deep.  It's possible to go deep in any area.  Interested in Soccer?  Then join a team, volunteer to referee, read about the sport and athletes, practice everyday, and find extra opportunities beyond the school team to excel in this area.  If you're interested in music, you can also go deep.  You can obviously practice you instrument daily...but you can also extend yourself by reading about types of music and composers, organizing a music group to play for community events, joining one (or more) musical clubs, attending symphonies and concerts, and studying with older musicians.  Going deep allows you to understand the topic from many different sides, and to become a true expert in that area, even in high school.

Pretty cool, right?  Being RAD is a way to become the coolest, most advanced, and progressed version of yourself.  It's a way to BECOME rather than just filling up time with random activities and certificates that might look good on a resume.  I promise, the resume will look good if you first focus on Being RAD from that inner part of yourself, and pushing yourself to RIGOR, being AUTHENTIC, and going DEEP.  Be RAD.  

Scholarship Tip #4: How to Organize

Years ago, I would counsel students to keep track of things in a standard notebook--a couple pages for each month of their senior year, and a few pages for the 9th - 11th grades (which still have scholarships, but not as many as the overpacked senior year).  As scholarships moved to the web, using the notebook for scholarships became antiquated (just like using the term "the web" has become antiquated:-)).  I did some research of what other people used, and found this great idea from the UNIGO website.  By the way, take some time and explore UNIGO--it's a massive website with loads of helpful information.  You can even get lost in the website, and a little overwhelmed.  If that starts to happen, click on this specific link:  UNIGO Post:  Organizing Applications.

Did you click on it and read it?  Pretty awesome technique.  I love XCel, and think it is the perfect format to organize scholarships.  I just wish I had come up with it myself!  Ever heard of that phrase:  "Beg, Borrow, and Steal"?  That applies here--if someone is willing to share a great idea for getting the job done--use it!  We did--and my students have been using this Organizing Method for several years with AWESOME results!  Students are keeping track of the scholarships they find in their early years of high school, knowing when deadlines are coming and how to space them out, and are submitting applications at a much higher rate.

Here are some things I would add:

• Don't feel locked into using the spreadsheet provided by UNIGO.  You can create your own spreadsheet!  Keep the critical fields if you create your own spreadsheet:  the name of the scholarship, the URL address, deadline, window, $ awarded, and what is required to apply
• It is easy to rearrange information in XCel, so don't be afraid to add or move lines of data.  You might simply want to add in scholarships first--then worry about organizing it according to the deadlines.
• Instead of only listing the "deadline", put in in the "window" the application can be submitted:  the open date through the end date.  Some scholarships have a 1 month window, others extend to 3 months.  This way, even if 10 applications have the same deadline, they probably have varying beginning dates, and you can submit them throughout that time, hence increasing the amount of scholarships you have applied to without stressing yourself out in any one month.
• Use XCel to help you organize.  There are tab buttons at the bottom to add more "sheets" as needed.  If you are creating the spreadsheet early in high school, it would be helpful to create a "sheet" for each year of high school, and then a "sheet" for scholarships that can be completed once you are in college.  I would advise using one sheet as a "master" sheet--where aoo the scholarships are listed.

Please note:  do not overlook this step!  It's easy to think that you have to look for scholarships and apply for them as you find time, but if you organize as you go, you'll cut your work in half and not have to re-search for them time and again.

What are you still doing reading this?  Go make your personal scholarship spreadsheet and get organizing!  I also have a scholarship template that most of my students use.  Just email me and I'll send it to you.  Email:  krim.scholarship@gmail.com  OR  brooke.krim@davinciacademy.org