Last night, I attended the yearly ceremony for Sterling Scholar. I have been proud of our students that have competed over the years. Sterling Scholar is a rigorous examination of all they have accomplished in one specific academic area, while also looking for the "Big Three" of Leadership, Activity Involvement, and Service (see "Big Three" Post). This year one of our students, Blaine Whitford advanced as a semi-finalist, and another student Lizzie Miller, advanced to become a finalist in this competition, which has only happened for two other students from DaVinci Academy (Daniel Amsel, '11; Sheyne Anderson, '11). A huge shout-out to both Blaine and Lizzie for excellent work in this competition--we are so proud of them!
As I sat in the auditorium, listening to excerpts from the winning student's portfolio and essay, I was struck (again) by the depth that is demanded to be in the running for such a competition. As with most things on this blog, I've given out this advice in person, but I'm finally putting it in print:
if you want to win scholarships, look at what past winners have done. Don't copy them, of course, but learn from their level of commitment in their activities and leadership, academic strength, and far-reaching service. That way, you are placing yourself on the level to play against students around the state and country in multiple scholarship competitions. The reason I say this is that students at DaVinci benefit from a small environment, but that can be detrimental if you forget that you are competing from students across the state when it comes to college admittance and scholarship winnings.
Back to Sterling Scholar. I've said before that the reason we spend a lot of time helping our students understand Sterling Scholar is that it is the template for 90% of all other scholarships. If you prepare for Sterling Scholar--you're prepared for scholarships. And the best way to prepare for Sterling Scholar is to know what Sterling Scholar Winners are doing...which is why watching the Awards Assembly is so helpful.
I understand that most families didn't make it to Salt Lake last night. No worries--Sterling Scholar has already uploaded a recording of the entire night. It's 1 hour and 22 minutes long, but you will start to notice a trend if you watch even half of the categories, which I would recommend. There are 14 categories students can compete in, which are:
English
Social Science
World Languages
Mathematics
Science
Computer Technology
Skilled & Technical Sciences Education
Business & Marketing
Family & Consumer Sciences
Speech / Theatre Arts / Forensics
Vocal Performance
Instrumental Music
Dance
Visual Arts
Also, if you are thinking of competing in a specific area, be sure to watch that segment. Enough of the explanation, go on and watch it yourself:
Sterling Scholar Awards Night
Showing posts with label Scholarships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scholarships. Show all posts
Friday, March 10, 2017
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
The "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
That's it! 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:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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!
1. Activities
2. Leadership
3. Community Service / Citizenship
That's it! 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 qualifications1.
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 in1.
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!
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Scholarship Search Engines
Back to the #1 question I get from students: How do I get scholarships?! I wrote an earlier post about How to Find and Apply for Scholarships, but this post is specific about how to use Search Engines. So...here it is. I'll offer some tips to organize yourself as you get started, and links to several search engines that are reputable and easy to use.
1. Because you will receive LOADS of emails from the scholarship engines about possible scholarship matches, it might be advantageous to set up a different email for your scholarships. However, this only works if you check the new email at least once a week. If you're going to ignore the new email account, you might want to just use your regular account and sign up for one scholarship engine at a time.
The point: be honest with yourself about how well you check various email accounts, and make a plan that fits you the best.
2. Fill out your student profile as you set up each account--and be as complete as possible! This is how you get matched with scholarships, so it's worth your time to give information about your activities, interests, and strengths.
3. List all possible majors and degrees. If you are undecided, then check everything that you could possibly pursue. Want to study Engineering, but think that English is a possibility? Check both! Because many scholarships are geared towards students pursuing a specific field of study.
4. Hopefully, you'll keep these scholarship engine accounts for multiple years--and if so--you should take time to update your information each year. Hopefully, you'll have had other experiences, joined clubs, completed service projects, and had other life experiences that will match you with other scholarships. Update!
5. Finally--here are several scholarship search engines to check out.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Finding and Applying for Scholarships: A Tutorial
This post is a simple tutorial on how to find scholarships. I'm just going to outline some simple steps that would help anyone get started with finding scholarships. You can use any of these steps alone or any combination of these steps. The only thing I would recommend as an absolute is keeping a list of scholarships you will apply to on an XCel Spreadsheet. That way you don't just find scholarships--you find them and apply to them! (Read the post about How to Organize Scholarship Applications)
- College Websites
- If you are thinking about a specific college--check out their scholarships as early as possible. They might use the "Index" for Academic Scholarships, and it can help to have a specific goal for GPA & ACT if you know there is $$$$$ waiting at the end
- Colleges not only have academic scholarships--but also leadership, financial need, ambassador programs, and department scholarships.
- Scholarships given by a university must be used AT that university, but if a university or college is on your possible go-to list, then you should apply for every possible scholarship they disburse!
- Use Pinterest to find all sorts of scholarships, as well as tips on how to effectively complete the scholarship applications
- Type in simple search terms "college" or "scholarships". Start there, and as you find things you like, add them to a folder for future reference
- Pinterest is linked with one blogger that posts scholarships for each month. I type in "January scholarships" or "February scholarships", and a list specific to each month comes up!
- This is as simple as it gets! Use this to find scholarships for the coming month, apply, then repeat each month!
- Use the websites, blogs, and resources you have found! Read them, follow the directions, and
- Have the XCel Spreadsheet up at the same time and flip between the two screens to get all the information from Pinterest on to your own Personal Scholarship XCel Spreadsheet
- Use Google.
- Use different search terms to yield different results. Type in "scholarships for high school students" or "scholarships without GPA requirement"
- Again--have the XCel Spreadsheet up at the same time and flip between the two screens--adding information about scholarships onto the XCel Spreadsheet
- Use Scholarship Engines
- Read about 20 of the best scholarship search engines here. Don't be afraid to use a few different ones, because they all have different strengths.
- Don't mistake a "scholarship search engine" for "completing a scholarship application". You still have to actually fill out the application yourself!
- Use the "The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2017" by Tanabe. They come out with one every year--and every year it's a great resource to look for scholarships based on areas of study and interest.
- We have copies of this book in the library--use them! Of course you can buy your own, but if you don't know if you'll use it, start with the library copy. Spend a few hours and become familiar with it, and then you can decide if you'd like your own copy of the biggest Scholarship Book available.
So...that's how you FIND scholarships. But as I said before, if you don't actually apply, you're at the same spot as before. Sure, you're more informed, but your bank account is still holding the same amount of dough. So, how to actually apply for scholarships? Read on.
- Do you have your XCel Spreadsheet of scholarships? If not, just email Mrs. Krim at krim.scholarship@gmail.com to request it. It's a basic template to fill in with your own scholarships.
- Fill in the XCel Spreadsheet with scholarships--don't be afraid to put down a scholarship for a later year! In fact, that is EXACTLY what you should do! Include all scholarships that you'd like to aim for--even if they are 1, 2 or even 4 or more years out.
- I would suggest making one tab for High School Scholarships, and one tab for College Scholarships. But besides that, don't be overly concerned whether it is for any specific grade in high school at this point. You'll organize them later. This step is just about finding scholarships.
- Once you've filled in the XCel Organizing Scholarships Spreadsheet with a minimum of 10 scholarships, organize them according to grade and date.
- Start on the scholarship that is open now! Don't wait for the due date!
- One way that helps students complete the scholarship application is if they have an actual checkoff list. You can use the checkoff list on the XCel sheet, or write an actual checklist for each scholarship (sometimes a paper checklist posted where you work on it daily is most helpful)
- Don't skip the "final review". This is where you double check that you have ALL the material, documents, essays, and information for the application.
- If you are missing one thing, they will automatically eliminate your application. It doesn't matter how great your essay is--if you forgot the transcript--you're out of the running. Be sure to go through this "final review" at least 2 weeks before the due date to allow yourself time if you forgot something.
- Once everything is completed, submit your application. Most scholarship applications are now online--so be sure that it's 100% before you hit "submit".
- If you are completing an application that is still paper-and-pen and mailed in, be sure to read the fine print: some applications must be RECEIVED by the due date, others simply have to be postmarked. Make sure you know which one to do--and do it!
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
The Big 10: Fall Scholarships, Scholarship Listing #1
Every year, there's a host of scholarships that repeat themselves. The requirements are roughly the same each year: same deadlines, same requirements, same amount of money. So, for seniors--this is the year you apply. For all the other grades: read up about the scholarships, and do what you can to prepare...and make sure to apply for the ones that are open to younger grades.
DEADLINE ALERT: Most of the deadlines not only have a specific date, but also a time. Most of the times are listed in EST (Eastern Standard Time). My suggestion is to mark your OWN calendar with the deadline being 5 days (minimum) before the actual deadline, so you don't even come close. That way you won't miss it by minutes, and end up crying all night...or all year (seriously, this has happened).
1. Coca Cola Scholarship Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline: October 31, 2016. 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: November 1.
***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: September 25, 2016. Application currently OPEN.
4. Daniel's Fund Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline Window: September 30 - November 30. 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 30. 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 8. 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. Application Window September - Mid-November (check the website once it opens). 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. Jacke Kent Cooke ALL programs link
10. Sterling Scholar Open to H.S. Seniors. 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. The deadline for DaVinci Academy Sterling Scholar Applications is October 7, 2016. Applications will be available on September 22nd for the high school level. Be sure to attend Advisory during College Prep Thursdays for more information.
DEADLINE ALERT: Most of the deadlines not only have a specific date, but also a time. Most of the times are listed in EST (Eastern Standard Time). My suggestion is to mark your OWN calendar with the deadline being 5 days (minimum) before the actual deadline, so you don't even come close. That way you won't miss it by minutes, and end up crying all night...or all year (seriously, this has happened).
1. Coca Cola Scholarship Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline: October 31, 2016. 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: November 1.
***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: September 25, 2016. Application currently OPEN.
4. Daniel's Fund Open to H.S. Seniors. Deadline Window: September 30 - November 30. 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 30. 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 8. 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. Application Window September - Mid-November (check the website once it opens). 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. Jacke Kent Cooke ALL programs link
10. Sterling Scholar Open to H.S. Seniors. 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. The deadline for DaVinci Academy Sterling Scholar Applications is October 7, 2016. Applications will be available on September 22nd for the high school level. Be sure to attend Advisory during College Prep Thursdays for more information.
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