Scholarship Searches 101

1. Scholarship Searches 101

2. Always start with YOURcollege or university FIRST! Institutional awards have higher dollar amounts, are almost always renewable (provided you meet requirements), and can make a high sticker price institution more affordable. Institutional Awards Opening Doors to Education 8215 Clayton Road | St. Louis, Missouri 63117 | 314-725-7990 phone | 314-725-5231 fax | www.sfstl.org

3. Check with your schools: • Are you considered for scholarships when you apply for admissions? What is the deadline? • Is there a separate scholarship application? What is the deadline? Institutional Awards Opening Doors to Education 8215 Clayton Road | St. Louis, Missouri 63117 | 314-725-7990 phone | 314-725-5231 fax | www.sfstl.org

4. Consider local opportunities first! • www.StLouisGraduates.org—This is a database of scholarships for St. Louis area students!GREAT resource! • www.ulstl.org—Urban League of St. Louis Local Opportunities Opening Doors to Education 8215 Clayton Road | St. Louis, Missouri 63117 | 314-725-7990 phone | 314-725-5231 fax | www.sfstl.org

5. Search for national scholarship opportunities, which may be based on academics, area of study, group affiliation or military study. • http://www.fastweb.com • https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search • http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/finding-scholarships • http://www.scholarships.com National Opportunities Opening Doors to Education 8215 Clayton Road | St. Louis, Missouri 63117 | 314-725-7990 phone | 314-725-5231 fax | www.sfstl.org

6. Ask these two questions for all private scholarships: • Is it renewable? • Is it portable? (i.e., Can you take it from one school to another if you transfer?) Important Questions Opening Doors to Education 8215 Clayton Road | St. Louis, Missouri 63117 | 314-725-7990 phone | 314-725-5231 fax | www.sfstl.org

7. Consider membership organizations or employers: • Elks, Kiwanis, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, National Honors Society, etc. • Does your or your parent/guardian’s employer offer a scholarship or tuition reimbursement? Memberships/Employers Opening Doors to Education 8215 Clayton Road | St. Louis, Missouri 63117 | 314-725-7990 phone | 314-725-5231 fax | www.sfstl.org

8. NEVER, EVER pay for a scholarship search! Opening Doors to Education 8215 Clayton Road | St. Louis, Missouri 63117 | 314-725-7990 phone | 314-725-5231 fax | www.sfstl.org

9. Questions?Contact – Sarah Fieser, MSW Email – sarah@sfstl.org

10. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

11. Start your research early! The more time you have to complete the application, the better! Give yourself plenty of time! Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

12. Read the eligibility requirements carefully! Make sure you meet these requirements! If you have questions, contact the sponsor. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

13. Organize all the scholarship materials! Keep all documents together. Scholarships may ask for: transcripts/GED test scores, standardized test scores, financial aid forms, tax returns, essays, and recommendations. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

14. Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! Check spelling and grammar; have someone else proof read too. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

15. Don’t leave anything blank! If you have questions contact the sponsor for the scholarship; otherwise put “N/A” or “Unknown”. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

16. Follow Instructions! Read instructions carefully! Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

17. Make sure the application is legible. Type all pieces if able. If handwritten, print. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

18. Make copies of everything you send. This is your safety! Make a copy! Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

19. Double-check! Make sure everything is correct, accounted for, and signed/dated. If you are reusing materials, make sure all names and dates have been updated. Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

20. Submit the application early! Reduces YOUR stress! Scholarship Searches: Hints & Tips* * Hints & Tips amended from CollegeBoard’s website: http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/pay/scholarships-aid/21402.html

21. Questions?Contact – Sarah Fieser, MSW Email – sarah@sfstl.org