Resources, Tips, and More!
Scholarship Application Information and Tips
CRITERIA: Review the list of scholarships to determine if you meet the criteria. Please do not waste your time or the time of our generous donors by applying for scholarships for which you do not meet the basic requirements.
DEADLINES: It is very important that you check the deadline date and whether an application must be "postmarked by the deadline date" or "received by the deadline date" as there is a difference. Late and/or incomplete applications are usually not considered. You should start working on an application a couple of weeks before it is due. This will allow time to gather letters of recommendation, transcript and give sufficient time to write a good essay. DO NOT write an essay in pencil on a piece of binder paper ripped out of a spiral notebook.
Only use black or blue ink – best if typed.
TRANSCRIPTS: If an “official” transcript is required, fill out the half sheet request form in the Counseling Office and turn it in to Mrs. Sanchez, Registrar. It is recommended that you request transcripts a minimum of 7 days in advance. If the application does not specify “official”, an “unofficial” is a print out of your current transcript. You all received your transcripts early in the semester.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Ask teachers, counselors, coaches, club advisors, pastors, etc. DO NOT ask a relative; choose someone who can write a letter with enough knowledge about you – not someone you just met two months ago. Give him/her a copy of your Senior Brag Sheet/Activity Log and Personal Statement so they will know what you've been involved though out high school, your educational/career goals and other important information.
MAILING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS: Redwood High School does not supply envelopes, stamps or delivery service. It is YOUR responsibility to turn your scholarship application in on time and to the appropriate address.
CLAIMING SCHOLARSHIP MONEY: The certificate you receive at Scholarship Night will provide instructions on claiming your scholarship money. Most scholarships do not release money until you show proof of enrollment.
DEFERRED PAYMENT: If, for any reason, you will NOT be attending college in the fall, YOU must contact the donor to request delayed payment and make arrangements.
Scholarship Search
Going Merry - A free, one-stop scholarships platform. It matches you with scholarships and then helps you apply directly. It has both local and national scholarships and you can bulk-apply for multiple scholarships, which share similar essay prompts, using one application.
Scholar Snapp - A free, simple to use data standard that allows students to reuse their application information - including contact information, essays, transcripts, etc. - from one scholarship application to another thereby streamlining the college scholarship application process.
Scholly – A mobile app that provides students with a fast and simple way to find scholarships for college. (Created by Christopher Gray, a Coca-Cola Scholar!)
Peerlift - Proven scholarships, internships, summer programs, and more gathered by fellow students like you. (Founded by a team of 2017 Coca-Cola Scholars!) Learn more about the creation of Peerlift.
Fastweb – Create a profile and let fastweb do the research on scholarships, internships colleges and more for you.
CashCourse – Information that helps college students stay financially informed.
Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation – Educational and scholarship opportunities for students of all levels.
Cappex – A free website where you can learn which colleges want you, before you apply and learn about more than $11 billion in merit aid scholarships.
Scholarships.com– A free college scholarship search and financial aid information.
Scholarship America – Provides information and resources for your scholarship search.
KnowHow2GO – Complete information on college prep, whether in middle school or seniors.
HS Finder (Hispanic Scholarship Fund) – Scholarship information for Latino students.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund – Provides scholarships, programmatic and capacity building support to the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Gates Millennium Scholars – Provides outstanding low income African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline they choose.
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – The nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).
American Indian College Fund – Provides Native American students with scholarships and financial support for the nation’s 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities.
Dell Scholars Program – Recognizes academic potential and determination in students that have a definite need for financial assistance.
UNCF – Awards 10,000 students each year through 400 scholarship and internship programs so that students from low- and moderate-income families can afford college tuition, books and room and board.
Chegg – A place to connect with scholarships and learn about colleges.
Reagan Foundation Scholarships - Scholarship opportunities for outstanding student leaders.
American Indian Graduate Center & AIGCS - The largest scholarship providers to Native students in the United States, awarding $15 million in scholarships annually and more than $200 million since inception. For almost 50 years, AIGC has funded students pursing undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in any field of study at any accredited institution of choice, working with over 500 tribes in all 50 states.
The NSHSS Foundation - The NSHSS Foundation fosters the growth of students pursuing the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), business, economics, public policy, and environmental science and sustainability fields. Through special programs, including the NSHSS Honor Society, the NSHSS Foundation connects young scholars with additional opportunities to advance their education, personal growth and career interests.
The College Board Opportunity Scholarships - The program guides juniors and seniors through the college planning process and offers the chance to earn scholarships, from $500 to $40,000, for every action that students complete.
Financial Aid Resources
California Student Aid Commission
https://www.csac.ca.gov/financial-aid-programs
Federal Student Aid
Additional Scholarships
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
https://www.myeecu.org/home/fiFiles/static/documents/ScholarshipList.pdf
https://www.centralvalleyscholars.org/scholarships