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An Introduction to Scholarships
Whether your plans for next year include going to work, going to school, or travel, it is likely that at some point you will be taking one or more courses to help you move forward in your career-life decisions. This is all part of life-long learning.
Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards - What's the Difference?
Scholarships
Scholarships
Many students think that scholarships are solely based on academics but this is actually not true. A scholarship is awarded in recognition of excellence, such as in athletics, arts, community service, or another area. Each scholarship is unique and individual scholarship committees determine the specifications.
Bursaries
Bursaries
A bursary is based on financial needs, which you may have to specify and show evidence of in your application.
Awards
Awards
Based on recognition of excellence, however it does not always come with money. An award can be very valuable by adding it to your resume, leading to other opportunities.
Some Basics on Scholarships/Bursaries/Awards
Entrance versus External Scholarships
Entrance versus External Scholarships
An entrance scholarship is offered directly through a post-secondary institution, you can only use it if you attend that particular school.
External scholarships are offered through organizations, companies, or foundations, and in general, you have more flexibility in terms of which school you use the funds.
How do I get the money?
How do I get the money?
Scholarship funds are awarded in three different ways:
The committee could send the money directly to your post-secondary school, once you register, they will apply the money to your account.
The committee could send a cheque directly to you, which you can use towards your tuition, books or living arrangements.
With larger scholarships, you may get your award through disbursements each term, with the expectation that you meet certain criteria, such as maintaining a certain GPA.
Nominations
Nominations
Certain scholarships may require that you are nominated by your school. It is important to research which scholarships require a nomination early in the year, and speak to the teacher at your school responsible for nominations. Each school has a different way of navigating the scholarship nomination process, but make sure you are aware of how it works. At Carney, you will need to ask Student Services and your grade level grade level advisor for this information.
Financial Need
Financial Need
The definition of financial need varies widely depending on what award you are applying for. Always be open and honest about any financial challenges; the scholarship committee does read your application and takes your circumstances into account. Some applications will just have you check a box for financial need, some will require a statement, and some will ask you to provide evidence. If you have questions about the requirements for financial need, it is best to contact the individual(s) who oversee that particular scholarship.
When to Submit an Application
When to Submit an Application
The best advice is to plan your time well! Most scholarships have a window of time (sometimes very small) when they will accept applications. Submit your application as soon as possible to avoid any stress or effects of procrastination. Some applications need to be received by a certain date, and some need to be postmarked by a certain date - pay special attention to the criteria. If completing an online application, apply early to avoid any technical difficulties or crashes due to too many users.
Planning to Take a Gap Year?
Planning to Take a Gap Year?
If you are planning on taking a year off after high school, you should definitely still apply for scholarships. There are certain scholarships that allow you to defer (put off) using the funds for a certain amount of time, enabling you to still use the scholarship after your year off. If you are unclear about the criteria of an award, make sure to reach out to the scholarship committee for clarification.
Where is the best place to find scholarships?
Your School
Your School
At Carney, pay attention to information coming from Student Services and from your GLA. Several scholarships will be awarded at the school level which will require internal applications. Start early for the most opportunities!
Always check your Grad google classroom for scholarship information.
Post Secondary Institutions
Post Secondary Institutions
The school where you will be attending is a great start in your search for scholarship opportunities. Most schools have a Financial Aid and Awards section on their website, and office on their campus. Take the time to explore which scholarships they offer, and, if possible, make an appointment at their office for more guidance.
An automatic scholarship is determined by your grades and profile when you apply to the school. The GPA required will vary by the school, and students usually do not need to fill out additional applications for automatic scholarships.
Major entrance scholarships are also offered by post secondary schools. Traditionally being of high value, entrance scholarships are handled differently by different schools. Some major entrance scholarships require one application for all the awards, and some require individual applications. Some schools require you to complete a supplemental application or personal profile. Some entrance scholarships require high school nomination, so start your search early so you know the procedure for applying.
The Internet
The Internet
There are several websites online that can help you with scholarship opportunities. Many are scholarship databases where you can register and search based on your academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, what you are looking to study, or school you would like to attend.
Internet Sources
Unlock Your Future
Unlock Your Future
Brittany Palmer is the force behind Unlock your Future (UYF). During her grade 12 year, Brittany won 16 scholarships totalling over $56,000; $36,500 of which applied directly to her post-secondary education. In June 2009, Brittany graduated debt-free from Simon Fraser University with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
https://www.keytoscholarships.com/about-brittany.html
Education Planner BC
Education Planner BC
A BC focused website designed to help students navigate their way around applications to post-secondary programs and scholarships or funding.
This link will take you directly to their financial planning pages.
Government of BC
Government of BC
The province of British Columbia provides numerous opportunities for students across multiple disciplines.
Visit their website for further information regarding scholarships, bursaries, and awards. Just click on the image for access.
Other places to visit...
A consolidated site of scholarships and bursaries from all provinces and various professions.
Need Further Support?
Top 5 Tips for Applying for Scholarships
Top 5 Tips for Applying for Scholarships
Watch the following video for great tips for when you are completing those scholarship applications.
There are no guarantees when it comes to scholarships, and it's not for the faint of heart! You will work hard, and you will experience rejection, but you can't win if you don't apply!
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