Scholarships--so where do I begin?
This is such a great question! Please take time to read this whole webpage as I have taken some time to help you highlight important information to read and do as you embark on this process. Scholarships are wonderful and yet require students and parents to work together to find time in their busy schedules to research and apply.
On this website page, you will find my top resources available to all students; you can access this at any time! If you have any questions after taking a read, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
Start researching scholarships in the spring of your junior year. While you may not be able to apply just yet, this will give you an idea of what's out there.
Make a list of the scholarships that interest you. Don't underestimate the smaller scholarships--they add up!
Here is a template you can use to help you keep track! Click HERE
Check out the websites of colleges and universities you are applying to. Many will have school or program-specific scholarships listed on their website.
Identify what you need for each scholarship (ex. PSAT score, ACT score, FAFSA, an essay, letter of recommendation, transcripts, etc.)
Make a plan and start applying! (Create a calendar with deadlines and set aside time each week or month to work on your scholarships; have your essays proofread by a teacher, parent, or someone who will catch those grammar mistakes!)
Obtain your letter of recommendation requests for any staff or teacher at least 2 weeks in advance. Do NOT wait until the last minute to guarantee that your recommender will have enough time. I have a form HERE for you to fill out to request one from me.
Fill out your FASFA for priority consideration so you can find out your "Financial Aid Package". FASFA dates are announced annually and it's best to apply early. Many local scholarships require this to be completed!
Keep applying! You can apply for scholarships throughout your whole college career. Did you know I received two local scholarships for my doctoral program in the last two years? It took me time to research (using the Reach Higher website below) get my 3 letters of recommendation and write several essays, but it was worth it!!! You can do it too if you are determined! Ask other successful scholarship winners about their scholarships as they will be happy to share what they did and who they applied to!
Compare college costs and be aware of extra costs. You want to look for mandatory meal plans, books, registration fees, parking, dorms, or other fees. Would scholarships help cover any of that? Here is a tool to compare the cost of some schools you may be looking at. Click Here for a sample, or check with Ms. bristow for an Excel version, or you can create your own here for free! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Comparing-College-Costs-Financial-Aid-Award-Letter-Review-7705805?st=2ac9dce6db54e15d897b6de3a1966f5a
Attend our two school scholarship/FAFSA nights with Reach Higher Montana. These occur in the Fall and Spring during Parent -Parent-teacher conference Nights. Updated information on specific dates is always emailed via School Messenger in Infinite Campus for the HS monthly newsletters.
Yes we do offer a College/Career class that will be a half credit (Fall only) class in 2024-2025 open to Juniors and Seniors if you are looking to add in some dedicated time for career exploration and scholarship prep times. The second part of the class will be on economics and personal finance in the spring.
Keep track of your awards! Click HERE for a sample Scholarship/Award Tracker
( credits go to TeacherPayTeachers.com specific credit for page Here)
OK great, now where do I look?
Click HERE for national/local scholarship updates from your school counselor! Most national scholarships start coming out in the Fall. These are very competitive, yet it's good practice to apply one or two. Local scholarships start posting information starting in January and go through late May. These are the ones to FOCUS on! Apply to as many as you can, even if you think you may not qualify, sometimes they get NO applicants and will change some requirements. Most local scholarship committees email me their application/requirements/information and I add them to the FCHS scholarship listing within a week. As a good double-check, you should add Reach Higher to your top search below!
Reach Higher Montana has the most comprehensive listing for Montana as well as some national scholarships. Contact our local rep, Mike Lincoln for even more support on Reach Higher and their scholarship listings on their website. He is an expert and VERY helpful! He will be presenting great information when he visits for our Fall and Spring scholarship nights. HINT- If you are looking for scholarships, you need to make time to come to these events!
College and University websites (Check under their admissions tab if you can't find a scholarship tab).
Search Engines: There are many different scholarship search engines out there that can connect you to tons of scholarships you may qualify for. Check a few out below!
Tips and Tricks
Be careful. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
A legitimate company or scholarship program will NEVER guarantee or promise a scholarship or grant.
Don't overlook smaller scholarships, money adds up!
Be honest about your grades, achievements, and qualifications.
Apply for scholarships that match your interests and skills.
Proofread EVERYTHING! I cannot express how important this is--spellcheck! It can seriously affect whether you win the scholarship or not.
Keep track of deadlines and be on time.
If you need a letter of recommendation or transcript, don't wait until the last minute to request these!
Take a break. If you have been spending a few hours on applications and are feeling overwhelmed, take a 15-minute break!
GOOD LUCK!!! You can do it!! 🤩
Ms. Bristow