MCHS Counseling Corner

Filing_the_FAFSA.pdf

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2026

Local Scholarship Form

The local scholarship is for current seniors only and is due to Mrs. Ehman by Friday January 29, 2027 at 3pm. You can either submit a completed paper copy to her, or you can email her your completed copy at macey.ehman@murray.k12.ga.us

**Please do not staple your papers together. Use a paper clip instead.

**Please type your information so that it is easier to read. Applications in pencil or even pen often do not scan well.

**Make sure that you put any major that you're interested in or might possibly major in, even if you are undecided. This helps the MCHS scholarship committee when passing along local scholarships to outside scholarship committees who want to see applications of specific majors (i.e. Education, Business, etc).

**The local scholarship packet is for EVERY senior - not just those seniors who are college bound. There are MANY scholarships for students who are going into the trades and even some for students going into the military and workforce. When in doubt, fill it out!

**Make sure to also include copies of your acceptance letters, military enlistment paperwork, job offers, etc.

https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact

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1. www.fastweb.com is a highly recommended site. Make sure you filter for scholarships that apply to your grade level

2. Check out our scholarship tab on the Counseling Corner website - YOU ARE HERE :)

3. You can also Google scholarships and other relevant phrases (i.e. scholarships for women, scholarships for women in psychology, etc)

4. Check the websites of the colleges that you will attend for their institutional scholarships.

Be mindful of the following "scams warning signs:"

1. You have to pay a fee

2. Money back offers or guarantees

3. They ask you for credit card or bank account information or your social security number

4. Provides "exclusive" information

NSHSS isn’t a scam, per se—it’s a legitimate organization and even has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. That said, there are several things NSHSS does that lead people to call it a scam.

For one, they intentionally chose a name that could be easily mistaken for the NHS—an older, better established, and more prestigious competing organization. A quick scan of the complaints against NSHSS filed with the BBB shows that it’s common for people to jumble the two organizations.

The invitation letter sent by NSHSS also lists the high school of the student, leading to students and parents to believe that the organization is endorsed by the school (and creating further confusion with NHS, which operates in school chapters).

More importantly, NSHSS doesn’t return on the $75 investment it requires members to make. The huge membership of the NSHSS means involvement with the organization isn’t particularly impressive, doesn’t add value to your college profile, and will do little to set you apart from other college applicants.

NSHSS also offers regalia for sale to be worn during graduation, but many high schools don’t recognize the organization or allow it to be worn during the ceremony, leading to further wasted money. This regalia cannot be worn at MCHS graduation.

While NSHSS provides a variety of scholarships—NSHSS and its partners offer more than $2,000,000 in scholarships annually—the large number of members means a high probability of fierce competition for the awards.

The NHS is a more reputable honor society to join, due to its higher standards and association at the school level. Also adding to the NHS’s credibility is its lack of a membership fee, which makes it feel less of a quid pro quo.

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