Several of you have asked about the letters of recommendation. The one submitted through Kaleidoscope is a general letter. Seniors eligible for other Foundation scholarships require other letters that are more specific. You can use the same format but just add the specifics. For example, one could want specifics about character whereas another might focus on community. Use the following format and just change the content of the body paragraphs for each recommendation requirement.
Opening - Introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the applicant.
Body - Give examples of the applicant's best qualities, being as specific as possible. Put the most important qualities first. Give examples.
Conclusion - End your recommendation with a paragraph that includes a positive statement about the applicant and offer your future assistance.
HOW TO SPOT A SCAM
With the various scholarship websites and the sheer number of scholarships on the internet, what is the best way to stay away from con artists? Below, we have detailed things to look for and things to avoid to help you best navigate the scholarship landscape.
According to The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), they receive complaints about fake scholarship sites and have suggestions on key phrases to avoid that include:
You are a finalist in our scholarship
You have been selected by our foundation to receive
The college scholarship will cost you X upfront to apply
We will complete the application on your behalf
We will take care of all the paperwork
Please provide your credit card or bank account information
College scholarship money guaranteed
Money back guarantee for your scholarship application
These are a few of the most common phrases that scammers are using to snare unsuspecting college applicants. There are hundreds of iterations on these phrases so be very wary when it comes to applying for a college scholarship that provides any sort of guarantee, asks for money, or insists they will apply for you.
The most common scholarship scams involve paying an application fee when you try to apply for a scholarship. Some scams may even utilize the pay-to-search model. While scammers will make you pay a service fee in order to provide scholarship matching, there are legitimate scholarship providers that let you use their secure scholarship search service for free.
RECOMMENDATION LETTER TIPS
Ask someone who knows you well. Some recommendations require specific people, though.
Give your recommender plenty of time.
Request the letter in person if at all possible.
The letter must be on school letterhead if it is a school employee.
Do not place in envelope.
Make sure that you tell the person what is to be in letter because all scholarships require different components.
Get more than one so that you don’t have to ask again.
Send a thank you note. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
Additional Scholarship Tips
Use black ink and print if not online. Use whiteout-do not scratch
Print but sign in cursive.
Attach letter of acceptance
I will attach transcripts.
Late ones will not be accepted.
Each application will be explained during orientation. Check email for updates.
These are all submitted to Mrs. Hemming