Scholarships or Sweepstakes? Kara Daniels CAC - Boston University New Mission High School
HAVE YOU HEARD?? I’m not worried about paying for college. I’m just going to apply to scholarships.
Goals for this session 1) Discuss outside scholarships and their role in financing a college education. 2) Discuss best practices/tips to how advisers should advise students and which scholarships they should prioritize. 3) Provide advisers with tips on how to encourage students to complete scholarships.
TRUE OR FALSE? In recent years, the number of affluent students who receive merit scholarships from state and private universities has been increasing.
TRUE OR FALSE? For most schools, recommendations and college essays are the biggest determinant of whether a student receives a scholarship or is admitted to college.
TRUE OR FALSE? More money comes from private scholarships such as the Coca Cola Scholars awards and the DELL scholars than from the college financial aid office.
TRUE OR FALSE? About 7% of students receive a private college scholarship.
Reactions???
SCHOLARSHIP BEST PRACTICES Encourage students to download scholarship applications ○ Scholly ○ Fastweb.com ○ Cappex.com ○ Dreamer’s Roadmap (extensive list specifically for undocumented students)
SCHOLARSHIP BEST PRACTICES Have students apply to many scholarship and reuse Common App essays (Clip)
SCHOLARSHIP BEST PRACTICES AVOID SCAMS Many students will google scholarships and find ones where they simply have to fill out their name and address. Most of these are like sweepstakes in terms of the chances that students have of winning these scholarships. Importantly, make sure to communicate to students that they should not have to pay for scholarships.
SCHOLARSHIP BEST PRACTICES Prioritize marketing local scholarships to students and encourage students to network.
SCHOLARSHIPS BEST PRACTICES Reach out to past advisers/use data about which scholarships have been successful for their students.
SCHOLARSHIP BEST PRACTICES Check your guidance office mail! Many scholarships are sent directly to the guidance office.
SCHOLARSHIP BEST PRACTICES Turn and talk: What are some of the best practices you use at your school in terms of scholarships? What aspects of the process do you prioritize?
Scenario A student comes into your office and requests a recommendation letter for a scholarship due at 5pm that day. They also tell you they need to make an appointment with you ASAP so that they can write the essay. What is your thought process in this situation?
Have you heard? I need money for this scholarship but don’t want to write the essay?
INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS Raffles!
INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS Encourage teachers to make completing scholarships a class grade.
INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS Use a bulletin board/scholarship thermometer
OTHER INCENTIVES? Turn and Talk: What incentives do you use to encourage students apply to scholarships?
Success stories
QUESTIONS??
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