Looking at College

Today we're going to begin looking at college requirements.  Since we are lucky enough to have two California Community College campuses in our area, we'll focus on those to begin with.

• The Mendocino College web site has a direct link to the "College Catalog" -- the list of classes that are taught, the requirements to get a degree, and the types of degrees they offer.  It can be found here: http://www.mendocino.edu/tc/pg/6286/catalog_2012_2013.html
• The college catalog also details AA/AS requirements as well as "credit transfer" requirements (http://www.mendocino.edu/docs/catalog/2012_Catalog_Pages_1-46.pdf)
• One link lists the AA/AS Degree's and Certificates offered by Mendocino College, although I strongly suggest working through your General Education stuff first (particularly your Math) while it's still fresh.
• Next we can look and see which classes are offered at Mendocino College in the Lake Center [schedule of classes].

Writing Scholarship Essays

When you start researching scholarship opportunities, you will quickly find out that many of the scholarship programs for which you qualify involve writing a scholarship worthy essay. Very few programs are based strictly on an application form or transcript. Scholarship committees like essays because they are able to get a better sense of who the applicants really are from reading their original writing than from simply looking at a form or seeing a listing of completed classes and grades.

When you are faced with the challenge of scholarship essay writing, remind yourself that the effort you put into writing your essay represents the chance to sell yourself to the scholarship committee. A winning scholarship essay is one that truly sets a particular applicant apart from the others. If you tell your story clearly and persuasively, you just might find yourself receiving a congratulatory letter from the scholarship committee!

Tips for Writing Effective Scholarship Essays:

• Read the instructions and make sure you understand them before you start writing.
• Think about what you are going to write and organize your thoughts before you start writing.
• Begin the writing process by writing an outline.
• Make sure your outline touches on every aspect required per the instructions.
• Write your essay by elaborating on each of the points in your outline.
• Use clear, concise and simple language throughout the essay.
• State your accomplishments without coming across as if you are bragging.
• Make sure your grammar and spelling are impeccable.
• Read the question again and then read your essay to be certain that the essay addresses every point.
• Have someone with strong writing and editing skills proofread the essay before you submit it.
• It’s better to be too long than too short. You can always edit down the material you find to be least relevant, but it is much more difficult to add to an essay that is too short.
• Talk to teachers, counselors, and admissions officers and have them read your sample scholarship essays. Doing so will allow them to give you feedback about specific questions as well as suggestions about your writing in general.
• Unless there is a very specific prompt [as you will see below], choose a topic that truly interests you. If you are genuinely passionate about something, it will show in your writing

Today and Tomorrow's Assignment:

The following sample scholarship essay examples have been taken from a number of accredited universities from across the country, including Cal State University Northridge, Purdue University, The University of California, and the University of Washington. All of these questions are somewhat common as scholarship essay prompts—the chances are high that you will see at least one of them on your scholarship application.

1. Where do you see yourself in 1 year? 5 years? 10 years?
2. How would an education from (name of college you are applying to) enrich your personal life and help you reach your career goals?
3. Describe your cultural background and how it has shaped the person you are.
4. If you know what you intend to major in, discuss what led you to choose this area of study and how you hope to contribute to this field upon graduation from college.
5. What is your favorite novel, movie, song, or work of art? What resonates with you and why has it become an important part of your life?

Write responses [up to a page] for each and use them as a general foundation for your written statements —most scholarship essays will require you to answer one of these three questions in some way.  Save these essay prompts do your ThawSpace and back them up to a USB drive and in your email.  You are building a collection of these kinds of documents to use later in life.

However, do NOT simply copy and paste your responses on multiple applications. Every written statement you submit should be unique—simply use this exercise as a means to better prepare yourself for the application process.

Begin Scholarship Research

Today we are going to begin researching scholarships for college.  Even if you aren't planning on going to college, do the project.  You may find something that interests you or that inspires you to look further.
Believe it or not, there are scholarships for some very strange things.  If you're a guy over 6'1 or a girl over 5'10 you can qualify for a "Tall Clubs" scholarship.  There's a scholarship for left-handed people.  There's a scholarship for duck callers.  If you're a skateboarder, you can qualify for a skateboard scholarship.  There seriously is free money out there if you're willing to work for it.  (Here are some other strange scholarships)

TODAY: Find a college scholarship that you think you would qualify for and begin the application process.  There is a list below that you can start with.  You may also want to check out "Paying for College Student Resource Guide" for information on scholarships, internships, fellowships, resource books, and websites -- there are a LOT of scholarships in there.  You can also view the Congresswoman's web site here: http://roybal-allard.house.gov/students/

Read about how to apply for the scholarship and begin writing your essay [scholarships generally require an essay wanting you to explain why you deserve the money].  Note the requirements of the essay -- it might be 500 words, 750 words, or 2500 words.  The essay may want specific topics covered, want you to address certain issues, or have you solve a certain problem.  Watch your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  We will complete these essays tomorrow and turn them in.

We have many scholarships posted on the KHS Web Site -- or you can go directly to the Scholarships page here.

Major Scholarship and Grant Categories

http://www.scholarshipsandgrants.us/scholarships-highschool-seniors/

Major Scholarship and Grant Categories

Note: The most important characteristic of a scholarship or grant is that unlike a loan, the funds never have to be repaid. In essence . . . it’s free money!

The largest category is composed of general scholarships and grants. These are not necessarily limited to any specific major field of study, school, gender, ethnic group or minority. Many of these are based on financial need, and for some, the standard for grades and SAT scores is not set as high as for other awards. There is something to be found here for just about everyone.

Then there are scholarships based on specific major fields of study. The majority of these are directed to college upper classmen who have already locked in on their chosen career paths, but some of these are scholarships for high school seniors, who already have a solid idea of what area they would like to study. They are often awarded to good students to encourage them to enter a particular field that is under-populated by their gender or minority group. This particular category is quite broad, and you will notice that it really doesn’t matter which career path you’ve selected -- you’ll find specific scholarships for just about any career you can think of – and some that you haven’t even heard of yet!

Many scholarships are offered to members of specific ethnic or gender minorities. You’ll find numerous awards designated for those with your ethnic or cultural background. Some of these also require residency in a particular state or region of the country.

Speaking of states, one of the largest categories of scholarships for high school seniors are those based on your state of residence – and some of these are for students residing in particular cities in that state.

Don’t overlook the scholarships for high school seniors at your chosen college or university. These schools are rich in endowments and just looking for likely students to award.

Perhaps you are a woman who plays volleyball – and plays it really well. Football players are not the only athletes who go to school on athletic scholarships. There are just as many categories here as there are sports available.

And what if you’re not planning to attend a university or 4-year college? There are numerous grants and scholarships for high school seniors available for students entering 2-year community colleges and vocational/technical schools. You will find these listings in the same places as you find the others.

Application Process and Eligibility Requirements

Once you take the plunge and start digging, and then decide where to apply, it’s all about doing the work to ensure that yours is the best scholarship application they receive. Here are some of the standard items required in scholarship application packages.

• Scholarship application – It should go without saying that you should double check to be sure you are using the correct application form, and that everything is clearly written and spelled correctly. Pay close attention to application deadlines.
• Letters of Recommendation – Collect these from teachers – past and present, your minister, professional friends of the family, etc. This is not a step to be left until the last minute, especially with your teachers; give them time to reflect on your performance, leadership abilities, and to imagine your future potential.
• Grades - By your senior year, you have already established a track record of academic achievement and leadership ability. You will be required to submit up to date copies of your transcripts.
• College Entrance Exam Scores – An official copy of your SAT or ACT scores are a standard requirement.
• Admission Verification – If you already have been accepted as a student at a particular university or college, you will need to include a copy of the acceptance letter.
• Essays – Write carefully constructed essays based on the subject requirements of the selection committee. As an added measure, work with one of your teachers to review each essay before submission.
• Community Service - Hopefully you started contributing community service hours early in your high school career. Your record as a volunteer serves two purposes. First, it is often looked upon as your first real “job” even though you were not paid in dollars. It also indicates that you are personally capable of thinking of others enough to contribute to their well being.
• Verification of Financial Need – No matter what the financial situation of your family might suggest, you should fill out the FAFSA (Federal Student Assistance) application form on line. You will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) based on the information you submitted. The SAR can be a very important item in your application package because so many grants and/or scholarships are based on need. You can find the necessary form at www.fafsa.ed.gov . There is no charge for this application. You can find more information on this subject at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov 
• Verification Documentation – If you are applying for a VFW scholarship, you may have to attach verification of military service. Likewise, if you are seeking a scholarship for Native Americans, you will have to submit verification of tribal membership.

The single most important thing to remember about applying for scholarships or grants is to apply – and apply – and then apply again! Apply for every award you even think you may qualify for. There is a lot of competition out there, but keep in mind all of the unclaimed scholarship dollars each year – and all because no one made the effort to apply for them.