Getting a Scholarship

    Students: Making yourself eligible for a scholarship by the time you are a senior takes a great deal of hard work beginning in the 9th grade.  You must be committed to making good grades and being actively involved in extracurricular activities and community/volunteer service projects.  Also, you should take the ACT at least once per year to try to have the score you want by the beginning of your senior year. 

    Freshman Year

    1. Get SERIOUSLY involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer/community service.

    2. Try to take on as many leadership roles during grades 9-12 as possible.

    3. Start a resume (a record) of all activities, clubs/organizations, awards, honors, volunteer   service, etc.  It will be helpful if you save the resume on a diskette for easy update.

    4. Make a commitment to do your very best in every class and make good grades!

    5. Take the ACT at the end of the year - April or June. 

     Sophomore Year

    1. Take courses that will prepare you for college.

    2. Research career options.  Establish a desired program of study or career direction.

    3. Consider taking the PSAT for practice in October.

    4. Continue to be involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer/community service.

    5. Update your resume.

    6. Take the ACT or SAT (college entrance exam) twice during the year if needed.

     Fall of Junior Year

    1. Take the ACT or SAT.  It is offered in Oct., Dec., Feb., April, and June.

    2. Review the entrance requirements for colleges/universities offering your desired program of  study.

    3. Select eight to ten schools that offer your desired program of study.  Give attention to the ACT or SAT score requirements, admissions requirements and priority deadlines.

    4. Take the PSAT, the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in October.

    5. NOTE: if SAT II's (subject area test) are required, organize a schedule for completion of all parts by December 1st of your senior year.

    6. Attend the College Day program in October, speak with recruiters and gather information.

    7. Narrow the list of college/university choices and begin to visit these campuses.  Speak with admissions counselors and financial aid officers.

    8. Continue to be involved in extra-curricular activities and volunteer/community service.

    9. Update your resume and give a copy to anyone you ask to do a letter of recommendation.

     

    Spring of Junior Year

    1. Decide on a final list of three to six colleges/universities to which you will apply.

    2. Contact selected colleges/universities and request admissions packets and scholarship materials. The application process will be time consuming.  Allow yourself adequate time to complete all forms correctly.

    3. Organize all application materials.  Set up a checklist for all admissions requirements: note deadlines. 

    4. Write an essay of 250-500 words describing your educational and career goals. Save on diskette.  Also include how scholarship monies will enable you to achieve your goals.

    5. NOTE: Athletes should have college entrance scores sent to NCAA Clearinghouse.

    6. Take the ACT or SAT if you are still looking for a higher score.

    7. Continue to be involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer/community service.

    8. Update your resume and give to anyone writing a letter of recommendation for you.

     Fall of Senior Year

    1. Make sure Mrs. Weeks knows your college preferences and your intended program of study.

    2. Apply for admissions.  The process can be time consuming and costly.  Allow for that.

    3. You are only considered for a scholarship from within a particular college/university if you have applied and been accepted to that college/university.  Most University deadlines are December 1.

    4. Look for the monthly Senior Newsletter published by Mrs. Weeks.  It lists all scholarships available at that time.  It will be your responsibility to get the application or more information from Mrs. Weeks.  Photocopy all materials mailed.

    5. Repeat the ACT/SAT if necessary.

    6. Attend College Day, speak to recruiters, and gather information for admission and scholarships.

    7. Update your resume and give to anyone you ask to do a letter of recommendation.

    8. Schedule college visitation day. You are allowed one per senior year.  Permission must be granted by the principal.

    9. Continue to be involved in extra-curricular activities and community service projects. Try to take on leadership roles in organizations.

    10. Keep application materials and information organized.

     Winter of Senior Year

    1. Complete, photocopy, and mail the Free Federal Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) as your parents get their tax forms completed.  The FAFSA applications are not available until January of your senior year.  Some college/university scholarships are offered only after a student  is denied Free Federal Financial Aid.  Student loans also require that you first apply for Free Federal Aid (Pell Grants).

    2. Check monthly Senior Newsletter for available scholarships.

    3. Jr. College and Technical School scholarship applications are usually due by March 1.

    4. FIGHT SENIORITIS!!!  Keep your grades up! Colleges will look at final transcripts.

    Return to EHS Counselor's Page

    10/02/02