Scholarships - Juanita High School (2024)

Scholarships do not need to be repaid. They are offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations as a way to help students finance their post-high school education and training.

Students can search for scholarships anytime. Opportunities are most prevalent for 12th grade students.

Check theScholarship Calendar.Scholarships will begin to be added every month, but activity will pick up early winter through spring.

Federal and state government offer limited scholarship opportunities, usually need-based.

College or Career fundedscholarships. These funds come directly from the institutions themselves.

Outside organizations such as PTSAs, banks, places of work or worship, banks, etc.

College-awarded scholarship opportunities are detailedon the financial aid/scholarship tab of a college's website.

Some are automatic based on your admission application while some may require a separate application, always check!

Review requirements and deadlines. Many college scholarship deadlines are tied to fall or priority application deadlines.

Ask if they are renewable and if so, if there are renewal requirements such as minimum credit hours or GPA.

Ask what happens if you are awarded an outside scholarship.Occasionally, schools decrease their scholarship awards by the amount of outside scholarships earned.

Merit Scholarships: Often based on academics (such as GPA). In addition to academic achievement, talent, skill, athletic ability and geographic diversity may also attract merit money. Departmental scholarships (usually selected by a professor) are occasionally available to incoming freshman but most are reserved for returning students, especially in the sciences. Check college websites for eligibility guidelines.

Need-based Scholarships: Often called “grants”. Funds awarded are based on the family’s financial profile obtained through the FAFSA and supplementary financial applications such as the CSS Profile.

Purpose:Making your case starts with understanding the scholarship's mission.

Eligibility:Take note of any financial need, GPA, grade level, etc. specifications.

Requirements:Review exactly what items need to be submitted. Is there a scholarship evaluation rubric?

Due Date:When is it due and how will it be submitted.

Application:This will usually include contact numbers, grade level, personal background, college plans, intended major, etc.

Letters of Recommendation:Requirements will vary but expect to need two. Pick letters writers who know you well, give them plenty of time, and say thank you!

Transcript:Even if the scholarship doesn't have a minimum GPA, many providers will still want to see a transcript.

List of activities:Describe and think "impact".

Essay:We hear from students all of the time how much they dislike writing essays, but the essay section is your chance to shine and distinguish yourself.

Financial Information:Most need-based scholarships require a copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report or other documentation establishing your financial need.

Understand the scholarship's missionand audience

Pick a topicwhere you shine

Be authentic, gracious and proud

Show, not tell.Avoid repeating accomplishments listed elsewhere in your application.

Always have someone look at it.Does it sound like you?

Re-imagine essay materialsfrom your college applications but don't cut and paste. Customize for the unique scholarship mission and essay prompt.

Just start. At a certain point, it's time to stop thinking and researching and start applying. Progress, even in small doses, can be inspiring.

Create a timelineor calendar to keep yourself moving.

Target your best odds scholarships first.

Set aside time each week.Success=working a little at a time.

You can find a full list of recommended Scholarship Search Engineshere.

Also see:

Washboardconnects Washington students with Washington scholarship providers.

National Scholarship Search Engines.You can find a list of reputable sites onGear Up.

You should never need to supply your Social Security number to apply for a scholarship!

You should never need to pay to get a scholarship except for the CSS Profile offered through the College Board!

Always google the name of the organization offering the scholarship to make sure they are an established andrealcompany that isn't just seeking to sell your data or market loans toyou!