ESA Foundation- View Website for Details Scholarship Experts ListMany students will be looking for scholarship opportunities during their junior and senior years. However, as some scholarships are available to freshmen and sophomores, it is never too early to begin planning for post-secondary education. To become an eligible candidate, it is important that students do as well as they are capable of academically.
Scholarship Committees also look for well-rounded individuals with a strong emphasis placed on academic preparation, leadership development, community service, and extracurricular school activities. Encourage students to seek out clubs and activities that interest them. Participation in various activities can enhance a student's leadership ability and will provide opportunities for additional growth. Students would also be exposed to a variety of activities, careers, and summer opportunities. these experiences should be documented for future use.
Scholarship to Do List (how to be a scholarship candidate)
Complete a solid/challenging curriculum to prepare for college entrance exams. Seek out opportunities in leadership, community service, and clubs. discover what you have a passion for and make a difference. Read the newspaper and watch the international news on a regular basis. Participate in summer enrichment activities. Get to know your counselor (freshman year). Prepare to have good letters of recommendation (get to know your teachers). Prepare a resume and keep it current. check the Scholarship Book frequently. Meet with college representatives visiting your school (junior/senior year). Attend financial aid presentations. Search scholarship websites. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by mid-February. (senior year)
NonMerit-Based Scholarships
At Highland High School, these types of scholarships become available from individuals, corporations, local businesses and organizations, and universities. Many of these scholarships can be used at universities, community colleges, or technical schools. Scholarships are advertised in the Scholarship Book in the counseling office and on the daily announcements. New scholarships are received throughout the year. Students need to observe application deadlines, follow directions, keep resumes updated, and allow time for letters of recommendation to be completed. NonMerit-Based Scholarships may be awarded to students who excel in leadership and/or community service and/or extra curricular activities.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Scholarships can be offered to students by universities based on their academic index (grades, class rank, test scores, strength of transcript). Universities in Arizona review applications for these scholarships. It is to a student's advantage to apply early to schools they are interested in attending. If a student is offered a merit-based scholarship, response dates for acceptance need to be observed. Also, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) needs to be filed as part of the granting university's requirements.
Maricopa County Community College Presidential Scholarship
Currently, this scholarship is available to seniors who rank in the top 15% of their graduating class in the sixth, seventh, or eighth semester and will be attending any Maricopa County community college. ASSET scores can also qualify students for this scholarship. Information can be found online at www.maricopa.edu or in the counseling office.
Federal Financial Aid
Post-secondary schools, colleges, and universities offer financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and work study programs to students based on information received from the federal government. This information comes from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Therefore, submitting the FAFSA is a critical step in the financial aid/scholarship process.
How to apply:
The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible after January 1 of the senior year. The Department of Education prefers families file online. The error rate is substantially reduced on electronic applications and colleges receive your FAFSA information faster. Paper applications will be available in the counseling office as they remain available from the government.
Deadlines:
Deadlines for filing the FAFSA can vary by school and state. Arizona universities currently recommend filing by February 15. Check with any other colleges being considered for their deadlines. Watch your mail for a Student Aid Report (SAR). This is a summary of the information you submitted and schools you listed on the FAFSA will also receive this information. You may want to verify receipt of the SAR with the colleges.
Notification:
An award letter from the financial aid office of the colleges listed on the FAFSA form will be sent to you. This document indicates the types of aid a student is eligible to receive.
How to get help:
In the senior year, parents and students who want help with the FAFSA should attend College Goal Sunday. This is an annual statewide program that provides free information and assistance to Arizona students and families applying for financial aid. For locations and times, visit College Goal Sunday's website listed below. |
