Where is the best place to look for Scholarships?
This is a common question that high school seniors and their parents ask. The Silver Creek Counseling Department has compiled some basic information below that may be helpful as you navigate this complex process.
The scholarships that we recommend for most students typically fall into three different categories: (1) Global, (2) Institutional / University-Specific, and (3) Local.
Global Scholarships
These are scholarships that are available to anyone willing to research them, complete the application, and submit all required information before the deadline. There are numerous scholarship search engines online which might help you to narrow the field of applicable scholarships. One such search engine is called FastWeb. This site will allow students to complete personal profile information about themselves, their interests and plans for the future. The site will then identify some possible scholarships that might be applicable for them. Another place to research some Universal scholarships would be your student Naviance/Family Connections account. Yet another source for potential scholarship money may come from your employer or parents employer. Inquiring about this may lead you to some great opportunities.
Something to consider regarding global scholarships is the number of other applicants that may be competing for the same scholarship award. Most of these scholarships will be available to students from all over the nation and possibly even the world. The level of competition will be fierce for some of these awards. Accordingly, you may want to conduct a personal cost/benefit analysis to determine how much time and energy you want to spend vs. the potential payoff or reward you may receive.
Institutional / University Specific Scholarships
These are the scholarships that are specific to a particular college or university. They are available exclusively to students who will attend that school. A great place to start looking for these scholarships is through the Financial Aid Office at each college/university. Typically, the Financial Aid Office page on the University’s website will list student scholarship opportunities. Many institutions require students to be admitted before being awarded these scholarships. You’ll want to make sure to submit all supplemental financial aid/scholarship applications as early as possible as some of these monies are awarded on a first come/first served basis.
The typical process for applying for these awards comes after a student has started the admissions process and/or been accepted for enrollment to the college. At that stage, a qualified student should be able to access information and applications for these scholarships. Again, check the financial aid/scholarship websites of the colleges to which you are applying. In some cases GPA’s and test scores can automatically qualify students for a financial awards or tuition reductions! Students may become eligible for other university-specific scholarships based on their commitment to participate in special service or leadership programs upon enrollment. Each specific college or university has unique opportunities and processes which could be worthwhile to explore (even before applying for admission).
(3) Local Scholarships
Over 40 local organizations are offering scholarships to 12th graders in the St. Vrain Valley School District. We strongly encourage college bound students to apply for these local scholarships, as they have a small pool of applicants, thus increasing their chances of earning an award.
Steps to Apply:
- Check your email for a step-by-step tutorial.
- Download this informational packet, study it, determine your eligibility for each scholarship and make a short list of scholarships you will apply to.
- Visit Naviance to access and download applications (instructions in the screencast).
- Complete applications and gather all needed documents to complete the application packet. *Transcripts can be downloaded and printed by students (Infinite Campus—>Reports—>Unofficial Transcript)
- Submit your application by the deadline! Read the informational packet carefully, each scholarship is unique in how they are to be submitted. Most have a 2/28 deadline, but some have an alternative date.
As always, come see your Counselor if you need help applying for local scholarships! Good luck Seniors!
Elite Scholarship Opportunities
Elite Scholarship Opportunities
Following are a few elite scholarship opportunities that are available to residents of Colorado.
Boettcher Foundation Scholarship
This merit-based award provides what is essentially a full-ride to any four-year institution in Colorado, and is the oldest and most prestigious in the state.
Eligibility: All students are welcome to apply but competitive applicants should have very strong academic and community service records. Typically, scholarship recipients have an average ACT score of 32, average SAT score of 1390 and rank in the top 2-3% or their class. It is highly recommended that students complete the Competitiveness Quiz to determine your eligibility.
The Daniels Scholarship is an exciting and challenging program that provides the opportunity to obtain a four-year college education at any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States, complete with financial and personal support throughout the journey. Daniels Scholars are selected because they embody the principles and values Bill Daniels defined as hallmarks of the program:
Strength of character
Leadership potential
Willingness to give back to the community
Academic performance or promise
Well-rounded personality
Eligibility: To be eligible for the Daniels Scholarship Program, students must satisfy the following requirements at the time of application:
Demonstrate financial need
Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
Be a resident of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming
Be a high school senior graduating from a school in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming
Earn ACT scores of at least 17 in each category (Math, English, Reading, Science); or an SAT Math score of at least 400 and Critical Reading score of at least 440. Writing scores are not required. All test scores must come from a single test and must be submitted by the application deadline. Super scoring is not accepted.
Greenhouse Scholars provides comprehensive personal and financial support to high-performingunder-resourced students who have already demonstrated true leadership and positive community contributions.
Eligibility:
Be a graduating high school senior planning to attend a four-year accredited academic institution
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a legal resident of Colorado, Georgia or Illinois
Have a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above
Demonstrate financial need (annual household income no greater than $70,000)
Possess excellent leadership skills, an ability to persevere through difficult circumstances, and a strong interest and commitment to their community
Other Scholarship Search Engines: