SHS COUNSELING
DEPARTMENT
-Scholarship
information-
Below are some useful tips and links to scholarships and financial aid information.
Scholarships are available for anyone if you spend the time to find them. One of the best places to begin your search is at www.idahocis.org. It is a valuable tool for students to broaden their knowledge about college and financial aid and ultimately narrow the field of scholarships that best suits their needs.
Here are some scholarship links:
Most major corporations support student success through scholarship. Sometimes the scholarships are for employees or employee's children. If you work for a national chain store or restaurant you may have the inside track on your company's scholarship program. If you can't find an application on-line, go to the customer service department and ask. The effort you put forth now, pays off later.
Be diligent in your exploration. If you are going to be on-line spend 15 minutes of that time searching or filling out a scholarship application. Over time you will have succeeded in applying for many scholarships that others may not. Too many scholarships go unclaimed each year. Be the one to apply.
DON'T FORGET THE LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS!
announced during a senior meeting, March 15, 2011
USEFUL TIPS for the Local Scholarship Process:
It is IMPORTANT that you follow all directions for each scholarship to the letter. Incomplete applications or ones that are put together out of sequence are often discarded. Remember NEATNESS counts!!!!!!!
Consult the Scholarship List to help you decide which scholarships are right for you. Make sure you have all supplemental materials that may accompany the application. Many of the scholarships will only require the Common Application which may be duplicated as necessary. Make sure each application is enclosed in a clear report cover with the name of the scholarship on the cover page.
Remember to obtain letters of recommendation early. Put together a resume and offer it as a helpful guide for the person you wish to get a recommendation from. Most often a teacher may know you well in class but are unaware of your other accomplishments. This will ensure a well rounded and thoughtful letter that you will be able to use for years to come. If you want to know more about this process, come to the counseling office and ask.
Each scholarship will need an official transcript which may be obtained through the counseling office or the registrar.
All scholarships are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 15th, 2011 unless otherwise noted. There will be no exception to this deadline.
The Sandpoint and Bonner County Communities support our area seniors by awarding their hard work and academic efforts. These scholarships help make the pursuit of higher education possible for many students. Remember that every scholarship is worth your time to apply.
Good Luck!!!! Your hard work will be rewarded during CLASS NIGHT (May 24, 2011) where scholarship winners are announced and outstanding students are recognized for their efforts and accomplishments.
Here are SOME of the local scholarship applications:
Alvie C. Jeffres Memorial Scholarship American Heritage Wildlife Foundation Angels Over Sandpoint Community Service Scholarship Bonner County 4H Leaders Council Scholarship
Bonner General Hospital Nursing Scholarship Community Assistance League Scholarship 2011 Centennial Distributing Scholarship to NIC Crain Family cover letter Dover Community cover letter
Edward & Rebecca Hawkins Athletic Scholarship Elks Scholarship 2011 French Club cover letter LPOEA cover letter Mime & Masque cover letter NHS Scholarship
Nick Zaklan Memorial cover letter Panida Theater cover letter PEO Award Girl cover letter Ponderay Rotary cover letter Sandpoint School of Hair Design cover letter
Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Scholarship Southside Elementary Scholarship Women Honoring Women Scholarship
SHS Common Scholarship Application SHS Local Scholarship List 2011
Scholarships or information pages not linked above are by paper only and can be picked up in the SHS Counseling Center.
FAFSA INFORMATION
The FAFSA is an important step in the financial aid process. The FAFSA, also known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, helps determine what kind of financial help you can expect to receive when you apply to college. This year the FAFSA may be applied for on-line (as the paper version is being phased out) or you may request a paper copy. To apply visit: www.fafsa.ed.gov or to request a paper copy call 1-800-433-3243. You may request up to 3 copies and will receive the FAFSA in three to seven business days. You may also download a PDF version at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov which will be available by January 1st, 2011.
Submitting your FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible ensures that you meet the financial deadlines of the schools you are wishing to attend. So act promptly! This will make sure your information reaches the colleges in plenty of time to receive the greatest aid available. The old adage, "you snooze, you lose" can certainly apply here.
Don't be overwhelmed or discouraged, even though it looks like a tax form. The website is easy to maneuver and explains each portion very well. However, if you are still at a loss and ready to pull your hair out, sit back and take a deep breath. We are more than happy to help you through it and have supplemental material you can take home which can help you wade through the process on your own.