Prep Chart Outline for Researching, Designating, Applying, and Recording College Scholarships
1. Preparation Before Senior Year
- Start Early
- Begin researching scholarships during junior year or earlier
- Set up a dedicated time each week to work on scholarship tasks
- Treat as a Part-Time Job
- Allocate consistent hours weekly
- Understand that the effort can result in significant financial aid
2. Researching Scholarships
- Identify Resources
- School guidance counselor
- Online scholarship databases (e.g., Fastweb, Scholarships.com, College Board, Going Merry, ScholarshipOwl, Bold.org, Cappex, Scholly, CareerOneStop, Niche.com)
- College websites
- Local community organizations
- Family and friends
- Create a List of Potential Scholarships
- Scholarship name
- Provider/organization
- Application deadline
- Eligibility criteria
3. Designating Scholarships
- Evaluate Eligibility
- Review criteria for each scholarship
- Match personal qualifications with scholarship requirements
- Prioritize Scholarships
- Based on eligibility, deadlines, and scholarship amount
- High-priority: High eligibility and early deadlines
- Medium-priority: Moderate eligibility and deadlines
- Low-priority: Less eligibility or later deadlines
4. Completing Financial Aid Forms
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Gather necessary documents (Social Security Number, tax returns, etc.)
- Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID
- Complete and submit the FAFSA form online
- Note submission deadlines
- CSS Profile (College Scholarship Service Profile – Non-federal student aid)
- Gather required financial documents
- Create a College Board account
- Complete and submit the CSS Profile online
- Note which colleges require the CSS Profile and their deadlines
5. Applying for Scholarships
- Gather Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement/essays
- Financial information (if required)
- Prepare Application Materials
- Tailor personal statements and essays to each scholarship
- Ensure letters of recommendation are specific and relevant
- Submit Applications
- Online submission or mail (if required)
- Verify submission and confirm receipt
- Keep track of application deadlines
6. Recording Scholarships
- Track Application Status
- Use the Onward360 Financial Aid Tracking Form
- Keep information updated on a regular basis
- Follow Up
- Send thank-you notes to scholarship providers if awarded
- Inquire about the status if no response after the deadline
- Update Records
- Record the outcome of each application
- Note any feedback or suggestions for future applications
7. Final Steps
- Acceptance and Use
- Review terms and conditions of awarded scholarships
- Inform scholarship providers of college acceptance
- Coordinate with college financial aid office to apply funds
- Reflect and Plan for Next Year
- Analyze successes and areas for improvement
- Prepare for any renewable scholarships for the following year