3 minute read
Scholarship How-To
from Sept Oct 2016
by legacyiw
Finding and Supporting Scholarships -
Its Not Just for High-School Seniors
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Finding money for college is on the minds of every college-bound senior and their parents. But, the reality is that looking for scholarship money and setting yourself up to win a scholarship takes years. The JABGA and the goat industry helps our youth reach their goals of paying for college.
If you are like most first-time high school parents (grandkids or kids), you may find yourself without a gameplan. Here are a few tips to help get you started.
With school right around the corner, it is time to begin looking for scholarships and keeping a journal for deadlines. Even Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors should keep a log of scholarships for which you will be eligible. Growing up in the agriculture, specifically the goat industry, gives you a number of opportunities.
Be on the lookout for opportunities through the JABGA, livestock shows (Prospect, County and Major Shows), FFA, 4-H, feed companies, seed companies and many more. For parents and grandparents, ABGA Certified Judge and ag teacher Jason Brashear said, “Support the auction at nationals!!! We have to keep our Junior Association growing and increasing the amount of scholarships available.”
But if you are like every other college-bound high-schooler, you might be looking for a few good tips. Below is a list of things to consider.
It is never too early.
Start compiling your list of awards, activities and relevant leadership experiences as early as they happen (your freshman year is not too early!). First, start by compiling a list of scholarships and deadlines. Some scholarships, such as the State Fair of Texas, requires students to exhibit once in their lifetime so be sure you research these opportunities before the last year of eligibility.
Brashear said, “It’s never too early to explore options - once you understand what each scholarship looks at, you can make sure you keep track of the information you need.” 16 - The Boer Goat
Be sure you are specific about each application.
Find out what is important for the specific award- is it academic performance, volunteer work, leadership experiences or possibly something else.
Brashear said, “Some scholarships are geared real specifically, but for the ones that aren’t, it never hurts.”
Be on time.
When asking for letters of reference, make sure to contact people at least one month before the due date. Also, if possible, ask your references in person.
Just apply!
Apply for all scholarships that you qualify for, no matter the dollar amount being awarded. No scholarship amount is too small to apply for. You may think it’s only a couple hundred, but that can cover the cost of a college textbook!
Brashear added, “It doesn’t hurt to apply!!! The more you apply, the better chances you have at receiving cash, but be sure to put effort in each application.” UNTIL YOU CAN
Be yourself.
When you are writing about your experience, your goals or your accomplishments, make sure to be genuine in your responses. Selection committees want to know what you think, not what you think they want to think. (Pro tip: write the responses yourself, too!)
Review. Review. Review.
Make sure to read over your application and responses. Then, have someone review your application before submitting. This will help ensure you do not have grammar or spelling mistakes and that you’ve included all of the requested information.
TRAIN THEM TO PEE ON A STICK
Do not procrastinate.
Do not wait until the last minute to start or submit the application. Review committees can tell when the process was rushed.
Follow up.
Be sure that you follow up to ensure that your application was received.
