Scholarships are usually given by colleges to attract students with special talents or by various civic/business organizations. To find out about college scholarships, request information directly from the admissions office or from the college representative. Many colleges list their scholarship opportunities in the back of their catalogues. Numerous civic organizations will send notice of their scholarship opportunities to St. Margaret’s; consult your college counselor periodically if you are interested. Please check out the financial aid/scholarship search Internet sites located in the College Guidance Guidebook as a resource. Most scholarships require that you complete forms, write essays and deadlines are of utmost importance.

If you are interested in athletic scholarships, contact the athletic office of the college. (Note: Ivy League and Division III colleges do not offer athletic scholarships). Initially, during your planning you will not be able to ignore that some colleges are more expensive than others. It is not recommended, however, during this early investigative stage that you eliminate any college because of costs. Keep in mind that a first-rate college education is an investment in yourself. If you were ever to make a sure bet, make it on yourself and invest the time and resources to accomplish your educational needs.

Contacting the Financial Aid Office at each college you plan to investigate can become a most valuable information source. In most cases, schools will offer two types of financial assistance: merit-based and need-based. To inquire about merit-based or academic scholarships, contact the Admissions Office to locate information on the selection criteria and the application process and deadlines. Need-based financial aid is based on the demonstrated financial need of your family. Your parents will complete forms (available in December, due in January) which detail their financial situation. When you are accepted to a college, it will notify you of any financial awards.

Although the need-based application process may differ from school to school, many schools will require one, a combination of, or all of the following: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the College Scholarship Service Student (CSS) Profile (formally known as the Financial Aid Form/FAF), and the institution’s own application for financial aid. Students should investigate the requirements for a complete financial aid application from each institution. Also, students applying to California colleges should complete the Cal Grant application.

Schools may also require additional forms to complete for academic scholarships. Many of these scholarship competitions will have Early Action deadlines and may also require that your application for admission be completed as well. Private corporations may also award scholarships. Information on various scholarship opportunities are available in the College Counseling Office.