Read this helpful information before asking for, taking, or applying for any college scholarships!

    As a junior and senior, students should seriously consider applying for scholarship opportunities. College can be far more expensive than many students realize and scholarship awards are a great way to help differ some of the financial obligations. Scholarships are often like FREE money, and do not need to be paid back, as student loans and grants often are. Students should apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible. 

    Students who have been an excellent student, have attained superior SAT and/or ACT scores, have made involvement in extracurricular activities a significant part of the school life (especially in leadership positions), or have extraordinarily talents in art, music, athletics, or some other field of endeavor are perfect candidates for applications. However, do not hold back from applying for a scholarship because you think you are not "good enough." If you meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship ... GO FOR IT!

    Listen to the announcements, check the Elder High School Guidance Department web site, ask your counselor, visit the Guidance Resource Center often, and check the World Wide Web (www.) for available scholarships. Often times this is the only way you will find out about scholarships. It is hard work finding scholarships at times, and generally they do not come to you, but if you put in the time and effort, your diligence will be rewarded.

    When you send in a scholarship application it must be done extraordinarily well to beat out the competition. Some suggestions for getting a "leg up" on the competition are:

	Take your time and follow all of the application directions. Being sloppy or lazy can influence the decision of the person deciding between you and the others.
	Make sure you fill out all of the information asked for, turn it in BY OR BEFORE the deadline date, and make sure you send in all the materials that may be needed (essay, transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, etc.)
	If you must write an essay, ask your English teacher if they may be able to help you by critiquing and proof reading your work.
	If you need recommendations, seek out those who will write strong letters of recommendation for you. Give the person who is writing the recommendation a list of all of your honors and achievements as well as a personal description of yourself as a caring, giving, active, and concerned person. ALSO give the person who is writing your recommendation some time. You know ~ "Rome wasn't built in a day!"
	When you are applying for a scholarship DO NOT take anything for granted!

The Guidance Department wishes you the best of luck, and we will be willing to help you in any way that we can!