SCHOLARSHIPS 101

Presented by Holy Trinity Student Services

There are thousands ofscholarships, bursaries and awards available in Canada.With a bit of planning and effort on your part you can

win some!

Terminology• Scholarship

• Bursary

• Award

• Loan

Is it worth the effort? Why should I apply?

Who are scholarship providers looking to reward?

I’m just an average student…How can I compete with all those brainiacs?

? ??

Education Costs Reality CheckExpenses Approximate $

Accommodation (on-campus) 5,000

Tuition (varies by program/college/univ.) 3000—11,500

Food 3,500

Books & Supplies (computer is extra) 1000

Clothing 400

Miscellaneous(phone, personal items, etc.) 500

Transportation (local) 200—400

Recreation & Entertainment 850

Total $14,450--$23,150

The Big Picture

Student’s savings and employment

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

Student Line

of Credit

Parent’s

Contribution

And RESP’s

OSAP and other Gov’t programs

Do you have enough money???Money Available

– Total School Costs

= Surplus or Deficit

The Economics of Applying for Scholarships and Bursaries

• If you worked at a part-time job at $11 per hour to save $500, that would be over 45 hours of work

• Or you could spend a couple of hours work in preparing a scholarship application and the reward may pay out big time ($100 up to full tuition or more).

Preliminary Preparation1. Get Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

2. Keep track of all the activities you have been involved with, led or have been a member of such as:

• Awards (honour roll)

• Extra-curricular activities

• Co-op experiences

• International or educational exchanges

• Part-time jobs

• Scholastic achievement (aim for >85%)

• School clubs, sports teams, and associations

• Student council (SAC, Prefect, etc.)

• Volunteer work at school or in the community

Do Your Research• Websites:

www.scholarshipscanada.com

• Other:• Employers & unions• Parents and relatives• Community associations (church, service clubs, Legion)

www.studentawards.comwww.yconic.comwww.fundyourfuture.caCollege/University Financial Aid Office Websites

Types of ScholarshipsEntrance scholarships

• Automatic…based on admission average (80% or higher) and may be renewable (Lakehead U. example)

University/College scholarships needing application• Check the college/university Financial Aid Office websites or look in E!

NFO

Foundation scholarships (i.e. Terry Fox, Loran)• Usually need high marks and outstanding community service or

demonstrated leadership • You may need to be nominated by the school

Business or employer scholarships (i.e. Wendy’s)

OSAP: Ontario Student Assistant ProgramEvery student should apply for OSAP (in May)Apply after you have accepted your offer of admissionOSAP seminar will be held in April/MayYou may be eligible for 30% off Ontario tuitionThere are also grants and bursaries tied to the OSAP

application (these do not have to be paid back) Interest free loan while in school full time6 month grace from payment period once finished

How do You Become a Scholarship Candidate?

1. Get Involved in School and the community

2. Keep a folder/portfolio:

3. Maintain an updated resume & get your SIN

4. Good Marks:

5. Research School Choices and Programs:

1) Applying for ScholarshipsRemember: this is a competition so be honest, accurate and complete.

Do you qualify?◦ Check the criteria carefully◦ Principal’s nomination? ◦ Limit on number from each school?

Due Dates◦ Postmark date or arrival? (a fax may not be allowed)◦ Count on doing everything a week early

Academic Information◦ Official transcript (ask Mrs. Clancy in Guidance at least a week in advance)◦ Credit counselling summary (ask your counsellor)

2) Applying for Scholarships• References, Principal’s Statement, etc.

• Who to ask? (ask someone in a position of responsibility who will say great things about you)

• Give them ample time (at least a week) with polite reminders• Give them the info. they need: scholarship criteria, your resume• Review the letter and ask for revisions diplomatically• Thank them with a note (or a coffee or chocolate)

• Personal Statement, Essay, etc.• This takes the place of a face-to-face interview• Address the criteria of the schWrite in a formal, direct tone and check for

accuracy and clarity• olarship• Proofread, revise and make it your best effort (Ask your guidance

counsellor or others to edit and improve it)

3) Applying for Scholarships• The Application

• Is the original required?• Blank spaces may be viewed as errors – if the answer is zero, say 0• Type where possible or print neatly in ink• Answer all questions to the best of your ability

• Assemble the Package (one week early)• Are all pages and documents enclosed?• Make a copy of everything• Check the order and put in an envelope

Questions? See your Counsellor!