Senior Scholarship and Financial Aid Information
Check out this flyer for detailed explanations on financial aid.
Check out this flyer for detailed explanations on financial aid.
Helpful Links to Scholarship Information
Scholarships & Financial Aid Information
Free Application for Free Student Aid
FAFSA) Assistance: FAFSA opens October 2nd for the class of 2021. This is your FIRST STEP in financial aid for college! FAFSA is one application for a variety of financial aid opportunities. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you cannot qualify! Some colleges insist on the FAFSA in order to consider you for aid at their school. Don’t leave $$$ on the table! https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
FREE FAFSA Guide: Download a FREE e-book for The Ultimate Guide to the FAFSA
https://www.edvisors.com/fafsa/book/user-info/
FAFSA You Tube Videos from the U.S. Dept. of Education: including a FAFSA overview & directions on how to complete the form
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL23B9A23CD8DD82DD&feature=plcp
Cal Grant – When you complete the FAFSA application AND have listed at least 1 California school as a choice, your application will be given to Cal Grant! No need to do 2 applications! Check out the Cal Grant website for more information on the different types of aid available. TOHS Counseling will report all Cal Grant GPAs, no need to make a request.
https://www.csac.ca.gov/
Khan Academy videos on how to complete the FAFSA:
https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/college-admissions/paying-for-college/financial-aid-process/a/fafsa-walkthrough
CSS Profile Student Guide – The 2021-22 CSS Profile Student Guide is available on the CCC website.
CHECK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE WITH YOUR SCHOOL/S OF CHOICE!
READ and FOLLOW all directions carefully!
Scholarship Search Engines/Websites
College Board Opportunity Scholarships are now available for the class of 2021! Check out the College Board website for more information!
Raise.Me is a unique way to earn mini scholarships from a college for what you are doing in high school. The mini scholarships are college based and can accumulate to a tidy sum! Create a profile for yourself then add each of your course grades, club involvement, sports, volunteer activities, and more. Students in 9th – 11th grade can also start a profile! Check out Raise.Me today to see the colleges and universities that participate. You can also check the parent information page.
FastWeb – is another source for college scholarships that actively weeds out scams. You only need to create a profile in FastWeb and you will receive information on scholarships that match YOU! This is a free service to grades 9th – 12th that includes resources on internships, financial aid tips and more. Check out FastWeb!
Going Merry - To find and apply for scholarships, sign up for Going Merry -- it’s free! Going Merry has thousands of national, regional, and local scholarships. There are also opportunities for every grade level, from freshmen to seniors.
To sign up, go to: https://app.goingmerry.com/sign-up#students
You can also download the Going Merry mobile app (and sign up that way) on iOS or Android.
Here are some reasons why I recommend Going Merry above other scholarship sites:
Cappex (from the Cappex website) Cappex exists to help you reach your first day at the college that's best for you. By creating a free Cappex account, we will show you colleges that are interested in you, give you the tools you need to make informed decisions, present you with eligible scholarships, and everything in between. Cappex
Naviance
CVUSD has provided all high school students with access to Naviance. This is a college planning resource with many assessments, references and tips for all students. Students can investigate the type of college is best for them and take assessments to determine career or major interests.
Seniors can also find local and national scholarships, request letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Parents please encourage your students to explore the many resources available for FREE! A link to Naviance can be found on the TOHS home page.
Tips on Scholarship Aid Searches (excerpt from University of California Counselor Bulletin)
The winter break is a great time for students to search and apply for “outside scholarships".
There are many FREE resources available to students. As students search for outside scholarships, be advised that students should never pay for scholarship information.
Listed below are 9 reputable scholarship sources:
1. Current information at the high school or community college
2. The financial aid office at each UC campus
3. The U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool
4. The public or school library’s reference section
5. Foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups
6. Organizations (including professional associations) related to their field of interest
7. Ethnicity-based organizations
8. The student’s or their parents’ employer
9. Scholarship web search engines
Scholarships vary in size, applications requirements, and deadlines. Students should apply broadly and continue the process of searching and applying for scholarships throughout their academic career.
FAFSA) Assistance: FAFSA opens October 2nd for the class of 2021. This is your FIRST STEP in financial aid for college! FAFSA is one application for a variety of financial aid opportunities. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you cannot qualify! Some colleges insist on the FAFSA in order to consider you for aid at their school. Don’t leave $$$ on the table! https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
FREE FAFSA Guide: Download a FREE e-book for The Ultimate Guide to the FAFSA
https://www.edvisors.com/fafsa/book/user-info/
FAFSA You Tube Videos from the U.S. Dept. of Education: including a FAFSA overview & directions on how to complete the form
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL23B9A23CD8DD82DD&feature=plcp
Cal Grant – When you complete the FAFSA application AND have listed at least 1 California school as a choice, your application will be given to Cal Grant! No need to do 2 applications! Check out the Cal Grant website for more information on the different types of aid available. TOHS Counseling will report all Cal Grant GPAs, no need to make a request.
https://www.csac.ca.gov/
Khan Academy videos on how to complete the FAFSA:
https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/college-admissions/paying-for-college/financial-aid-process/a/fafsa-walkthrough
CSS Profile Student Guide – The 2021-22 CSS Profile Student Guide is available on the CCC website.
CHECK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE WITH YOUR SCHOOL/S OF CHOICE!
READ and FOLLOW all directions carefully!
Scholarship Search Engines/Websites
College Board Opportunity Scholarships are now available for the class of 2021! Check out the College Board website for more information!
Raise.Me is a unique way to earn mini scholarships from a college for what you are doing in high school. The mini scholarships are college based and can accumulate to a tidy sum! Create a profile for yourself then add each of your course grades, club involvement, sports, volunteer activities, and more. Students in 9th – 11th grade can also start a profile! Check out Raise.Me today to see the colleges and universities that participate. You can also check the parent information page.
FastWeb – is another source for college scholarships that actively weeds out scams. You only need to create a profile in FastWeb and you will receive information on scholarships that match YOU! This is a free service to grades 9th – 12th that includes resources on internships, financial aid tips and more. Check out FastWeb!
Going Merry - To find and apply for scholarships, sign up for Going Merry -- it’s free! Going Merry has thousands of national, regional, and local scholarships. There are also opportunities for every grade level, from freshmen to seniors.
To sign up, go to: https://app.goingmerry.com/sign-up#students
You can also download the Going Merry mobile app (and sign up that way) on iOS or Android.
Here are some reasons why I recommend Going Merry above other scholarship sites:
- Scholarship bundles: You can apply to multiple scholarships using one application and the same essay prompt.
- Vetted scholarships: The Going Merry team personally reviews every scholarship listing on the site, to ensure the scholarship program is still active and the information is correct.
- Personal matching: Once signed up, you’ll answer a few questions to fill out a basic profile, and then get matched to scholarships that fit your background, academics, interests, etc.
- Clear organization: You can shortlist favorites and get deadline reminders about them. All drafts and applications are saved, and you’ll get updates on the scholarships you’ve applied to.
- Direct, auto-filled applications: You can apply to many scholarships directly on the site (with forms helpfully pre-filled).
Cappex (from the Cappex website) Cappex exists to help you reach your first day at the college that's best for you. By creating a free Cappex account, we will show you colleges that are interested in you, give you the tools you need to make informed decisions, present you with eligible scholarships, and everything in between. Cappex
Naviance
CVUSD has provided all high school students with access to Naviance. This is a college planning resource with many assessments, references and tips for all students. Students can investigate the type of college is best for them and take assessments to determine career or major interests.
Seniors can also find local and national scholarships, request letters of recommendation and transcripts.
Parents please encourage your students to explore the many resources available for FREE! A link to Naviance can be found on the TOHS home page.
Tips on Scholarship Aid Searches (excerpt from University of California Counselor Bulletin)
The winter break is a great time for students to search and apply for “outside scholarships".
There are many FREE resources available to students. As students search for outside scholarships, be advised that students should never pay for scholarship information.
Listed below are 9 reputable scholarship sources:
1. Current information at the high school or community college
2. The financial aid office at each UC campus
3. The U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool
4. The public or school library’s reference section
5. Foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups
6. Organizations (including professional associations) related to their field of interest
7. Ethnicity-based organizations
8. The student’s or their parents’ employer
9. Scholarship web search engines
Scholarships vary in size, applications requirements, and deadlines. Students should apply broadly and continue the process of searching and applying for scholarships throughout their academic career.
Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC)
$180,000 Scholarship Opportunity
Sophomores and Juniors who are interested in serving in the military but also want the chance to attend college are encouraged to check out the NROTC scholarship opportunity. The program allows students to earn a degree and be trained in valuable leadership and management skills. See the flyer for more information.
Please note: Scholarships are most often for Seniors only.
Search for Scholarships
There are many ways to fund a college education - scholarships, grants or loans from the Federal Government, schools and institutions, corporations, workplace, and local clubs or organizations. Start your search with the web links provided below or log in to your student's Naviance account and search the "college & money" tab. Read more about Naviance Family Connection below.
Top Ten Tips for "Winning" Scholarship Applications (From FastWEB.com)
- Apply only if you are eligible. Read requirements and directions carefully.
- Complete application in full. If a question does not apply, note that on the application. Do not leave a blank.
- Follow directions. Provide everything that is required, but do not supply things that are not requested – you could be disqualified.
- Neatness counts. Always type the application if you can, or if you must print, do so neatly and legibly.
- Make sure your essay makes an impression. Be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your experience come alive.
- Watch all deadlines. Don’t send the materials in late – they will be refused.
- Take steps to make sure your entire application gets where it needs to go. Place name on all pages of the application in case it comes apart.
- Give it a final ‘once-over.’ Proofread carefully. Ask another person to read it over before you submit it.
- Ask for help if you need it. Email your counselor or Mrs. Peters.
- Remember: your scholarship application represents you! Your ability to submit a neat, timely, complete application reflects on you.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Don’t Forget Western Undergraduate Exchange: If you are applying to a participating out of state school, a WUE scholarships can offer 150% resident tuition (so you don’t end up paying full out of state tuition). Each participating school administers WUE scholarships differently, so carefully read the information on each school’s website. More information and a list of participating schools can be found online at www.wue.wiche.edu
The CCC has compiled a list of websites
Scholarship Search Services:
Links to websites are offered for your convenience in accessing related information, but do not constitute an endorsement of the website or its content. TOHS takes no responsibility for the views, content or accuracy of the information presented by an external website. Air Force ROTC Army ROTC CA Student Aid Commission calgrants.org Edvisors.com fafsa.ed.gov finaid.org GoingMerry.com Hispanic Scholarship Fund Navy/Marines ROTC scholarshare.com scholarships.com simpletuition.com studentaid.ed.gov studentscholarshipsearch.com United Negro College Fund WUE for Reduced Tuition Zinch.com |
We are pleased to welcome you to Naviance Family Connection. This web-based program is a vital tool for your college and career research and eventual submission of your applications to college. This program will be used as your primary vehicle to:
United States Armed Forces Academies
The five academies of the United States Armed Forces present opportunities for scholarships each year to Seniors. But the process starts well before Senior year. If you are interested in attending an academy, stop by the College & Career office for more information. Representatives from all five academies come to TOHS every September to present the scholarships and careers available to students at these outstanding institutions: US Military Academy, West Point, New York US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland US Coast Guard, New London, Connecticut US Air Force, Colorado Springs, Colorado US Merchant Marines, Kings Point, New York All academy scholarships are fully paid tuition and are awarded by Congressional appointment. This is an outstanding opportunity for motivated young men and women to receive an exceptional educational experience and a rewarding career. |