Scholarships are money that are applied to a student bill that does do not need to pay back.\u00a0 Scholarship sources vary from the university, individual departments and colleges, to external sources such as community non-profits, or companies.\u00a0 All scholarships need to be reported to the Financial Aid Office.\u00a0 Scholarships may result in financial aid packages being adjusted (for example, lowering a loan).<\/p>\n
UMaine Scholarships:<\/strong><\/p>\n External Scholarship Programs:<\/strong><\/p>\n There are multiple scholarship search engines available.\u00a0 You should check often, as scholarships are constantly added. There is a lot of redundancy in postings in the major search engines. \u00a0It would make sense to find two or three that you are very comfortable with, and check back frequently. \u00a0The most important consideration for a scholarship, NEVER pay for access to a scholarship.<\/strong>\u00a0 If you are ever asked to provide some sort of fee, it should alert you that it is a potential scam.<\/p>\n Maine Scholarship Search- FAME<\/a>\u00a0: The Finance Authoirty of Maine seeks to find paths to make college affordable for Maine Family. \u00a0FAME maintains a database of available scholarships. 7 Tips for Writing Effective Scholarship Essays<\/b> Scholarship follow up- the thank you note:<\/strong> \u00a0If you receive a scholarship, be sure to write a thank you note<\/a> to the donor.\u00a0 This is important not only for manners, but to help encourage future giving.<\/p>\n\n
\nBig Future-The College Board<\/a>\u00a0: \u00a0The College Board conducts and Annual Survey of Financial Aid Programs. \u00a0Using this information, they maintain a database of over 2,200 scholarship programs totaling 6 billion in financial aid.
\nFastWEB<\/a>\u00a0: Fastweb is a website where you can create a profile and be matched with potential scholarships asthey become available. \u00a0Sites that ask you to create a profile tend to send a lot of email notifications, you may want to consider creating a seperate email account for your scholarship searches.
\nSallieMae<\/a>\u00a0: While SallieMae is most well known for stuent loans, they do also maintain a scholarship database. \u00a0You can register, and emails will be sent when new postings match your profile.
\nPeterson’s<\/a>\u00a0: This scholarship websearch does not require any registration. \u00a0You simply answer a few biographical information questions, and immidiately see potential scholarships.
\nChegg<\/a>\u00a0: The Chegg Scholarship search tool allows you to save scholrships you are interested in. \u00a0You are also able to filter by scholarships that are online, or scholarships not requiring any essay.
\nSALT Online Scholarship Search<\/a>\u00a0: This schoalrship search tool requires you to create an account. \u00a0This same account, which is free, also gives you access to other financial information such as budgeting.
\nScholarships.com<\/a>: Create a profile to be matched with scholarships. \u00a0Profile is very specific, however, does filter results to your answers. \u00a0Once you complete your profile, you will start of the colleges that match your profile page. \u00a0Tab over to scholarship search. \u00a0You can opt out of emails if you choose.<\/p>\n
\nWhile not every scholarship application requires an essay, most do.\u00a0 Consider these seven tips:
\n*Answer the question asked.\u00a0 <\/b>Very carefully read the prompt.\u00a0 The selection committee is looking for very specific criteria.\u00a0 Be sure your essay is tailored to the specific scholarship being applied to.
\n*Identify How You Match the Sponsor\u2019s Goals.\u00a0 <\/b>The selection committee wants to award this scholarship. They are looking for the right standard bearer for their award.\u00a0 Determine how YOUR story meets that criteria.
\n*Start Early. <\/b>Begin well in advance of the deadline.
\n*Get to the Point.\u00a0 <\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Create an outline including criteria listed, and highlight your personal and academic qualities that meet those criteria.\u00a0 Be mindful of the length, most scholarships have a word limit.\u00a0 Stay focused.
\n*Be specific and use examples.\u00a0 <\/b>Make your essay personal and passionate.\u00a0 You want your essay to be memorable.\u00a0 Attach meaning to your achievements, not just winning an award, but why that would be meaningful.
\n* Recycle Bits.\u00a0 <\/b>While each essay will be unique, there are parts of your essay such as your biographical information, or your career aspirations that will likely be asked from multiple committees.\u00a0 Being organized will save you from duplicating your essay.
\n*Proofread Your Essay (and have others do so as well!)\u00a0 <\/b>Spelling and grammar errors will detract from your application, or may remove you from consideration entirely.\u00a0 Be sure you not only proofread, but have someone else do so as well.\u00a0 Remember, proofreading is more than just a quick spellcheck!\u00a0 Your TRIO SSS Advisor would be happy to review your essay, or you could utilize the UMaine Writing Center \u2013402 Neville Hall\u2013 207.581.3828.<\/p>\n