Managing the Process of Scholarship Applications
It is worth my time to apply for scholarships?
From the Pros
From Lynn Whalen, Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Lincoln Land Community College: Definitely! And it’s convenient to apply for LLCC Foundation scholarships. With one application, you are considered for any scholarship for which you are qualified.
From Springfield Academic: If you are a top student, consider applying for national scholarships, particularly scholarships with an essay requirement. If you are not a top student, do not waste your time on national scholarships. Do apply for local scholarships.
From the Moms
From Angela Try: Without a doubt it is worth it – it’s time consuming but that hour or two can bring in $500, $750 or a $1500 scholarship. You may have to drag your senior out of bed to finish an essay before a midnight deadline (I might have done that) but in the end it was worth it to see $4000 come off the tuition bill because of that scholarship. Send hand written thank you notes to the organizations that you receive scholarships from.
From Denise Beauman: Yes, for us it saved a $10,000.00. Be supportive and patience with your student. All of this is on them. They have to do all the applying to get into to school and for the scholarships.
Do only top students get scholarships?
From the Pros
From Lynn Whalen, Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Lincoln Land Community College: No. LLCC Foundation Scholarships have varying qualifications, and not all require a high GPA.
From Springfield Academic: Not always, but typically. Give the scholarship committee a reason to choose you. What sets you apart?
Where do I look for scholarships?
From the Pros
From Springfield Academic: Most local schools have a robust database of scholarships, national and local. Need-based scholarships are 
based on a family’s EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) and are typically a combination of federal, state and university dollars. Merit scholarships are based on GPA, test scores and occasionally an interview. This money comes directly from the university.
From Lynn Whalen, Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Lincoln Land Community College: The LLCC Foundation provides many scholarships for LLCC students. Scholarships provide funds that you do not have to repay. The application period for LLCC Foundation scholarships is between Dec. 1 and March 1 for scholarships for the following school year. Students can apply for all available scholarships by filling out one application. See all available scholarships at https://llcc.academicworks.com/opportunities.
From Mary Beth Stephens, MBS College Coaching LLC:
- www.fastweb.com lists scholarships, deadlines and application requirements.
- www.cfll.org lists local scholarships awarded through that foundation (Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln). Most of the scholarships awarded by CFLL are need-based – they are only awarded to students who show demonstrated need.
- Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on the student’s academic credentials.
- Each of District 186’s high schools has a scholarship database: sps186.org/scholarships
I have found that most scholarships are awarded by the institutions thata a student is applying to. Sometimes these scholarships are awarded based on the student’s application. Sometimes the scholarships require an additional application. Students need to research how each school awards scholarships.
From the Moms
From Angela Try: Look locally. This is so important. There were ones listed regularly in the Chatham Clarion newspaper. We also looked within the organizations that she was involved with – Girl Scouts, BSA Venture Crews, etc.
From Denise Beauman: Look and apply ASAP- Don’t wait. Start looking now . Make notes of when they open so you know when your child can apply.
When do I start looking for scholarships?
From the Pros
From Springfield Academic: Serious searching begins fall of senior year. Although, familiarizing yourself with local scholarships beforehand is also helpful.
From Lynn Whalen, Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Lincoln Land Community College: You can look now at https://llcc.academicworks.com/opportunities and plan to apply on Dec. 1!
From the Moms
From Denise Beauman: Look from high school counselors, the college your student chooses, and your bank’s trust department. If your child is going to be a teacher, there are scholarships just for that, if your child is medical, the hospitals and pharmacies have scholarships. Your church. Depending on your kid’s sport of choice, there are scholarship sponsored by local clubs, i.e., Springfield Road Runners offers scholarships to kids that run track and cross country. Look at scholarships from major corporations that your child may want to work for. Research your child’s field of study– that is the best way to find scholarships. Apply for them all. Every penny helps.
From Angela Try: My daughter looked for them her entire junior year – but the national ones are really silly and not worth applying to. By Jan.1st – be ready to apply for community scholarships. Watch local newspapers, websites and check with the guidance office regularly. These will sneak up fast. You can re-use your application essays (with a few tweaks.) But some will come due Feb. 1, March 1, April 1 etc. So do a few each night. These are the most reliable scholarships (rather than the Coca Cola Foundation ones etc.)
