I. Purpose of the Scholarship Guide Online
II. Sorting scholarships by eligibility codes
III. Sorting scholarships using the 'key word search'
feature
IV. Reviewing scholarship lists
V. Reviewing individual scholarship profiles
VI. Online links to scholarship organizations and
applications
VII. Further instructions for the use of the Scholarship
Guide Online
I. Purpose of the Scholarship Guide Online
For many students, the search for private scholarships has become an essential part of college financial aid. A means to avoid excessive student loan debt, private scholarships can provide an alternative to borrowing. Eighty percent of private scholarships are based on student merit rather than need. As a result, students not eligible for need-based financial aid are still able to find merit-based private scholarships for which they can apply.
The Pacific Northwest Scholarship Guide was first published by College Planning Network (CPN) in 1989. The new online version of the Scholarship Guide allows Web site visitors to sort through the scholarship data, matching student characteristics with available scholarships. The book and Web search data base are designed to work together so that students can sort a list of matching scholarships online, view or print the list and then review individual scholarship profiles in the book or on the Web site.
II. Sorting scholarships by eligibility codes
Each scholarship included in the database is identified by categories of eligibility. These categories divide scholarships into the major groupings common to all scholarships. These eligibility categories are:
Racial Minority - Person of color, at least 25% Asian-American, African-American, Native-American, Hispanic- American.
Geographically Specific - Scholarships available to students who live in a specific area. (i.e., city county, state, region.)
Medicine - Scholarships for students majoring in the health sciences.
Sciences - Scholarships for students majoring in science.
Business - Scholarships for students majoring in business.
Humanities - Scholarships for students majoring in the humanities.
Arts - Scholarships for students majoring in the arts.
Extracurricular Involvement - Scholarships relating to a students extracurricular activities. (i.e., volunteer work, social organizations, sports, etc.)
Family Affiliation - Scholarships relating to family memberships, activities and affiliations.
Gender Specific - Scholarships for women.
Physically Challenged - Scholarships available to the physically challenged.
Religious Affiliation - Scholarships available from religious organizations.
Ethnic Background - Scholarship available to students who are from a specific ethnic background (at least 25%).
High School - Scholarships available to high school students.
Undergraduate - Scholarships available to college students.
Graduate - Scholarships available to post-graduate students.
Returning Adults - Scholarships available to students over the age of 24, who are returning to college.
The Scholarship Guide Online allows visitors to select one or more eligibility categories for sorting the database. If more than one category is selected, the list will include all scholarships in either eligibility group. If all eligibility categories are selected, a list of the entire database will be displayed. It is best to select one eligibility category at a time in order to facilitate review of a manageable number of scholarships.
III. Sorting scholarships using the 'key word search' feature
In addition to selecting scholarships by categories of eligibility, students may wish to use the 'key word search' feature. The 'key word search' allows for selection of scholarships that include a desired word in one of three data locations; the scholarship name, organization name or selection criteria. Selecting scholarships by this method allows for very specific sorting of the database.
Example: A student planning to major in business may be interested specifically in accounting. By searching for the word 'accounting' in the scholarship name, organization or criteria, different lists will be assembled. It is best to sort in all three data locations to be sure that all potential awards are identified.
IV. Reviewing scholarship lists
Once eligibility categories or key words have been identified, students can build a list of selected scholarships. The list will include the scholarship number as assigned by CPN, award name and sponsoring organization, the scholarship deadline and award amount, where this information is available. For future reference, it may make sense to print a copy of the list. The scholarship name is linked to an individual profile of the award for immediate viewing. If students have access to a copy of CPN's 200 page Pacific Northwest Scholarship Guide, the list can be used with the book for a more leisurely review of individual scholarship profiles.
V. Reviewing individual scholarship profiles
Individual scholarship profiles may be selected by clicking on the scholarship name, identified on any selected list. The profile provides a summary of key scholarship data. CPN provides all data made available to us by the sponsoring organization, however, not all organizations provide complete information. The following information may be included:
Identification Number - assigned to each scholarship by CPN to allow
for tracking
Scholarship Name - as provided by the sponsoring organization
Sponsoring Organization - organization who provides the scholarship
Contact Address - where to write for more information
Contact Name - person to contact
Contact Phone - where to call for more information
Contact E-Mail - where to e-mail for more information
Contact Web Site - Internet address for more scholarship information
Deadline - deadline by which the scholarship must be submitted
Amount - amount of an individual award (if available) or total of awards
made
Renewable - can the student apply again next year? yes or no
No. of Awards - how many awards are given
No. of Applications - how many applied for the scholarship last year
Eligibility - eligibility categories into which the scholarship falls
Criteria and Procedures - basic details about each award
After reviewing profile information, students should contact the organizations to request award applications where eligibility characteristics match. Scholarship organizations can change scholarship deadlines, amounts and criteria so it is always best to confirm this critical information, directly from the sponsoring organization.
VI. Online links to scholarship organizations and applications
A new feature available with the Scholarship Guide Online is the addition of e-mail and Web site links. This allows students to link directly to scholarship sponsoring organizations for information or applications. Simply click on the linked e-mail or Web address and send requests electronically or go to the organizations Web site.
VII. Further instructions for the use of the Scholarship Guide On Line
If you need more help in using the Scholarship Guide Online please contact CPN. We can be reached at:
College Planning Network
Campion Tower - 914 East Jefferson
Seattle, Washington 98122-5366
(206) 323-0624 or, seacpn@collegeplan.org