GETTING ORGANIZED (2)
Preparing you for the process of applying for scholarships!
Thank you for coming to this portion of the Money Book web page. We hope that you will look at each block of the site as each numbered block tells important information. Scholarship Savvy (1), the previous section, is beneficial in giving an overview of where/how you can learn more about the scholarship process.
Before you begin to gather scholarships that are suited for you, you will need to get organized!
At the Career Center, we suggest to students, that they either buy a large three-ring binder, or a portable file box, in which to keep your paperwork. The list below suggests how to label each section in your binder or box.
- ADMISSIONS/SCHOLARSHIPS--if you choose to use the 3-ring binder for both Scholarships and Admissions, you should label sections for each. Now you are ready for sub-categories.
- INCOMING--in this section place admission/scholarship applications that you are eligible for and that have upcoming due dates. Suggestion: pencil in the due date in the upper right hand corner. Then place them in descending chronological order--those that are due first on top, descending to those with later dates. This way you can work on them one by one, which is far less overwhelming.
- OUTGOING--keep a copy of at least the title page (that with the checklist and contact address) of each admissions/scholarship application that you have sent. On the upper right hand corner pencil in the date that you sent it! Keeping the mailing address will be valuable if you later need to contact the college or benefactor when writing your "Thank You" note or following up on funds that will be awarded to you!
- RECOMMENDATIONS --keep a hard copy of each of your recommendation letters. Choose the letter that is most appropriate for each particular scholarship. As needed, ask the writers if they could change the dates, the addressees and make minor changes to the body of the letter as needed. Generally, they will allow you to make multiple copies for your scholarship packets. Ask the writer of the recommendation to keep the original letter on their computer for editing purposes, updates etc.. (we suggest that you request four letters of recommendation from a variety of sources. This will show the committees how well rounded you are) For complete information regarding recommendations go to Money Book Box # 8: Request for Recommendation.
- TRANSCRIPTS-- Place an unofficial transcript in your binder to refer to. A transcript in the back of the organizer book, will be beneficial for times when you are asked to reflect back on how your high school classes have led to your career choice, etc. Official transcripts are what you use for college and scholarship applications. You should check to make certain that all of your Tech Prep, College in the High School, Honors, Running Start, and AP Classes are noted properly on your WHS and WVC transcripts.
- You may Order a WHS Transcript Online or at the Counseling office of Wenatchee High School.
- WVC transcripts can be ordered online at WVC Transcripts.
- IMPORTANT NOTES: When ordering your transcripts please make sure you know which semester that the transcript will report.
- Example--if WHS 1st semester ends on Jan. 28. Grades/report cards are not reflected until submission and processing at approximately Feb. 3-5. Ask in the Counseling or Career Center to be sure.
- When requesting transcripts please order multiple copies rather than single copies, if you may need them. You will receive them more quickly and it is easier helpful for staff to 'run' multiple transcripts for you!!
- Please follow the instructions on the various forms.