DELPHOS ST.JOHN’S HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE FOR SENIORS AND THEIR PARENTS
INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL AID
Students and parents should not assume that they cannot afford a particular college or university. Financial aid often makes it possible for students to attend colleges they would have considered too expensive.
There are basically four categories of financial aid:
1. Grants- money that is given to the student, usually because of financial need
2. Scholarships- money that is awarded because of academic achievement, outstanding talent or skill, and/or financial need
3. College Work Study- money the student earns through a campus job
4. Loans- money that must be paid back
Grants and scholarships are “gift aid” or “free money”, while loans and college work-study are considered “self-help”. You should, of course, always apply for grants and scholarships before taking out student or parent loans. Financial aid generally comes in a form of a “package”. A package is a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and/or work-study. Packages are awarded through the college’s financial aid office and they will vary from college to college.
To Obtain Financial Aid, Follow These Steps:
- Complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. Even if you feel you will not qualify for any need-based aid because of your income, you probably should complete the FAFSA. Colleges and organizations often want it verified that students are not eligible for federal or state aid before they award institutional and/or private funds. Some loan programs also require the FAFSA. Remember to make a copy of your completed FAFSA before you submit it. Also, be sure to keep a copy of your tax return forms. In order to be eligible for a Federal Pell grant, you must complete the FAFSA. Tip: To be eligible for federal financial aid, eighteen-year-old males must be registered with the selective service. Tip: The Hope Scholarship Credit (Tax Relief Act of 1997) allows taxpayers to claim a credit of up to $1500 per student for tuition expenses for each of his/her first two years of college.
- Attend any financial aid meetings that may be offered in the area. Various schools have them. We try to hold ours in December.
- Students and parents often find that they do not get as much money through grants and scholarships as they need. If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to consider taking out a loan. Lending institutions provide Stafford loans to students and PLUS loans to students and parents. Repayment of a Stafford loan begins after the student is out of school. The Subsidized Stafford Loan is for students with financial need and the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is for students without financial need. (The government pays the interest on Subsidized Stafford Loans.) PLUS loans are not based on financial need and repayment begins within 60 days.
APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
You probably heard people say that there are “millions of scholarship dollars that go unclaimed each year.” You have probably also talked to parents who have told you that their son or daughter was an outstanding student and could not get a scholarship. Both are true.
The fact is, there are thousands of scholarships; however, most of these scholarships have some very specific eligibility criteria (e.g., a student must go to XYZ college, be in the top 5% of his/her class, and have an ACT score of at least 28, or a student must belong to a particular ethnic group, race, or religion, have overcome a great obstacle, have great leadership skills, a specific major, etc.).
When it comes to academic scholarships, students generally must have an outstanding GPA (3.5 or better), high test scores (ACT 27+/ SAT 1200+), excellent recommendations, and be involved in numerous extracurricular and/or community activities. To receive an athletic or talent scholarship, a student must truly be outstanding.
Even though it is not easy to obtain academic or talent scholarships, students and parents who are willing to invest the time and energy may find that their efforts pay off handsomely. When looking for scholarships, keep the following in mind:
1. Start early. Finding and applying for scholarships takes time, energy, and persistence.
2. The college the student plans to attend usually awards the larger scholarships. Contact the college financial aid office to learn about scholarship opportunities.
3. Private colleges are often more generous in awarding scholarships, thus making private schools competitive in price with public schools. Do not rule out a private school until you have received their financial aid package.
4. Apply for local scholarships. These are announced throughout the school year to all seniors. These are generally smaller amounts (i.e. $100 - $1,000), however, since the competition is not as great as for state and national scholarships, they are easier to obtain.
5. Be aware of deadlines. Scholarship applications become available throughout a student’s senior year and are sometimes due only weeks after being publicized.
6. Check for scholarship opportunities with your place of employment, organizations to which you belong, etc. Also, look for scholarship opportunities in the newspaper.
7. Use the computer as a resource. Many programs have been installed on the computers in the library for which you can search for scholarships. Also, the Internet can also provide valuable information on scholarship opportunities.
8. Be organized! Make sure your teachers and counselor are given enough time to prepare letters of recommendations and transcripts. Be aware of deadlines!
If you have any questions regarding financial aid and/or scholarships, please don’t hesitate to call the guidance office at 692-5371 ext. 1135.
SCHOLARSHIP SEARCHES THAT CHARGE A FEE ARE GENERALLY NOT WORTH THE MONEY!!!
I recall reading about a high school guidance counselor who once decided to find out whether or not these commercial scholarship searches were worth the money. She completed a questionnaire, paid a fee, and in return, received a very impressive looking 31 page computerized Scholarship Profile. Out of the 36 scholarships listed in the report, her son did not qualify for 19 of them. For example, two scholarships were for individuals living in Hardin County. They lived in Montgomery County. Of the 17 remaining scholarships, 3 were duplicates, 4 her son could not apply for, 7 were offered by the colleges he had applied to and already knew about, and 2 required fees. That left one scholarship. They had, however, already received information on that scholarship through other sources. In conclusion, I recommend that you save your money, and spend your time taking advantage of the free scholarship searches (i.e. collegenet.com, fastweb.com, srnexpress.com, and schoarships.com)
Several local scholarship opportunities will be announced throughout a student’s senior year. Many of these will not become available until much later in the school year. I will be sure to inform the senior class when each comes into my office. At this point it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to inquire about and submit the application for the scholarships they choose. I will assist each of them as much as possible.
Financial Aid Process and Timeline
1. Check for scholarships – Local scholarships will be announced in school. It is your responsibility to find, complete and meet deadlines. State, local and institutional – October/November/December.
2. Apply for FAFSA pin# for you and one parent by going to www.pin.ed.gov. - January
3. Complete FAFSA online @ www.fafsa.gov (NO LATER THAN FEB. 15)• Need to have students income taxes and W2’s if any
• Need to have parents income taxes and W2’s if any
• Everyone must file a new(or renewal) FAFSA every year
4. Student receives a Student Aid Report – SAR – March/ Feb.
• Purpose of the SAR is to verify accuracy of FAFSA information
• Must be verified by student and parent
• No response necessary if correct
5. Student receives an award letter – March/April
• Student receives postcard with institutions on how to get Award Letter on-line
• Award Letter only tells you what you are eligible for!!
• An Award Letter suggests how money can be distributed.
• Distributes grants, scholarships and loans over applicable periods
• Student must accept or decline distribution plan
• Accepting an Award Letter must be done but gets you NO LOAN MONEY!!!!
6. Student may apply for Stafford Loans to cover any additional costs.
7. Student and parent PLUS loans are a consideration
LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
*HAUSS-HELMS FOUNDATION GRANTS:
EDUCATIONAL GRANTS. STUDENTS MUST LIVE IN ALLEN/AUGLAIZE COUNTY AND BE IN THE TOP HALF OF THE CLASS. AWARDS ARE BASED IN LARGE PART ON NEED. APRIL 15TH DEADLINE
*DELPHOS ROTARY SERVICE AWARD:
$500 AWARD TO DESERVING SENIOR. APPLY IN APRIL. APPLICATIONS IN GUIDANCE OFFICE.
OHIO KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:
$1000 SCHOLARSHIP TO BE USED FOR HIGH SCHOOL TUITION. AVAILABLE TO ANY 9TH – 12TH GRADER. APPLICATION DUE NOVEMBER 15TH OF EACH YEAR.
*MID-WEST ELECTRIC:
SCHOLARSHIP TO CUSTOMERS OF MID-WEST ELECTRIC. APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE IN GUIDANCE OFFICE OR FROM MID-WEST ELECTRIC. (SPRING)
*VAN WERT COUNTY FOUNDATION GRANTS:
SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS WHO LIVE IN VAN WERT OR ALLEN COUNTY. STUDENTS APPLY IN THE SPRING OF THEIR SENIOR YEAR BUT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE UNTIL THEIR SOPHOMORE YEAR OF COLLEGE. APPLY IN APRIL/MAY. APPLICATIONS IN GUIDANCE OFFICE.
*RENE SCHIMMOELLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
SPONSORED BY DELPHOS JAYCEES. APPLY IN LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY.
*DELPHOS OPTIMIST SCHOLARSHIP:
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE IN APRIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1500. APPLICATIONS ARE ON THE WEB
*FIRST FEDERAL BANK SCHOLARSHIP:
$1000 SCHOLARSHIP TO A ST. JOHN'S SENIOR. EMPLOYEES RELATIVES NOT ELIGIBLE. APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE IN THE SPRING.
*ALLEN COUNTY PORK PRODUCERS:
CHILDREN OF MEMBERS WHO HAVE HAD 4H, HAVE COMPLETED A FFA PROJECT, OR ARE PLANNING ON GOING INTO AGRICULTURE IN COLLEGE. MARCH 1ST DEADLINE EACH AND EVERY YEAR.
*AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN:
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SENIOR GIRLS WHO RESIDES IN ALLEN COUNTY.
*STEVE DICKMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
$1000 TO A ST. JOHN'S SENIOR. APRIL/MAY. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN GUIDANCE OFFICE.
*FR. HERR SCHOLARSHIP:
$1000 SCHOLARSHIP. APPLY IN LATE APRIL. MUST BE ACTIVE IN YOUR CHURCH. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE GUIDANCE OFFICE IN APRIL OF EACH YEAR.
*LIMA/ALLEN COUNTY MEDICAL AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP:
FOR A SENIOR GOING INTO A HEALTH/MEDICAL FIELD. APPLICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN FEBRUARY IN THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
*LIMA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP:
SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENT INTERESTED IN HEALTH FIELD. NURSING SCHOLARSHIP INCLUDED
*DELPHOS ST. JOHN'S OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP AWARD:
THE FACULTY OF ST. JOHN'S NOMINATE AND SELECT A SENIOR FOR THIS AWARD.
*DELPHOS YOUNG FARMER SCHOLARSHIP:
SCHOLARSHIP FOR A SENIOR PLANNING TO ENTER COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND MAJOR IN THE AREAS OF FOOD, AGRICULTURE, OR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES. MAY DEADLINE
*LINUS & LEONA BERELSMAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP:
A SCHOLARSHIP FROM THE BERELSMAN FAMILY IN MEMORY OF LINUS & LEONA. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE SPRING.
*VAN WERT/ALLEN COUNTY OSU ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP:
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE RANGING FROM $400-$1500 AND ARE BASED ON MERIT AND NEED.
APPLY TO EITHER THE VAN WERT OR THE ALLEN COUNTY BUT NOT BOTH.
*MARK YOUNGPETER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
MUST HAVE BEEN ENROLLED FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS IN THE DELPHOS SCHOOL SYSTEM. MUST HAVE A 2.5 GPA OR ABOVE. PRIORITY GIVEN TO SOMEONE ACTIVE IN SPORTS AND SHOWING FINANCIAL NEED. REQUIRES AN ESSAY - APRIL DEADLINE.
*KEVIN “SPANKY” KEMPER SCHOLARSHIP:
$250 SCHOLARSHIPS. SHORT ESSAY REQUIRED. APRIL DEADLINE.
*TOLEDO MOLDING & DIE SCHOLARSHIP:
$1500 SCHOLARSHIP. ONE WINNER FROM ST. JOHN’S. MUST HAVE A GPA OF 3.0 OR ABOVE. MUST BE STUDYING ENGINEERING OR BUSINESS. FINALISTS WILL BE INTERVIEWED. MAY DEADLINE.
*VAN WERT COUNTY FARM BUREAU:
$500 SCHOLARSHIP. MUST BE RESIDING IN VAN WERT COUNTY AND BELONG TO A FARM BUREAU MEMBER FAMILY.
*MALLORY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP:
DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S FACULTY DETERMINES THE RECIPIENT OF THIS AWARD. CRITERIA INCLUDES GPA, ACT SCORES, AND GRADES IN SCIENCE AND HISTORY.
*VONDEREMBSE/BECK SCHOLARSHIP:
DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S FACULTY DETERMINES THE RECIPIENT OF THIS AWARD. CRITERIA INCLUDES GPA, LEADERSHIP QUALITIES, AND FINANCIAL NEED.
*HARTER & SCHIER FUNERAL HOME SCHOLARSHIP:
$500 SCHOLARSHIP. MUST BE GOING INTO A SCIENCE RELATED FIELD OF STUDY
*GIP POHLMAN ALUMNI BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP:
AWARDED TO SENIOR BASKETBALL PLAYER(S) WHO SERVED COMMUNITY, SCHOOL AND CHURCH.
*ADAM NEWLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
MUST BE PLANNING TO FURTHER EDUCATION. WINNER IS CHOSEN BY RANDOM DRAW.
K OF C SCHOLARSHIP:
K of C Council #1362 is happy to announce they are again offering practicing Catholic students attending St. John’s High School an opportunity to receive a $1,000.00 high school scholarship. Scholarship applications may be obtained from Mr. Al Unterbrink, St. John’s Guidance Counselor after September 15th. Applications may also be found on the K of C website at: www.kofcohio.org/activities%20events.htm.. Completed applications need to be returned before November 15, 2011.
An independent selection committee representing the “K of C Charity Foundation, Inc.” will make the final selection of scholarship winners. No more than one scholarship will be awarded each Catholic high school in the state of Ohio. Scholarship considerations include: must be a practicing Catholic, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, academic awards, community and/or parish activities, school offices held or currently holding, financial need and must currently be enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in a Catholic high school. Preferences may be given to applicants who are sons, daughters or grandchildren of current or deceased K of C members or those who are Squires members.
If anyone has questions they may contact Jerry Backus at 419-695-1768.
