LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION SHEET

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION SHEET

2008-2009

Now is the time to begin planning for the hundreds of dollars given out annually by local scholarship sponsors. The local scholarship application must be submitted in a specific format, so please take time to read and follow all directions before completing the application or distributing the recommendation forms. The application will be available for on-line completion at the district website (http://sasiportal.cfbisd.edu:2222/localscholarship/localscholarshipmenu.htm) or in paper format in the counseling office beginning in January, 2009.

ABSOLUTELY NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE ANNOUNCED DEADLINE. All applications must be turned in to the Counseling office by 3:00 p.m. on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2009.

If you complete the paper version of the application, it must be typed. In that event, please do your neatest work. If the application is completed online, it must be printed out and turned in to the counseling office. Remember that this document may be all that the scholarship committee has to differentiate you from other applicants. Make a good impression with a well-done application.

Do not assume that a teacher, neighbor, or employer will automatically be willing to provide a recommendation for you—request that they do so and make your request early enough to allow them adequate time to complete the required form. It is your responsibility to contact your teachers and your outside reference personally BEFORE you give them the rating-scale sheets. It is recommended that you ask your reference to provide a letter in addition to the rating scale form or to make brief comments of a more personal nature about you on a separate page and then attach it to the application. It is recommended that you provide your senior profile along with the recommendation form to the persons who will serve as your references. You should provide these documents to your references as soon as possible so that they will have adequate time to do a good job for you. Be aware that senior teachers are often asked to complete MANY of these forms. Please do not inconvenience your references because of your failure to observe deadlines.

In selecting someone to serve as a reference, please choose someone who knows you well and will provide a positive recommendation. Be sure that you take the time to talk with them about your goals and plans for college and a career. Your references should return the forms directly to our office so please be sure that you advise them of the deadline date.

Provide your outside reference (someone not related to you and not connected with Newman Smith High School) with a stamped, addressed envelope in which to mail the completed reference form. Our address is: Counseling Office, Newman Smith High School, 2335 North Josey Lane, Carrollton TX 75006. Please DO NOT ask your counselor to serve as one of your references.

You will be required to complete a resume to accompany the application. You must follow the format provided on the website.

Scholarship committees will review the materials you submit to make a determination as to award recipients. In some cases, scholarship committees may interview selected applicants. In the event that you are selected for interview, if possible, you will be given advance notice of the interview date and time. If you are asked to interview with a committee, please dress appropriately.

Scholarship recipients will be announced at the Senior Awards Assembly on May 29, 2009. In some cases, individuals will be notified prior to this date that they have been selected as honorees. Some awards will not be announced until the Assembly.