Top Recommended Scholarships for Students by Mar Vista High School Counselors

School is back in session Jan. 9, and for those who plan to continue their education in college, life isn’t getting any easier as fees continue to rise.

There are thousands of dollars in free money in hundreds of scholarships.

Here is a list of near 60 scholarships recommended by counselors at Mar Vista High School. Some are open to all, while some require specific religious or racial background, or that you seek to enter a certain profession.   

More are available at fastweb.com, gocollege.com and the San Diego County Office of Education.

Remember some scholarships require a copy of an official transcript that must be obtained from your high school administration. 

First, a few tips:

-          use a day or two of vacation time to get your applications and essays in order so you aren’t burdened by these things later in the year

-          apply early to ensure you don’t forget application due dates

-          you don’t have to be a senior for all scholarships. Sophomores and juniors would be smart to start looking for scholarships they can apply for now and save a list of scholarships to apply for your senior year.

-          take time to be thoughtful about your essays and that they honestly reflect what you want to convey to the organization awarding the scholarship

-          don’t think too much about the amount of other people who apply for the same scholarship. You have to compete to win.

Scholarship Name:  Point Loma Credit Union Scholarship Fund

Application Period: Jan. 15 – March 31

Eligibility:  Selections will be made based on academic performance, extracurricular activities and an essay on why the student deserves the scholarship.

Amount:  $2,500

Application Available: http://plcu.com/about/scholarship.asp (available January 2012)

Scholarship Name: Border Patrol Memorial Scholarship

Application Period:

Eligibility:

Amount:

Application available: http://duranscholarship.com/scholarshipapplication.html

Scholarship Name:  San Diego International Sports Foundation

Deadline:  April 30, 2012

Eligibility:  Over obstacles associated with drugs and alcohol, athlete and commitment to higher education

Amount:  Up to $5,000

Application available:  www.sdhoc.com/scholarship

Scholarship Name:  Italian Catholic Federation

Deadline:  March 15, 2012

Eligibility:  Seniors who are Catholic and are of Italian descent

Amount:  $400

Application available:  www.icf.org

Scholarship Name:  Karangalan Scholarship 2011-2012

Deadline: March 2, 2012

Eligibility: Open to high school seniors of Filipino/Filipino-American descent who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan to attend a four year college or university. 

Amount:  From $200-$750

Application Available: In the counseling office

Scholarship Name:  California PTA Graduating High School Senior Scholarship

Deadline: February 1, 2012

Eligibility: This scholarship recognizes volunteer service in the school and community and does not have a GPA restriction or requirement.   

Amount:   $500

Application Available: http://www.capta.org/sections/programs/high-school-grad.cfm

Scholarship Name:  Dell Scholars Program

Deadline: January 15, 2012

Eligibility: Must be a graduating senior having participated in approved college readiness program (AVID or GEAR UP) for 2 of the last 3 years. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident and have a minimum of a 2.4 GPA. 

Amount:  $20,000 over 6 years

Application Available: http://www.dellscholars.org/Default.aspx

Scholarship Name:  Gates Millennium Scholarship

Deadline: January 11, 2012

Eligibility:  African –American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American students who have a minimum GPA of 3.3; large number of community service hours or extracurricular activities

Amount:  Up to 10 years of full-time tuition

Application Available: www.gmsp.org

Scholarship Name:  Teenager of the Month

Deadline: Ongoing

Eligibility: High school seniors will be judged on the basis of multiple achievements – character, leadership, service, citizenship and scholastic. A 1-2 page autobiographical essay including hobbies and why you are qualified to receive the award is required.

Amount:  $500

Application Available: In the counseling office

Scholarship Name:  Navy ROTC Scholarships

Deadline:  On-going

Eligibility:  Junior or Senior with SAT minimum 530 English and 520 Math; ACT minimum of 22 English and 21 Math

Amount:  Up to $180,000 in scholarship money and commission as Naval Officer

Application Available:     www.nrotc.navy.mil

Scholarship Name: California Veterans College Fee Waiver 

Deadline:  on-going