Scholarship Guide: Your Path to Success

• Inform Them You're Applying for Scholarships: Let teachers, mentors, and references know early!
• Familiarize Yourself with Bev Facey Scholarship Processes: Learn key deadlines and procedures.
  • Tip: It does not change much year to year.  If you follow it in grade 10 / 11 you will be set up. 
• Sign up for Supports: Stay connected with available resources.
  • Scholarship Checklist: Keep track of requirements and deadlines.
  • Grade Level Questionnaire - Allows your guidance counsellor to support your specific needs and transitions. 
    • Grade 10 Questionnaire to Support Career Investigation
    • Grade 11 Questionnaire to Support Career Investigation
    • Grade 12 Questionnaire to Support Transition Planning
• Reference Letter Request - Support Document

Tip: Check out this link for helpful tips for choosing a reference.(Link)

• Treat applying for scholarships like a part-time job -by scheduling 2-4 hours per month specifically for it.
  • Tip: Don’t wait for "free time"—block time in your schedule to ensure consistency.
• Create an Activities List: Detail your extracurriculars, work, and volunteer experiences for applications.
  • Tip: Use the Activities List Organizer to streamline the process.
• Always follow up with your references.
• Check Deadlines: Many major university awards have early deadlines.
• Stay proactive by continuing your search for new opportunities.
  • Find Resources: Register on scholarship platforms. These allow you to create a profile with specific parameters that meet your needs.  

  Tip: Look at these platform websites for expert advice on How to Find and Win Scholarships.

  • Scholartree 
  • Scholarships Canada
  • Yconic
• Tip: Most scholarships are offered yearly, to get a head start on your application, view scholarship requirements in grade 10 and 11 and start working on them.

• Monitor Your Grades: These are considered by scholarship committees.
  • Tip: Use the U of A Tutor List if you need extra help.
• Collaborate with a Parent: Work together to search and apply for scholarships.
  • Tip: Read How to Partner with Your Child for Scholarship Success.
• Pre-Write Scholarship Essays: Focus on themes like leadership and community involvement.
  • Tip: Look at this Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop.
• Request References Early: Give your references plenty of time to prepare.
  • Tip: Check out How to Get a GREAT Reference.(Link) 

• Check University Websites: Review upcoming deadlines and new opportunities. Apply for entrance scholarships as soon as you accept a position. Most post secondary institutions have early entrance scholarships that close in January. 
• Start Drafting Scholarship Essays: Refer to essay guidelines in your school’s scholarship booklet.
• Sign Up for Email Reminders: Stay notified of scholarship opportunities and deadlines. (Found on the S'more)
• Research Your Future: Scholarship committees prefer students with clear goals.
  • Tip: Look for field-specific scholarships for additional opportunities.
• Follow Up with References: Ensure your references submit their letters on time.
• Manage Your Email: Regularly check for updates from scholarship funders.
  • Tip: Read Why Grade 12 Students Need to Manage Their Email.

Staying organized will help you manage scholarship applications efficiently. Use these strategies to stay on track:

• Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have transcripts, reference letters, and other necessary paperwork ready.
• Track Your Applications: Keep a list of scholarships you’re applying for, including deadlines, requirements, and submission status.
  • Tip: Use Millions in Unclaimed Scholarships? Here's Proof It's Probably True for tips on finding lesser-known awards.
• Set Reminders: Use a calendar or planner to schedule application deadlines and follow-ups.
• Save Important Documents: Keep copies of transcripts, essays, and reference letters in one place for easy access.
• Create a Routine: Set aside time each month to search for new scholarships and update your applications.

Scholarship Tracker with Calendar & Habit Tracker

To help you stay on top of deadlines, applications, and follow-ups, use Scholarship Tracker.  Many like this, SAMPLE,  can be found online for easy use. 

To help students stay on top of scholarship opportunities, our school has curated a Monthly Scholarship Guide—a document that organizes scholarships by their application deadlines each month. This resource makes it easier to plan ahead, prioritize applications, and maximize your chances of earning financial support for post-secondary education.

By checking this guide regularly, students can:

• Find scholarships with upcoming deadlines
• Plan applications in advance to avoid last-minute stress
• Discover a variety of local, national, and specialized scholarships

Start Early for Success!
Scholarships tend to be similar year after year, so Grade 10s and 11s are encouraged to review the list early. By gathering requirements—such as reference letters, transcripts, and essays—in advance, students will have a head start when it's time to apply in Grade 12.

Important Notice: While our school provides information on various opportunities, some may involve costs. Any decision to participate is up to the family, and any associated expenses are the family's responsibility.

Make sure to review the guide often and take advantage of the opportunities available!

• How to Pay for Post Secondary: 
  • Alberta Government
  • ALIS
• Alberta Student Aid
  • Website: Alberta Student Aid
  • This is the official government site for student loans and grants in Alberta. It provides information on loan repayment, repayment assistance, and other financial aid options available to students.
• National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC)
  • Website: NSLSC
  • The NSLSC manages the Canada Student Loan program. You can access your loan details, make payments, and get information about repayment options.
• Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)
  • Website: RAP Info
  • RAP is a program that can help reduce your loan payments based on your income. This site provides eligibility criteria and how to apply.
• Your Financial Institution
  • Many banks and credit unions offer financial advice and tools, such as loan calculators, to help you manage your student loan repayment. It’s worth checking in with them for personalized advice.
• Student Financial Assistance Office at Your School
  • Your high school or post-secondary institution likely has resources and staff to help with student loan questions and repayment planning. They may offer workshops or one-on-one counseling.
• Student Loan Help Centers
  • Some non-profit organizations, like Credit Counseling Canada, offer free or low-cost services to help manage debt and student loan repayment. They can assist with budgeting and finding repayment strategies.