General Planning
Special Programs
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Search for Scholarships
See Scholarship List
Apply for Scholarships
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Getting Started
If you plan to apply for financial aid next year, submit the FAFSA as soon as possible!
(You don't have to have an application for admission completed at the time that you file the FAFSA -
just list the school names & codes on the FAFSA form)
- The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid www.finaid.org/ lists several scholarship search programs, instructions for the federal form, information on loans & lenders, and college planning sites. Also includes a free "Financial Aid Expected Family Contribution Form" which allows you to enter data to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and financial need.
- www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Use this free form to apply for student financial aid from the federal government, including the Pell Grant, Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan and work-study. The FAFSA is also required by all state and many school student assistance programs. Remember that you must also complete applications for aid at individual schools. Go to the MC Financial Aid Web Page for Montgomery College information.
- Pay for College www.collegeboard.com/pay/ - a comprehensive site from The College Board, including Tackling the FAFSA, Financial Aid Myths, and Your Aid Award Explained, an overview of the types of aid colleges offer students - grants, loans, and work-study.
- College Data - Pay Your Way
- www.scholarshiphelp.org An excellent starting point.
- Ways to Pay for College The College Board
- Student Loans www.finaid.org/loans/
- www.salliemae.com/ - programs through the Student Loan Corporation and scholarship information.
- Scholarship Scams and Frauds - Can You Spot a Scholarship Scam?
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Using a Search Engine
Use keywords such as "psychology scholarships" or "business scholarships." Search also for "free scholarships", "transfer scholarships" or "Maryland scholarships" to develop lists.
Scholarships by Major: search for national associations for your major on a search engine using the words "association" or "society" - for example, "engineering association" and "engineering society" should link you to groups that may offer scholarships.
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Free Financial Aid Search Programs
Before you begin, please read Scholarship Scams - Don't Pay Money to Find Money!
Use any combination of free scholarship search programs and web search engines to explore scholarship opportunities for use at Montgomery College and for transfer to four-year institutions. Avoid programs that ask for personal information from you (home address or credit card number) beyond your name and e-mail address.
Tips:
- Search often. Scholarships change and new ones are added.
- Don't limit yourself to one academic major. Select multiple majors to see what's available.
- Select "No Academic Major" to see the scholarships and financial aid awards available to students regardless of their field of study. Some scholarship awards are based on your desire to attend college without regard to major.
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State of Maryland Scholarship & Financial Aid Information
The MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION offers these programs for Maryland residents. Visit this site for descriptions of programs, eligibility and the application process. www.mhec.state.md.us
Use the Maryland State On-Line Scholarship Search to see if you have the qualifications for specific programs
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Phi Theta Kappa
Members of Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society of two-year colleges, are eligible for many scholarship opportunities at four-year institutions. Examples of Maryland schools offering PTK scholarships are: College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Goucher College, Hood College, McDaniel College, Stevenson University, St. Mary's College of Maryland, Towson University, University of Baltimore, University of Maryland - Baltimore County, and Washington College. For the complete scholarship list in all states, visit: http://scholarships.ptk.org/
To be considered for election to Phi Theta Kappa, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 for a least 15 credit hours of course work at Montgomery College and be enrolled in a degree program or transfer curriculum. A cumulative grade point average of 3.4 is required to maintain membership. Contact the Phi Theta Kappa adviser at the campus they attend or visit the Office of Student Life for information.
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Organizations and Affiliations
See the websites of local organizations, such as the Elks or Jaycees, religious or ethnic organizations, youth organizations, fraternities and sororities, and alumni groups. See the local chamber of commerce page to learn if any local businesses offer awards.
Organizational Affiliation - If you or either of your parents are affiliated with an organization or field of work, you may be eligible for this type of scholarship. Affiliations include: religious affiliation, union membership, employers or fields of work, military, clubs, or associations.
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The Academic Common Market
Study Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech and pay in-state tuition prices! This is just one example of an Academic Common Market major. Through a partnership of 16 Southern public institutions, students who wish to major in subjects generally not offered by public schools in Maryland can attend out-of-state schools and pay in-state tuition. www.sreb.org/page/1395/academic_common_market_faqs.html
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Financial Aid & Scholarship Listings by Local Colleges & Universities
Most colleges and universities not only list scholarships available to their own students - they also have extensive pages giving advice on searching for scholarships. On any college main page, visit the Financial Aid link for scholarship information.
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Completing an AA Degree
Some transfer scholarships require the completion of an Associate's degree as a qualification for consideration. Where do you stand in the degree completion process? Use these degree planning worksheets (best viewed with Internet Explorer) to outline courses you've completed and see an MC counselor on any campus to discuss your progress.
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Application and Essay Tips
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Letters of Recommendation
Students often ask faculty members for recommendations for college applications and scholarships. Some applications include blank recommendation forms - others instruct students to ask for a letter of recommendation. Give professors at least two week's notice for each request!
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Make Yourself an Attractive Scholarship Candidate...
Merit scholarships are typically awarded on the basis of academic, athletic or artistic merit, in addition to special interests. Some merit scholarships also consider financial need, but rewarding talent is the primary objective. MANY, many scholarships are awarded to students who have "demonstrated academic excellence and have leadership qualities." So how do you get there?
- Get involved in activities! Join student clubs, take on leadership roles, look into internships, community service, volunteer work... Look for ideas @ your campus's Office of Student Life.
- Take challenging courses! Honors classes (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 required) allow you to demonstrate your academic ability and cultivate relationships with professors. In regular classes, get to know your professors. They are the people who will write letters of recommendation on your behalf. Choose classes with the assistance of an MC counselor - don't self advise!
- Look at
- Consider other specialized schools - women's colleges and historically black colleges and universities have additional opportunities.
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Athletic Scholarships
Athletic scholarships are strictly governed by the NCAA - The National Collegiate Athletic Association. Their website is THE authority on the subject of athletic scholarships.
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Other Useful Links
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Contact Us
After you've thoroughly investigated each of the links on this page, you can contact the Transfer Scholarship Counselor on your campus for further assistance:
- Germantown: 240-567-7770.
- Rockville: 240-567-5088
- Takoma Park/Silver Spring: 240-567-1480
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