Scholarship Hangar Tracker
Scholarship Hangar
Inventory of Financial Aid Opportunities
Pilot:
Goal:
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Flight Tactics
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- Prioritize Local: Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, and local banks have lower competition.
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- Recycle Essays: Most prompts ask about leadership or community—build one "master" version of each.
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- Weekly Routine: Dedicate Sunday afternoons to finding 2 and applying to 1 scholarship.
Pre-Flight Essentials
Updated Brag Sheet for Teachers
Digital copy of unofficial transcript
FAFSA Submission Confirmation ID
Professional email address for apps
Application Launch Slides
Mission Briefing
Application
Launch
Your Senior Year Roadmap to College Success and Financial Aid Mastery.
The Big Picture
PHASE 1
Preparation
Aug - Sep: Finalize your list, ask for recs, and draft your main essay.
PHASE 2
Submission
Oct - Jan: Early and Regular deadlines. FAFSA completion.
PHASE 3
Scholarships
Jan - Mar: The "Free Money" blitz. Local and national apps.
PHASE 4
Decision
Apr - May: Award letter review, final visits, and commitment.
Pre-Flight
Checklist
1
Finalize a list of 6-10 schools
2
Request Letters of Rec (3 teachers)
3
Create your Common App Account
Pro-Tip: The "Brag Sheet"
Don't just ask for a letter. Give your teachers a one-page "Brag Sheet" detailing your proudest achievements, challenges overcome, and why you want to attend college. This makes their job easier and your letter better!
Show Me The Money
FAFSA First
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is non-negotiable. It opens doors to grants, loans, and work-study.
Opening Date: October 1st*
CSS Profile
Some private institutions require this additional form. Check each school's financial aid page carefully!
Local Gems
Small local scholarships ($500 - $2,000) are much easier to win than big national ones. Apply to 10+!
*Note: FAFSA opening dates can vary slightly year to year. Stay tuned for updates!
Landing
The Plane
Compare financial aid packages side-by-side using a net-price calculator.
Ask for "More Fuel" (Appeal your financial aid if circumstances changed).
Submit your deposit by May 1st to secure your spot.
Target Date
MAY 1
Commitment Day
Counselor Flight Manual
Counselor Flight Manual
Monthly Strategic Implementation Guide
Counseling Goals
Workflow Mastery: Move students from "overwhelmed" to "organized" using the Hangar Tracker.
Financial Readiness: Ensure students know their FAFSA/CSS status and "Net Price."
Brag Sheet Essentials
- • 3 Proudest achievements
- • Challenges overcome
- • Favorite teacher moment
- • Extracurricular roles
Implementation Calendar
AUG SEP
Foundation Building
Host "List Building" workshops. Explain Reach/Match/Safety balance. Ensure students have a Brag Sheet ready.
OCT NOV
Submission Sprint
Launch FAFSA Night. Common App Lab hours. Peer-review personal statements for student voice.
DEC JAN
RD & Scholarship
Submit final apps. Pivot to "Scholarship Season." Focus on local grants via community hubs.
FEB MAY
Landing & Choice
Compare award letters. Explain loan types. Celebrate Decision Day on May 1st with a Signing Wall.
Counselor Strategy Notes