Scholarship Pre-Test Assessment SCHOLARSHIP SAVVY: PRE-TEST
Student Assessment
Tier 2 Small Group
Student Name
Date
Instructions: Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. This pre-test helps us understand what you already know and where we should focus our time today.
1. Which of the following is NOT a common type of scholarship?
Merit-based
Need-based
Athletic
Random lottery
2. Where is the BEST place to start looking for scholarships?
Social media
University financial aid websites
Friends' recommendations
Online scholarship search engines
3. Briefly explain why securing scholarships is important for your post-secondary education goals.
4. What is one challenge you anticipate when applying for scholarships?
Confidence Self-Assessment
5. On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you in your ability to find relevant scholarships? (1 = Not confident at all, 5 = Very confident)
1
Low
2
3
4
5
High
6. On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you in your ability to write a strong scholarship essay? (1 = Not confident at all, 5 = Very confident)
1
Low
2
3
4
5
High
Scholarship Post-Test Assessment SCHOLARSHIP SAVVY: POST-TEST
Student Assessment
Tier 2 Small Group
Student Name
Date
Instructions: Please answer the following questions based on today's session. This post-test helps us see what you've learned and your current confidence levels.
1. Which of the following is an example of a merit-based scholarship?
Scholarship for students from low-income families
Scholarship for student-athletes
Scholarship based on academic achievement
Scholarship for students pursuing a specific major
2. What is a key strategy for making your scholarship application stand out?
Using generic statements
Submitting a late application
Tailoring your essay to the scholarship criteria
Only applying to a few highly competitive scholarships
3. Based on what you've learned, describe two different types of scholarships and provide an example for each.
4. What is one effective strategy for finding scholarships that are a good fit for you?
Updated Confidence Self-Assessment
5. On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you NOW in your ability to find relevant scholarships? (1 = Not confident at all, 5 = Very confident)
1
Low
2
3
4
5
High
6. On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you NOW in your ability to write a strong scholarship essay? (1 = Not confident at all, 5 = Very confident)
1
Low
2
3
4
5
High
Scholarship Savvy Presentation Slides Scholarship Savvy
Mastering the Art of Free Money
What are Scholarships?
Gift Aid
Money for college that you don't have to pay back. It's essentially a grant based on various criteria.
Source Variety
Can come from the federal government, states, colleges, or private organizations.
"Don't leave money on the table!"
Billions of dollars in scholarship money are awarded annually in the US.
Know the Types
Merit-Based
Awarded for academic excellence, high test scores, leadership, or artistic talent.
Need-Based
Awarded based on your family's financial situation (often requires FAFSA or CSS Profile).
Student-Specific
Based on identity (race, religion, hobbies), intended major, or geographic location.
Career-Path
Awards for students entering specific high-demand fields like nursing, teaching, or STEM.
Where to Find the Gold
Search Engines
BigFuture (College Board), Fastweb, Scholarships.com, Cappex
Global Reach
Local Community
Chambers of Commerce, local foundations, rotary clubs, and your high school counseling office.
Higher Odds!
College Specific
Check the financial aid page of EVERY college you apply to.
Institutional Aid
Strategy: Stand Out
1
Tailor It
Read the prompt carefully. Address the specific goals of the organization offering the award.
2
The Hook
Start with a compelling story or personal anecdote. Show, don't just tell, who you are.
3
Proofread
Typos scream "unprofessional." Have a teacher, counselor, or parent read your essay.
Stay Organized
The average student applies to 10-15 scholarships. Without a tracker, you'll miss deadlines.
Scholarship Deadline Status Coca-Cola Scholars Oct 31 In Progress Local Rotary Club Mar 15 Not Started College Merit Award Jan 15 Submitted
Checklists save lives (and bank accounts)!
Scholarship Assessment Answer Keys Answer Keys & Grading Rubric
Scholarship Savvy • Teacher Resource
Scholarship Pre-Test
Which of the following is NOT a common type of scholarship?
Correct Answer: Random lottery
Where is the BEST place to start looking for scholarships?
Correct Answer: Online scholarship search engines
Briefly explain why securing scholarships is important...
Scoring Note: Look for mention of reducing student debt, covering tuition/books, or making college more accessible. Full credit for any logical connection to post-secondary goals.
What is one challenge you anticipate when applying for scholarships?
Scoring Note: Subjective response. Used to identify specific areas of anxiety or obstacles to address during the session (e.g., "writing the essay," "finding time," "not qualifying").
Scholarship Post-Test
Which of the following is an example of a merit-based scholarship?
Correct Answer: Scholarship based on academic achievement
What is a key strategy for making your scholarship application stand out?
Correct Answer: Tailoring your essay to the scholarship criteria
Describe two different types of scholarships and provide an example for each.
Merit-based: Based on GPA/Test scores (e.g., Honors College Award)
Need-based: Based on income/FAFSA (e.g., Federal Pell Grant)
Identity/Niche: Based on personal background (e.g., Italian-American Heritage Scholarship)
Athletic: Based on sport performance (e.g., NCAA Division I Scholarship)
What is one effective strategy for finding scholarships that are a good fit for you?
Scoring Note: Look for "using search engines," "filtering results," "checking local sources," or "checking specific college websites."
Data Tracking Tip
Compare the Likert scale (questions 5 & 6) results from pre to post to measure growth in student confidence. This is critical for Tier 2 intervention reporting. Calculate the percentage of students who increased their score by at least 1 point.
Scholarship Hunter Tracker Worksheet Scholarship Hunter Tracker
Organize your applications and hit those deadlines.
Student
Target Semester
My Financial Goal
Total estimated yearly cost of college:
$ __________
Total scholarship goal to cover costs:
$ __________
The Scholarship Pipeline
Active Tracking
Scholarship Name Deadline Requirements (Essay, Rec, etc.) Status ☐ Applied ☐ Applied ☐ Applied ☐ Applied ☐ Applied ☐ Applied ☐ Applied ☐ Applied
Essay Hook
Start with a specific moment of growth. Use "I" statements and active verbs.
Recommendation
Ask teachers 3-4 weeks in advance. Provide them with your resume and goal list.
Local Edge
Local scholarships have 10-20 applicants, not 10,000. Prioritize these!
Scholarship Savvy Facilitation Guide Facilitation Guide
Scholarship Savvy: Tier 2 Small Group Session
12th Grade
Duration: 45-60 Minutes
Session Objective
To equip students with the practical skills and confidence to identify, categorize, and apply for scholarships that align with their personal and academic profiles.
Tier 2 Rationale
This session is designed for students who may feel overwhelmed by the financial aid process, lack specific organizational strategies for scholarship hunting, or require more direct support than provided in a general classroom setting.
Materials Checklist
Pre-Test & Post-Test
Presentation Slides
Scholarship Hunter Tracker
Student Laptops/Tablets
Folder/Binder (for organization)
Session Pacing
5-10m
Introduction & Pre-Test
"Welcome! Today we are demystifying the scholarship process. Before we dive in, let's see where you're starting."
Distribute Pre-Test Assessment .
Ensure students answer honestly; emphasize this isn't for a "grade."
15-20m
Direct Instruction: The Savvy Strategy
Use the Presentation Slides to cover:
Types: Clarify the difference between merit and need-based aid.Searching: Show students how to use filters on search engines.The Essay: Emphasize "The Hook" and "Tailoring."
15-20m
Guided Practice: The Hunt
Students use laptops to find 3 potential scholarships.
Teacher circulates to help students determine if they meet the criteria.
Fill out the Scholarship Hunter Tracker .
10m
Wrap Up & Post-Test
Briefly share one scholarship found.
Administer Post-Test Assessment .
Facilitation Tips for Success
Focus on "Niche" Aid
Students often target massive national scholarships (e.g., Gates, Coca-Cola). Encourage them to find "low-hanging fruit" like local business awards or specific heritage-based funds where competition is lower.
Normalize Rejection
Remind students that scholarship hunting is a numbers game. Applying to 10 and getting 2 is a massive win. Encourage resilience and persistence.
