Proficient Reading:
Elementary: 28%
Middle: 27%
High: 27%
|
Distinguished Reading:
Elementary: 24%
Middle: 23%
High: 23%
|
Proficient Math:
Elementary: 29%
Middle: 26%
High: 21%
|
Distinguished Math:
Elementary: 17%
Middle: 17%
High: 17%
|
Finding A College Scholarship
FCPS has gathered helpful material for families seeking scholarship information and related resources. We encourage students in grades 9-12 to consider all their options! Please direct questions to your high school's guidance office or your college and career coach.
Before You Apply ...
Basics You Need to Know
- The major sources of assistance are (1) federal and state financial aid, loans, and grants; (2) college or university scholarships; (3) scholarships from businesses and organizations.
- Regardless of income, there are scholarships for everyone.
- Many scholarships are based on academic, extracurricular, and community service, while others are based on financial need.
- Be aware that scholarship applications have deadlines.
- You can still apply for scholarships after you are already attending college!
Types of Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
While these FAQs cover some of the basics, you should always review the specific terms and details for each scholarship you apply for!
What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to support their education. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid. They are often awarded based on merit, need, or specific eligibility criteria.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
You typically need to complete an application form, provide required documentation (such as transcripts, essays, or recommendation letters), and meet specific eligibility requirements. The application process varies depending on the scholarship.
What types of scholarships are available?
The various types include:
- Merit-based scholarships -- awarded based on academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, or special talents
- Need-based scholarships -- awarded based on financial need
- Athletic scholarships -- for students with exceptional skills in sports
- Specific field scholarships -- for students pursuing a certain field of study, such as engineering, arts, or nursing
- Demographic scholarships -- for specific groups based on factors like race, gender, or disability
- School-specific scholarships -- offered by individual colleges or universities to their students
What are the eligibility requirements?
The requirements vary depending on the scholarship. Common criteria include academic performance, financial need, enrollment status (full-time or part-time), residency, or pursuing a certain field of study. Always check the specific criteria for each scholarship.
When should I apply for scholarships?
It’s important to apply well in advance. Some scholarships have deadlines as early as the fall before the academic year starts. Pay attention to specific deadlines for each scholarship and apply early to maximize your chances.
How are scholarships awarded?
Scholarships are typically awarded based on criteria such as academic performance, financial need, or other qualifications outlined in the application. Some scholarships may also require an interview or additional materials such as essays or letters of recommendation.
Do I have to repay scholarships?
No, scholarships do not need to be repaid. They are considered a gift for your education. However, some scholarships may have conditions, such as maintaining a certain GPA or pursuing a specific program of study.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for. In fact, it is encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving funding.
Are there scholarships for graduate students?
Yes, and these can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to certain fields of study. Some scholarships are awarded by universities, while others come from private organizations or government programs.
What happens if I get a scholarship and then drop out or fail to meet the requirements?
You might lose the scholarship. Some scholarships have clauses that require students to maintain full-time enrollment and meet academic standards to continue receiving the funding.
How can I find scholarships?
- College or university websites: Check your school’s financial aid office or website.
- Scholarship search engines: Websites like Fastweb, Cappex, and Niche provide databases of scholarships.
- Community organizations: Local businesses, foundations, and nonprofits may offer scholarships.
- Government programs: Federal and state scholarships or grants are available.
What documents are typically required for a scholarship application?
Commonly requested documents include:
- Application form
- Transcripts or academic records
- Essays or personal statements
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of financial need (for need-based scholarships)
- Test scores (e.g. SAT or ACT)
- Resume or list of extracurricular activities
Can international students apply for scholarships?
Yes. Some are specific to international students studying in a particular country, while others may be open to all students regardless of nationality.
What is the difference between a scholarship and a grant?
Both are forms of financial aid that do not require repayment. Scholarships are usually merit-based or talent-based, while grants are often need-based and awarded based on financial circumstances. Grants are typically provided by government agencies, whereas scholarships can come from various sources.
How long does it take to hear back about a scholarship application?
It varies, but typically you can expect to hear back within a few weeks to a few months after the application deadline. Be sure to check the specific scholarship's timeline.
Resources
How-To Videos
Essay Assistance
Glossary of Terms
ACT
The test required or accepted at all public and many private universities in Kentucky. It has four sections — English, math, reading and science reasoning — and an optional writing exam. Scores are used for admissions purposes, awarding scholarships and placing students in special programs and honors courses.
Alternative loan
See private loan.
Associate’s degree
Awarded after 15 months to two years of study. Associate’s degrees include:
• Associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS), often transferable to four-year colleges. Courses can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.
• Associate in applied science (AAS) in a technical area meant to lead directly to a job. Most courses cannot be applied toward a four-year degree.
• Associate in applied technology (AAT) in a technical area meant to lead directly to a job. Most courses cannot be applied toward a four-year degree.
Bachelor’s degree
Generally awarded after four to five years of study. The most common are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS).
Capitalization
Adding the interest on an unsubsidized loan to the principal instead of paying it while you’re in school. This means your principal will be more, and so will your monthly payments.
Certificate
(1) Given in a nondegree program, usually in a vocational or technical area, to prepare for a specific occupation. Certificate programs generally last six to 12 months.
(2) Given in a specialized field at the postgraduate level, as in certain fields of medicine.
CLEP
The College-Level Examination Program offers subject tests and general exams. Some colleges use the scores to award credit by examination to entering freshmen.
College
A school that offers postsecondary education or a large subdivision of a university, like the College of Business or the College of Arts and Sciences.
Commuter students
Students who live at home instead of on campus.
Consolidation
Lets you combine several student loans into one loan. It can lower monthly payments and extend the repayment period, but you’ll probably pay more interest.
Conversion scholarship/loan
It requires recipients to provide certain services or pay back the funds received with interest.
Cosigner
Someone other than you who may be required to sign your promissory note. The cosigner has to pay the loan back if you don’t. Sometimes called endorser.
Credit by examination
Process in which students can earn credit for college-level knowledge by passing a test. CLEP lets students earn college credit this way.
Credit hour or clock hour
Unit of measurement for an educational program. While most community colleges and four-year colleges and universities use credit hours, some proprietary schools use clock hours.
Default
If you don’t repay a loan according to the terms agreed upon when you signed the promissory note, you’re in default.
Deferment
Lets you put off paying principal and/or interest for a while, depending on your type of loan.
Delinquency
When loan payments are late or missed. After 30 days, delinquency is reported to a credit bureau, which will hurt you if you try to borrow for a car or a house.
Diploma
Given in a nondegree program, usually a vocational or technical field, to prepare for a job. Diploma programs generally take nine to 18 months. This diploma is not the same as the diploma you receive when you graduate from high school.
Doctorate
A degree that usually takes three or more years after a bachelor’s to complete.
Entrance/exit counseling
Counseling sessions required before you get a federal student loan and when you leave school. They help you learn more about repayment and deferment options and what happens if you don’t repay your loans.
Expected family contribution (EFC)
Amount you and your family are expected to pay toward yearly college costs. The EFC is derived from need analysis of the family’s income and assets.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the need analysis form all students must complete when applying for federal and state student aid. Some colleges also use the FAFSA to award scholarships.
Federal default fee
A fee charged to insure federal student loans in case you die, default or become permanently disabled.
Financial aid
Money from state and federal governments, colleges, private organizations, associations and companies to help pay the costs of a college education or technical training.
Financial aid package
Total financial aid a college awards a student. It may consist of several types of aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, work-study programs and others. Financial need, availability of funds, institutional aid policies and the number of students who need financial assistance all influence a financial aid package.
Financial need
The amount of higher education expenses that your expected family contribution (EFC) falls short of paying. Financial need equals the cost of education minus the EFC.
Forbearance
A period of time when the lender lets you suspend your payments or makes other financial arrangements based on your circumstances. Forbearance is granted at the lender’s discretion. Interest continues to accrue.
GPA
A grade point average is the sum of the graded points earned (usually A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) divided by the numbers of hours attempted for courses taken during a semester.
Grace period
The time between your leaving school and having to start paying back your student loans. It’s usually six months, so it gives you time to begin work and establish cash flow before you have to make the first payment.
Graduate student
Student who has earned a bachelor’s degree and is working toward a master’s degree, doctorate or professional degree.
Grant
Financial aid award, generally based on financial need, to help pay the cost of higher education. A grant generally does not have to be repaid.
Higher education
Any education after high school
Institution
Often used to refer to a school that offers higher education
Institutional aid
Student financial aid administered by the school
Interest
A charge for a loan, usually a percentage of the amount borrowed
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
State agency that helps students plan and pay for college by providing financial aid programs and free materials and information.
Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation (KHESLC)
Public agency that helps students pay for college by providing private loans.
Lender
Whoever loans you money for higher education. It can be the federal government, a college, a bank, a nonprofit state corporation, a credit union or some other financial institution.
Loan
Money borrowed to help pay higher education costs. Loans must be repaid with interest.
Loan Servicer
Whoever collects the money you pay on a student loan. It may not be the lender.
Major
Primary academic field of study in college.
Master’s
A degree that takes at least a year after the bachelor’s to complete.
Matriculation
Another word for enrollment
Merit-based
Financial aid based on academic, athletic or some other type of achievement.
Minor
Secondary academic field of study in college
MPN
The Master Promissory Note, a promissory note good for 10 years if you don’t change schools
Need analysis
Used to determine how much students and their families can reasonably be expected to pay toward college expenses. Updated each year to reflect changes in the economy.
Need-based
Financial aid based on the government’s need analysis formula.
Notification
The process by which the school or lender tells you about your loan type and amounts. You have to accept, reject or adjust the type or amount of the loan.
Origination fee
A fee charged by the lender
Plain language disclosure
A statement that discloses loan terms and conditions that must be provided to you before or at the time of disbursement on a federal student loan.
Postbaccalaureate
After a bachelor’s degree
Postsecondary
“After high school.” Postsecondary education can be received at a college, university, community and technical college, proprietary school or off campus.
Pre-college curriculum
Specific credits high school students are required to complete for admission into Kentucky’s public universities
Prepayment
Making loan payments before the due date. All or part of a student loan may be prepaid without penalty. Also called accelerated payment.
Principal
The basic amount of a loan before interest is added and/or fees are deducted. Also called the face amount.
Private loan
A loan from a bank or lender other than the federal government.
Professional degree
A degree in such fields as dentistry, law and medicine. These usually take at least six years to complete.
Promissory note
A legally binding contract between you and the lender. It establishes the conditions under which you borrow money and the terms under which you have to repay it.
Proprietary schools
Privately owned schools that provide a wide range of courses of study, such as cosmetology, business and broadcasting. Programs range from two to 24 months and lead to certificates, diplomas, or degrees in a variety of subjects.
Repayment schedule
A repayment summary that discloses your monthly payment amount, the due date for payments, the interest rate, the total amount you owe and the length of the repayment term. The holder of the loan sends this to you.
SAT
A college entrance exam accepted at many Kentucky colleges. This multiple choice test has two sections — math and reading/ writing. A written essay is optional. Scores are used for admissions purposes and in awarding scholarships.
SAT Subject Test
A one-hour test in a specific subject such as mathematics, science, English, or a foreign language. More selective schools require two or three for freshman placement.
Satisfactory academic progress
A school’s written standard of how it expects students to progress. To continue receiving federal student aid, you have to meet certain requirements regarding grade level, credits earned and grade point average.
Scholarship
A financial aid award to help pay for higher education. Scholarships generally do not have to be repaid and are normally based on ability, talent or achievement.
School certification
The process a school uses to document your eligibility for a student loan. It is required for all federal student loans and for some private loans.
Student Aid Report (SAR)
Document produced from information provided on the FAFSA and sent to the student. The SAR reports the student’s eligibility for aid and expected family contribution (EFC).
Technical school
A school that provides training in technical fields. Often called a trade school.
Transcript
Cumulative academic record that lists courses taken, grades received and credits or credit hours received.
Tuition
The amount schools charge for instruction and for the use of certain school facilities, such as libraries.
Undergraduate
College student who has not yet earned a degree.
University
A school that offers degrees beyond a bachelor’s, such as a master’s or a doctorate.
Waiver
Arrangement under which a school does not charge specific costs if a student meets certain qualifications.
Work-study
Employment that lets students earn money to help pay the cost of higher education.
Scholarships
Fayette County
ACE PTA Scholarship -- Submit your resume and a letter explaining why you deserve or need the scholarship
Blue Grass Community Foundation
Community Action Council's Outstanding Community Service Award (mail application: Community Action Council, P.O. Box 11610, Lexington KY 40576)
Distinguished Young Women of Fayette County
Kentucky Association for Professional African American Women
Lexington Lions Club (email Lions application here)
Statewide
Key site for Kentucky students:
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Commonwealth Credit Union Scholarships
Community Foundation of Louisville Scholarships
Forcht Bank Community Impact Scholarship
Horse Farm Workers Educational Assistance Fund
Kentucky Educational Development Corp.
Kentucky Federation of Republican Women
Kentucky Humanitarian Assistance Scholarship
Kentucky Scholarship Directory
Kentucky Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages -- Student Scholarship
Toyota Engineering Technology Diversity Scholarship
Transportation Cabinet's Civil Engineering Scholarship
Nationwide
Submissions
If your university, business, or organization would like to list a scholarship with FCPS, please use this form:
Note: FCPS staff will periodically review submissions and decide which ones to add to this webpage.
Disclaimer: The page is far from an exhaustive source for college scholarships and financial aid. Fayette County Public Schools
does not endorse any of these resources, but merely provides them here for families' convenience.