Student Guide to Scholarships
La Vernia High School 2021-2022
Fact: La Vernia Class of 2021 Received 5 Million in Scholarships. Go Bears!
Transcript Request
The Counseling Office processes all transcript requests.
Transcripts are free. Please send the request and number of transcripts needed to the counseling office to Mrs.Javior Kristina.Javior@lvisd.org. All official transcripts must be sent electronically or must be directly mailed by La Vernia High School. Transcripts will be emailed/mailed out on a weekly basis. Please know, transcripts cannot be mailed via overnight services.
SAT/ACT scores must be sent directly from collegeboard.org or act.org.
Local Scholarships
Check counseling office or this page for local scholarship updates.
Email Mrs.Javior 's in the Counseling Office for more information and to be signed up for notification emails. Kristina.Javior@lvisd.org
Enter as much information as possible to find the most matches.
Grants vs. Scholarships
- Grants are free money from schools or the government, based on financial need (you’ll need to fill out a FAFSA or CSS Profile). You do NOT have to pay them back.
- Scholarships are free money from schools or independent providers, usually based on some eligibility requirements and an application (e.g. an essay). You do NOT have to pay them back.
- Loans provide you with money to pay for college (including non-tuition expenses), but you have to pay them back after you graduate, with interest. (In other words, over time, you pay back the lender more than they originally gave you.)
1. Grants and scholarships as most desirable (money that you don’t have to pay back).
2. Government or school loans (generally better terms)
3. Private loans.
Did you know? In 2017-18, families spent an average of $26,458 on college. 28% of the costs were covered by scholarships and grants (Sallie Mae, 2018).School Specific Scholarships
Also known as institutional scholarships, most schools have a few awards that are offered to enrolling and current students. "Students should always apply for any scholarship that the college/university they are attending offers," says Karen LaQuey, Director of Financial aid at Wayland Baptist University.
List 3 colleges you might be interested in applying to and review their scholarship offerings. This can be found on their financial aide page usually merit based. (SAT/ACT scores, GPA, ranking etc.)
Google for information on what their financial aid packages look like and compare this to the estimated Cost of Attendance.
Identify if there are any merit scholarships, in addition to need-based ones.
Identify any relevant deadlines.
Top Tips For Applicants
Scholarships can be fiercely competitive, discouraging many students from even submitting an application. However, being well-equipped with the right research strategies and scholarship application knowledge, students can gain an edge on the competition. If you are a high school student who’s eager to start applying for scholarships, below are some tips you can use to your advantage.
1. Start Your Scholarship Search Early
You can also use an excel spreadsheet to track due dates and your submission dates.
2. Understand the Scholarships Terms
Make sure that you completely understand the terms of the scholarships you are applying for.
3. Apply for as Many Scholarships as Possible
Whether it is a smaller or more sizable scholarship, simply apply.
4. Only Apply for Scholarships that You’re Qualified to Win
Refrain from sending out applications for scholarships that you don’t meet the minimum requirements, and focus on applying for scholarships that you are eligible.
5. Do Not Shy Away From Scholarships That Require Essays
Many students tend to shy away from scholarships that need essays, but one of the elements that can easily help you to stand out from the crowd is a well-polished essay.
6. Have a Good Recommendation Letter
A recommendation letter can help to boost the chances of your scholarship application being approved.
7. Join an Honor Society or Academic Student Group
An academic-based student group or an honor society will offer you a chance to boost your resume and meet new like-minded people.
8. Proofread Your Application
Take time to go through your work in order to correct grammatical mistakes and errors. As much as self-proofreading of your application is essential, get someone else to go through your work or make use of online proofreading websites such as Grammarly.
9. Practice Interview Skills
Note that most scholarships usually require an in-person interview with the applicant. Teach yourself how you can effectively answer questions in regards to who you are, your achievements, background, aspirations.
Collegeboard Opportunity Scholarships
The more effort you put in, the more opportunities you have to earn a scholarship. Class of 2021 students, complete five of the six actions (Build, Practice, Strengthen, Complete and Apply) and you're eligible to earn $40,000. Scholarships will be awarded through monthly drawings to students who complete each action.
1. Build Your College List: $500
Get started by exploring colleges you're interested in. Learn More
2. Practice for the SAT: $1,000
Use Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy® to get ready for test day. Learn More
Show how practice pays off by improving your SAT score. Learn More
4. Strengthen Your College List: $500
Make sure your college list has a mix of academic safety, match, and reach schools. Learn More
Fill out the free government form to apply for financial aid. Learn More
Apply to the schools you want to attend. Learn More
Complete Your Journey: $40,000
Complete five of the six steps (Build, Practice, Strengthen, Complete and Apply) to be eligible for a $40,000 scholarship
Ten Most Common Essay Questions
High School Counseling Office Contact Information
Counseling Secretary Kristina Javior Kristina.Javior@lvisd.org
- Alicia Grant Alicia.Grant@lvisd.org
- Theresa Frucht A-Ga theresa.frucht@lvisd.org
- Briana Wilde P-Z briana.wilde@lvisd.org