Seniors

How to find a Scholarship

Scholarships are offered by thousands of local, regional, and national organizations – you just have to find them. Below is a list of ways to find scholarships, outside of those directly linked to the right:

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Overview

Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)

FAFSA Guide

College Athletes

College Recruiting Overview

NCAA Eligibility & Clearinghouse

NAIA Eligibility & Clearinghouse

Testing

Learn about & register for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery ASVAB

Learn about & register for the American College Test ACT​

Learn about & register for the SAT

The College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Code for Appleton City High School is 260065

Scholarship Tips

  • Start early & monitor deadlines

  • Save your answers to scholarship questions.

  • Proofread!

  • Give all references a resume or tip sheet.

  • Send a thank you note to references.

  • If awarded a scholarship, send a thank you note to the donor.

  • Do not pay to complete a scholarship or a financial aid form.

  • Learn about scholarship scams.

Join the Military

Army

Navy

Air Force

Marines

Coast Guard

Space Force

Planning Guide

Guide to finding, applying and paying for post-secondary education

Having a plan is the key for future success and our rootEd Advisor, Mrs. Deel, is here to help all ACHS seniors with job applications, military recruiting, trade school, community college, university, etc.

Semi-Local Scholarship Opportunities:

Many scholarships, even merit based scholarships and A+ funds, require a completed FAFSA. A best practice is to complete the FAFSA in January so you are prepared to meet scholarship deadlines. Completing the FAFSA is free and should be completed even if you think you won't qualify for aid. The Priority Deadline for the Missouri FAFSA is February 1st.

Seniors 2025 please note: Many of the dates below are from last year and will be updated in the near future, for now please use these dates as estimates only and click each individual scholarship to determine the actual due date, if known. This page is regularly updated, please check back often.

  • Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

    • $1,000 - $12,500

    • Do not need to be an Elks member

    • Select Bates County Elks 2653 as the supporting lodge

    • The Butler Lodge also offers 3 additional scholarships using this same application

    • Deadline: 11/12/24

  • Terry and Deborah Mitchel Scholarship

    • $1,000

    • Graduating Appleton City, Calhoun, Clinton, Henry County R-1 or Montrose

    • GPA of 2.0+

    • Student must be applying to a four year accredited college or university

    • Deadline: TBD March 25'

  • H & E Vet Clinic

    • $1,000

    • Attend Appleton City or Montrose High School

    • Major in veterinary medicine

    • Deadline: TBD

  • John Byron Corbin Charitable Trust

    • $2,000

    • Priority to students who without help might not get to go to college

    • Nevada, MO and surrounding communities only

    • Deadline:

  • On My Own Inc. Scholarship

    • $500 per semester

    • Applicant must be the child of a disabled parent or a disabled

      child themselves

    • Applicant must be seeking a degree to help people with disabilities

      such as medical, special education, social services, therapy and or

      mental health fields

    • Must be In State College or Vocational Technical Program or an  Institution that does not charge out of state tuition to Missouri residents.  

    • Deadline: 4/15/25 delivered to Nevada office

  • Graybar Construction Trades Scholarship

    • $1,000

    • Attend community college, technical school, trade school, vocational school, or an apprenticeship program

    • GPA of at least 2.5

    • Deadline: 4/15/24

  • RootEd Undergraduate Scholarship

    • $12,000 per year, renewable

    • Attend a 4-year Missouri school

    • GPA of at least 2.0

    • Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of less than $15,000 according to the FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)

    • If your EFC is more than $15,000 speak with Mrs. Deel for additional details

    • Deadline:

  • Show-Me to College Scholarship

    • Up to $2,000 renewable

    • GPA 3.5+

    • Student Aid Index (SAI) of less than $12,000 according to the FAFSA

    • Missouri resident

    • Attend a 2-year or 4-year school in Missouri

    • First come first served

    • Deadline: 04/01/25 or when funds are depleted

Be sure to check with your preferred schools about their institution specific scholarships!

Additional Resources

Scholarship Essays

Most scholarships will ask one or both of the following essay questions:​

  • What are your future plans and goals?

  • Why do you believe you deserve this scholarship?

Students should prepare 500-word essays addressing each of the questions. It would also be helpful to keep a 250-word version of both essays, as some scholarships request shorter essays. It would also be acceptable to address both of the questions in a single essay.​

Letters of Recommendation​

Many scholarships require applicants to attach one or more letters of recommendation. Students should request three letters of recommendation from teachers, youth group leaders, and professional members of the community. Ask the person writing the letter to avoid referring to a specific scholarship. Also ask for permission to copy the letter so that you can use it for numerous scholarships.

Resume​

It is helpful to prepare a resume with the following sections:​

  • Organizations/Activities

  • Awards & Recognition

  • Community Service

  • Work (paid and unpaid)

Use bullets and be thorough as you list items in each category. Most scholarship applications are going to ask about information from these categories; therefore, to save time, you can type “See Resume” on the scholarship application and then simply attach your resume.​