College Scholarships Cheat Sheet

Susie was awarded $70,000 in scholarship funds. Joey received more than $200,000! Have you ever wondered how these students are earning such large amounts of money to fund their secondary education? Mount Paran Christian School college counselors have the answers.

Awards Galore

MPCS has done its research and compiled a list of outside scholarships to benefit our students and families. Many of these resources may also be beneficial for other high school students in the state of Georgia and beyond. The opportunities include grants or scholarships awarded to students from various organizations or charities outside of the individual college’s financial aid program. These types of programs are intended to help pay costs associated with higher education.*

If you are fortunate enough to be awarded outside scholarships, the funds are typically sent directly to the college you have chosen. Once a student is notified of an award, you should contact the college’s financial aid office to determine how they will record outside scholarships.

In addition, many colleges and universities offer their own merit-based grants and scholarships to those who qualify. Research these opportunities through respective admission offices at the colleges to which you have applied and check the submission deadlines.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships included are available to students in any state. This list is updated annually for MPCS parents and was compiled in 2018.

Georgia In-State Scholarships

Both the HOPE and Zell Miller are unique scholarship programs in the state of Georgia that reward students' hard work with financial assistance at any eligible Georgia public or private college or university. The awards for these two scholarship programs differ in eligibility guidelines and also in renewal requirements as well as in the amounts awarded to offset tuition. Room and board expenses are not covered. Grade point averages must be maintained in a student's in-state college of choice in order to receive benefits all four years of college. The addition of these grants, funded by the Georgia Lottery, has incentivized students to stay in-state for their higher education.

It is recommended that you submit your HOPE/Zell scholarship application as early as possible; the earlier you apply, the earlier the funds are disbursed to your school and credited to your account. Students have two options when applying for the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or,

2. Complete the online Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPPS) or printable paper GSFAPPS application.

Note: The FAFSA must be completed each year of college. It will be available to students to apply for federal financial aid in October. Understanding changes to the FAFSA filing process can be viewed by clicking here.

For the most current information on the HOPE and the Zell Miller scholarship programs, see the Georgia Futures website at www.gafutures.org.

Be sure to stay on top of your college planning. Do your research and explore many additional scholarship opportunities that may be available through your school or employer. Eligible students should apply for scholarships well in advance of the deadlines listed. Refer to the websites for detailed information. As always, the college counseling department at MPCS is available to help you in your college aspirations!

*The MPCS Class of 2018 broke school records in earning the highest amount of scholarship offers. More than $7.4 million in scholarships were offered to 115 seniors collectively. This amount does NOT include the HOPE or Zell Miller grants. A total of 84% of the graduating class also qualified for HOPE and Zell. 

Dr. Trici Holmes serves as a the Director of College Counseling in the high school at Mount Paran Christian School. Click here for information on the MPCS college counseling program. 

To learn more about how MPCS supports our students academic goals in all grades, PK3-12, please click here.