Preparing for the New My Scholarship Central Experience
As scholarship season begins winding down, we want to share several important updates with students, families, and partners as we prepare for an exciting transition this summer.
My Scholarship Central Is Moving to a New Platform
Over the summer, My Scholarship Central will transition to a new scholarship management platform. Beginning in September, users will access scholarship opportunities through the SurveyMonkey Apply platform as we move away from Blackbaud Award Management.
We are hopeful this new platform will create a smoother and more user-friendly experience for both students and scholarship providers. Our goal is to alleviate many of the technical issues and frustrations users have experienced on the current site while improving accessibility, communication, and overall functionality.
As we prepare for this transition, it is very important that rising seniors and other students do not create a new account on the current platform over the summer. Any new accounts created on the current site will not transfer to the new system, meaning students would need to create another account again once the new site launches in September.
Additional information about the transition, including FAQs, tutorials, training opportunities, and support resources, will be shared throughout the summer and fall. We encourage students, counselors, and scholarship providers to watch for updates and training announcements in the coming months.
Questions about the transition can be directed to: [email protected]
Reminder About High School Email Addresses
Students currently using a high school email address for their My Scholarship Central account should have recently received an email from [email protected] encouraging them to review their account information.
Many students lose access to their high school email accounts shortly after graduation. Because of the upcoming transition to the new platform, it is especially important that students update their accounts to an email address they will continue to access long-term.
This is particularly important for students who have received renewable scholarships, as future communication regarding scholarship renewals, requirements, and updates may be sent through the email address connected to their account.
Students should take time now to ensure they have an accessible personal email address connected to their scholarship account.
There Is Still Time to Apply
Although many scholarship deadlines have passed, there are still opportunities available with deadlines extending through the end of May and into June.
We encourage students to continue checking My Scholarship Central regularly to review available opportunities and submit applications before deadlines close.
Students can explore current opportunities here: https://stlouisgraduates.academicworks.com/
Scholarship Timeline for High School Seniors
Preparing for scholarships is a year-round process. Below is a general timeline students can follow throughout their senior year to stay on track.
Summer Before Senior Year
- Build a list of extracurricular activities, honors, leadership roles, volunteer experience, and work experience
- Begin drafting and revising scholarship essays
- Research scholarships and organize deadlines
- Identify potential letter writers, such as teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, or mentors
- Reach out to recommenders early to ask if they would be willing to provide letters of recommendation during senior year
- Create a professional personal email address students will continue using after graduation
September
- Create a new account on the revamped My Scholarship Central platform through SurveyMonkey Apply once the new site launches
- Begin researching scholarships and organizing application materials
- Start requesting transcripts and preparing a resume or activities list
Site URL and additional instructions will be shared closer to launch.
October
- Complete and submit the FAFSA as soon as it opens
- Begin applying for scholarships with early deadlines
- Continue building and refining scholarship essays
November – December
- Continue applying for scholarships
- Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers, or mentors
- Keep track of deadlines and required materials
January – April
- Most scholarship opportunities open during this timeframe
- Many scholarships are due by the end of April
- Students should consistently apply for scholarships throughout the winter and spring months
- Continue monitoring email and scholarship portals for updates or additional requirements
April – May
- Review financial aid and scholarship award letters from colleges
- Compare financial aid packages and scholarship offers
- Continue applying for any late-season scholarship opportunities
Summer Before College
- Complete scholarship renewal requirements if applicable
- Monitor email accounts regularly for scholarship communication
- Prepare for transition to college and maintain access to scholarship accounts and documentation
As we prepare for an exciting new chapter for My Scholarship Central, we appreciate the continued support of students, families, schools, and scholarship providers throughout this transition process.
