Scholarships

Navigating the scholarship application process is a pivotal step for aspiring college students. With the goal of easing financial burdens, applying for scholarships requires planning and dedication.

"I have found that the easiest way for me to access scholarships so far is to use the websites from guidance," said senior Hayden Stone. Stone explained that students can find scholarships anywhere, but that the convenience of having a list is very helpful.

If seniors have already filled out the ones listed in Guidance or want to try different ones, a good place to start is to find scholarships that match what they want to study, what they do outside of class or what makes them unique. "It was easier for me to fill out scholarships about things I was interested in rather than random stuff," said Stone, explaining that it was easy to get tempted by fun scholarships about Disney characters or famous artists, but more fulfilling to do what he was passionate about.

Students should ask teachers, mentors or employers they know well for letters of recommendation. This helps show they're good for the scholarship. "I have asked at least four teachers for letters of recommendation in the past few weeks," said Stone. He explained that both his parents and teachers have been telling him not to wait and to ask for those as soon as possible, as they take time to write.

Once a student has locked down a few scholarships, they should immediately begin applying for colleges. College essays are a huge part of applications and should be treated as such. While they may be daunting at first, essays can be a great way to show off impressive writing skills, or to tell more about oneself.

In the end, the scholarship application journey embodies dedication to growth and learning, and should be a fun way to anticipate going to college next fall. "Sometimes it is frustrating," said Stone, "but later I know I'll appreciate it."

Story By Molly McCurdy