By — Tori Loudenback
When looking for a scholarship for college, students should start looking early, NW students were told in a Feb. 29 workshop.
The first step toward enrolling for scholarships is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, SE English associate professor Angela Chilton said in Finding Scholarships and Mastering Essays.
FAFSA is not just for scholarships. It is also for financial aid, so it is important for students to update their income status yearly, especially during income tax season, Chilton said.
Grants are also useful sources because they are free money that do not have to be repaid.
The second step is finding the right scholarship.
TCC offers a variety of scholarships for all types of students, and students can apply for as many of them as they would like.
“Your best bet is a local scholarship and then work your way up to national scholarships,” she said.
Students should set up a separate email just for scholarship websites, Chilton said.
When writing an essay for a scholarship, students must always be aware of their audience, know their purpose and focus on relevant facts, she said.
Chilton reminded students that they should always tell the truth and state their achievements, career goals and finances factually.
This information paints a picture which scholarship organizations will consider.
“Have a plan and be working your plan,” she said.
