By Jenabi
RYSE Front Desk

The money is there, but you have to ask for it.

Applying for scholarships doesn’t just apply to graduating seniors but you can start applying for scholarships as early as middle school. There should be a general check list when applying for scholarships. The earlier you start applying, the more you increase chances on getting FREE money for your education.

Here are a couple of helpful tips to get you started on applying for scholarships

• START EARLY – Research different type of scholarships out there. There are scholarships for being left handed, making a ductape prom dress, playing sports, having good grades and much more. In addition, an award for scholarships ranges from $100 to a full ride. When I apply for scholarships I like to think of it as I am working at my job. If I spend 2 hours on a $100 scholarship and receives the award that means I just got paid $50 an hour. Think of different incentives on encouraging yourself on applying and make the best of it.
• BE ORGANIZE - Keep yourself organized when applying for scholarships. If you’re the type of person that needs a constant reminder try having a planner/calendar with deadlines. By being organized you can have the essential materials on hand and would not be press on time. Here are some things that you should have on hand.
o Transcript – try to always have the updated one
o Test scores – with the new test scores and date of your next test.
o Letter of recommendations – You should try to have a couple of people that would write one for you. Give them time to write them, which mean you would need to ask in advance. You should try to be diverse with your letter of recommendations. Have somebody speak on behalf of your academics, extra curricular activities, talents or whatever you think sets you apart from other applicants.
o Financial aid forms – Usually scholarships ask for verifications of income but not all. This information is good to have on file.
o Extra copies – it doesn’t hurt to always back up your applications. If your materials are lost it would be easier for you to replace them if you already have extra copies.
• DOUBLE CHECK – Proofreading your application is always good to do because you don’t want to leave anything blank and send in an application that is unfinished. This also gives you a chance to see the eligibility of the scholarships as well. Sometimes we get caught on applying to a lot of scholarships that we mistakenly reuse some of the materials. Make sure that the materials are still applicable to the scholarship you are applying for.
• Get your applications in early! – Don’t wait till the last minute to turn in your applications. Sometimes they ask for the application to be post marked on a certain day or they need to receive it at a certain date --- can’t blame the post office if your mail is a day or two late.