Tips on Applying for College

Tips on Applying for College

by Kristy Laub

Assistant Editor, Flyer Flash

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No, money doesn't grow on trees. No, you can't press the "easy" button for paying for college. But, you can do the next best thing, apply for college scholarships. College scholarships can help with the outrageous (but sometimes priceless) value of a college education. Here are some tips for high school seniors on applying for college scholarships.

Perhaps the key to receiving the most college scholarships is to prepare years in advance. Essentially, you want to become as "well-rounded" as possible. That means maintaining an excellent GPA and participating in extracurricular activities such as a school newspaper, sports, band, school newspaper, volunteering in your community, etc.
 

Dixie State College is located here in St. George and
is an option for many students after Dixie High School.
Photo Courtesy of Dixie State College (dixie.edu)

Volunteering in your community will not only provide you with experiences and references for College but will broaden your view and help you become an all around better person.
 

This one is common sense, but the article wouldn’t be complete without it. Guidance counselors can help you prepare for college as well as give you great advice for applying for scholarships and college in general.
 

“Students need to start as soon as possible. Know what college/s you want to apply for ahead of time, also receive a Letter of Recommendation," Mrs. Mitchell, Dixie High Guidance Counselor recommends.
 

If possible, try to apply for the scholarship/s several weeks or even months before the deadline. This will help your references have plenty of time to complete a reference letter or form. It will provide you with plenty of time to complete the application without feeling rushed. It will also free up your time to apply for more scholarships if they are available.

The counselors in the counseling office hold many scholarships ready for the taking. They make announcements every morning over the intercom. If you are lazy and don’t want to take the time to feel out applications, look at it this way. “Say you fill out 10 scholarships for 10 hours, but you only got 1 for $1000. You just made $100 and hour. It’s worth the time!” Mr.Simmons, counseling office.
 

Ask a parent, friend's parent, teacher or mentor to proofread the application for you. It helps to have someone else look it over to ensure that there are no typos or mistakes that you might have missed. If you don't have someone to proofread it, try asking your guidance counselor or even your librarian.
 

For students applying for scholarships, while juggling various after school activities such as, sports, work, clubs, etc. can be very difficult.
 

Visit your counselor to learn more about your options for
applying to college.
Photo by Sophia Ford, Counseling Secretary

Senior Tristan Cowles has a very “busy life”. With sports, attending classes, school activities, work, friends, homework, and many other time consuming tasks, Tristan barely has time to get dressed in the morning, but he finds a way to apply for scholarships. “I am planning on either going to Erskine College, South Carolina, or Iowa Western Community College, Iowa. Right now I am just doing a bunch of online scholarship crap.” On advice for filling out scholarships, Tristan gave the 3 D’s. “Do it early, Do it right, and Do it the best you can.”
 

District Scholarship websites list many scholarship opportunities. Scholarships and information are updated on a monthly basis. If you are interested in finding scholarships from the Schol District go to, washk12.org/student-scholarships. There are many other websites in which you can find not only local scholarships, but nationwide. If you go to utahfutures.org, on this site you are able to look at scholarships nationwide. Also, you may type in a keyword of a scholarship category that fits your personality. If you register yourself at, www.fastweb.com, you can search a national web bank of scholarships that match the criteria you enter. You will be e-mailed about these opportunities if you choose to register.
 

Scholarship essay preparation can be easier than you think. The counseling office carries many papers on writing a proper scholarship essay. When you write an essay here is a smart tip. Have others proofread and comment on it until you feel confident and proud of your essay. If your essay if written well enough you can keep it and use it for other applications.
 

Do everything you can do, and try your best. After you've mailed in all the applications, all you can do is wait and relax. Remember, you can still go to college even if you don't receive any scholarships. There are other forms of financial aid such as grants, subsidized loans, and unsubsidized loans available. And, you can always work to help the costs of college.

Links for Scholarships

Washington County School District Scholarships

Utah Futures