By: Sadie Moses
Freelancer

The WOU General Scholarship Application has opened up, which means it’s that time of year to start thinking about applying. Natasha Roman, Scholarship officer at Western, recommends starting on applications as early as winter break. This year, don’t procrastinate on that essay—it could be the very thing that saves you $1,000 in loans.

“The scholarship essay is really important. I always tell students that your grades and your activities and your work, they all speak for you, but your essay is your chance to speak for yourself,” said Roman. The judges of these scholarship essays have to read hundreds a day.

Roman makes sure to point out that it is your passions that catch the reader’s attention. “Find something that’s really special about you, and try to match it to the scholarship question,” she said. If you can write a great essay you can use it for multiple applications with minor tweaking. Most of the essay topics are very similar.

Another key part of having a solid essay is having solid grammar and spelling. “If you do not spell ‘scholarship’ right, no one will give you a scholarship!” said Roman. One great resource she recommended for help is the writing center, located in the Academic Programs and Support center, room 301. Their hours are 9-5 Monday through Thursday and Friday 9-3, or by appointment.

The Financial Aid Office is also looking to do some workshops with students in the upcoming months. These aim to help students recognize the important things they can pull into their essay to make them stand out.

In addition to the WOU General Scholarship, the OSAC application is another great resource. According to their website, they have over $18 million in scholarships and that’s not just for freshmen students. Anyone at any time in their college career can apply. Besides these, each department on Western’s campus has their own unique scholarships students can also apply for.

Don’t give up before you’ve even applied. “There are so many different scholarships for so many different students,” said Roman. They’re not just for ethnic or low-income people. Anyone can get them. And even if you don’t win because of unmet circumstances, you might be a finalist, which can still be used on a resume later on.

“At the end of the day, when you have your degree in hand, you have to face up to all those loans and all that interest,” said Roman. Five hours of time could save you $1,000 in loans. Start working on that essay today.

Provided by Scholarship Media, Scholarships for Foreign Students
A.A.U.W. $18,000 to pursue Master’s degree or higher, for women to advance a career in their native country. Apply by Dec.
East-West Center Scholarships Multi-cultural programs at U. of Hawaii.
Fulbright. More than 7,000 given each year to grads demonstrating leadership and academic achievement.
Truman Award. Focus on students majoring in political studies.
H.H.H. Scholarship. Funds a year of post-graduate study.
Humane Studies Institute. Full scholarship to study the policies of a free society.
International Peace Scholarship. Women may apply to fund a second year of graduate study. Based on financial need.
Fellowship from Rotary. Study at selected universities to pursue Master’s.
Donated by Corporations…
Avvo Award. $5,000 given to students studying for law school.
Scholarship from PromoCodeWatch. $2,000 essay competition, offered to students enrolled in a four-year college. Deadline: Oct. 2, 2017.
Tortuga Abroad Scholarship. $1,000 for an undergrad studying abroad. Deadline: December 2017.

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