It’s that time of year when our Wakeland seniors start focusing on the next chapter of their lives – college. Many seniors began their application process over the summer, and some have already been rewarded with acceptance into various schools. For those who have not yet begun their application, it can seem like an overwhelming process, so here are some tips to help you get started.

College can be an incredible experience, but it is also very expensive. Scholarships are a great way to fund your education. If you are looking to apply for scholarships, the best time to start looking for one would be before senior year begins, depending on the deadline for college applications. Scholarships for students may be given based on academics, athletics, or artistic merit. 

A beneficial program that can help high school seniors is The Frisco Education Foundation Scholarship Program. This foundation offers Frisco’s graduating students the opportunity to apply for a college scholarship through the foundation. Since 1999, the Frisco Education Foundation has awarded over 10 million dollars in scholarship money to graduating seniors.

“I was offered a $26,000 scholarship from Hendrix College based on my GPA and SAT scores. Other than academics, colleges also take into consideration how involved you are in your school,” senior Dori Wright said.

Many other things are important to remember in the application process. Be sure to meet deadlines, gather application details early, ask for recommendation letters early, and work on your essay efficiently. Another good idea is to receive feedback from somebody who is familiar with the process and knows what colleges look for in an essay.

There are also many mistakes you should avoid when going through this tedious process. Don’t start your research too late, ignore scholarship requirements, or leave an application unfinished. A common mistake seniors make when starting this process is missing a deadline, so be sure to stay organized and aware of deadlines. 

“The application process can be very tedious and stressful if you put off your work for a later time. I’m still researching what kinds of scholarships I want to apply for since the only ones I know of are due next year. It gives me some time to figure out what I want to look for,” senior Kezia Oommee said.

College applications can be a long and difficult process, but stay focused on your goals and be sure to follow the tips above.