With so many ways to pay for school, one of the best in my opinion is with exceptional scholarship. Earning a scholarship is like getting free money for various aspects of your education journey from tuition, to living expenses, to supplies etc; the best part of it all is the fact that it is a gift that does not have to be paid back. Just like financial aid though, you have to apply. The Gulf Coast State College Foundation has over 700 scholarship opportunities and is the gateway for being eligible to receive funds from donors and supporters here on campus. For more information on deadlines and requirements to apply visit https://gcscfoundation.org/. As long as you qualify, you should apply each year, with so many opportunities you’d be surprised at what you might end up with.
How to Apply
The process to apply for scholarships is pretty simple, you’ll first fill out the general application and then apply for any specific categories that apply to your situation. Malachi Miller, a Digital Media student said “I was surprised when I got mine, I didn’t know the general application put me in the running for so many opportunities”. He was able to get additional funding for his education by simply having the right grades, being aware of the deadlines, and doing his best to fill out the application. In the general and specific applications there is usually an opportunity to explain why you are deserving in the form of an essay prompt, which can be daunting to think about but worth it if it will get you some extra funds. If writing isn’t your strong suit, you can visit here for some tips that will help you articulate your worthiness.
What if I need help
While the application process is straightforward for the general scholarship component, it can be a bit tricky of you aren’t familiar with the specific ones. “A lot of scholarships have very specific demographics, and the prompts can be a little too specific, the donors should only open those up to those people versus leaving them open for anyone to apply to”, Malachi Miller said when asked about the difference between the general application and the individual ones. The process for individual scholarships can definitely be improved by better vetting on the front end, but when in doubt you always have your advisor, program director and or the financial aid/foundation office as resources to help steer you in the right direction. This one part can be a bit confusing, but overall should not be a reason to forgo the application. If you meet the academic requirements, applying for a scholarship is a no brainer, if you don’t it might be worth it to challenge yourself to get there so you can reap the benefits.
