Mojza Blog
Planning for the Future
College and Scholarship Applications
by Emaan Asif | 30 Aug 2023
Getting ready for what lies ahead can be daunting, particularly when it comes to university and scholarship applications. However, with proper preparation and organisation, it can also be a rewarding experience that positions you for success. Mojza has created this blog with the intention of making this process simpler for you. We will discuss a few tips and techniques for organising yourself for the future in terms of college and scholarship applications.
Narrowing it Down
To kickstart your college search journey, the first step is to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Consider the country or region where you plan to apply and your preferred study area. Begin by shortlisting colleges and establishing specific criteria. When shortlisting colleges, consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, campus culture, and student life. Make a list of universities that pique your interest and conduct thorough research on each one. Attend virtual information sessions and take virtual tours to gain a better sense of each university. Set criteria based on factors like tuition costs, financial aid opportunities, and job placement rates. Make sure the universities you choose align with your academic and personal goals, and to maintain a record of their application requirements and deadlines.
Begin as Soon as Possible
To ensure you are well prepared for college and scholarship applications, it is essential to begin the process as early as possible. Allow yourself enough time to look into different colleges and scholarships, and to properly fill out applications. Trust me, starting early will pay off, and your future self will thank you for this proactive approach.
Timeline
Once you’ve identified the colleges and scholarships that interest you, it’s crucial to establish a timeline for completing the application process. This timeline should include when you will be taking the standard tests, requesting references, and submitting the applications. Break down the process into smaller, more achievable parts, and ensure that you allocate enough time to finish each part successfully.
Stay Organised
To ensure you stay on schedule, it’s imperative to monitor the due dates for applications. Utilise a calendar or planner to jot down key dates, and establish notifications for yourself as necessary. Neglecting to meet a deadline can be a costly error, so make sure to stay organised and on top of tasks. In such processes, where time is of the essence, it is pivotal that you manage your time mindfully. If you often struggle with effective time management, check out our blog which simplifies that prospect and offers key insights into mastering time management.
College Applications
This is the most important part of the process. The format of the application will either depend on the university or the country you’re going to. For instance, if you’re applying to universities in the US, you will use the Common App, whereas for UK universities, UCAS is the preferred platform. It’s critical to showcase your successes and strengths in the application documents. Personalise your essays and other materials to highlight your unique skills and life experiences. Remember, this is your opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants and show why you would be a good fit for the scholarship or college. Proofread your applications carefully to ensure that they are error-free, and submit them well in advance before the deadlines.
College Essays
When writing a college essay, it is important to start early and give yourself plenty of time for brainstorming and revision. Choose a topic that holds personal significance to you and ensure that you can effectively convey your thoughts. Follow the essay prompt carefully, and structure your essay in a clear and concise manner. Use specific examples to illustrate your points, and avoid cliches or overused phrases. Take time to carefully proofread your essay for grammar and spelling errors, and consider seeking feedback from a teacher or mentor. Remember, your essay provides an opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are beyond your grades and test scores, so be authentic and true to yourself.
Scholarships/Financial Aid
When searching for scholarships and financial aid, make use of scholarship search engines and resources. CSS Profile with IDOC Packet is required to be filled up by International Students for financial aid while the US citizens fill up Federal Student Aid (FASFA). Remember, FASFA is NOT for international students. CSS Profile requires your complete data profile, like personal information, monetary information, and household information, and it is a completely separate application from the Common App, so jot down its deadline as well. CSS Profile helps the US College determine how much financial aid you qualify for. For further information on the CSS Profiling, you can check out this YouTube video. Remember that scholarships and financial aid can significantly reduce the cost of attending college, so take the time to research and apply for as many opportunities as you can.
Ask for Advice
If you find yourself in need of guidance or support during the application process, don’t hesitate to seek it out. Reach out to teachers, counselors, or trusted individuals with experience who can provide valuable insights and feedback. Additionally, many universities and scholarship organisations offer conferences or other tools to help students handle the application process. You can also join Mojza’s own Discord server to seek counseling from seniors and students well-versed in the process of applying to universities.
Keep a Journal
Lastly, it’s important to maintain organisation throughout the application process. Consider keeping a journal where you write down all information related to college planning. Include all of your application materials, and make sure to follow up on any requests or items that are still pending. This will make it more likely that you won’t forget about any due dates or criteria.
All in all, preparing for college or any endeavor that involves the future can be challenging. It entails dealing with a wealth of unfamiliar information and uncertainties. However, rest assured that things tend to work out in the end. Just give it your best. You may make the process easier to handle and prepare yourself by using our tips and doing your research. Good luck!
Acknowledgements
Author: Emaan Asif
Proofreaders: Hadia Ieman, Rehan Ibrahim
Mojza
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Published: 30 August 2023
Last Updated: 30 August 2023
Written by Emaan Asif