(Megan Bender/Clarion)
The Citrus College scholarship application window is officially open and students should be putting their name in the hat to receive one.
While there is still time to get the process started and finished, the window to apply will be closed at midnight April 6.
Don’t let the only window to get your hands on free money for this year close on you. Unlike a loan, scholarships you earn will apply to your student account and do not have to be paid back.
There are over 85 different scholarships that will yield 100 awards that range from $150 to $2,500, waiting to have your name on it. Scholarships are awarded to current Citrus College students that will either remain at Citrus for the 2016-17 academic year or are transferring to a four-year university.
Unlike older methods that may require 10 different applications for 10 different scholarships, Citrus College utilizes the AcademicWorks scholarship application system.
This system automatically places your application in a pool of scholarships that you may qualify for based on the answers of a series of yes or no questions.
For example, if you are majoring in a STEM field or are serving in an Associated Students of Citrus College club, or have been part of Foster/Kinship care program, your application will automatically be considered for the respective genre scholarships.
While it is not necessary to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for a Citrus scholarship, the Financial Aid department highly recommends that you complete the most recent version to show your financial need.
Once you have found the online application, you can explore the vast array of available scholarships and begin the very simple process.
There is an additional pool of scholarships through the Citrus College Foundation with the same April 6 deadline and will require a paper application.
The Citrus College Foundation highly recommends that you complete both the AcademicWorks electronic application and the traditional paper application to be eligible for both pools of scholarships.
There is a catch however. An essay portion is required in the application process.
Do not let this become a daunting task.
Do your best to think of the essay process as practice for the personal statement that you will write when applying to a university. This is your opportunity to showcase yourself and all the reasons you are deserving of a scholarship.
If you are struggling with any part of the application process, attend the scholarship workshop available in SS109 at 1 p.m. on April 4.
