With a heavy course load, a part time job, and very little time to relax, the college woman can get bogged down quickly and totally forget how her next semester’s tuition will get financed.  My name is Shayla Price, and I am a scholarship/career prep expert. I understand the stresses of paying for college.  My parents and I could not afford the increasingly high tuition, but I did not fret. I took matters into my own hands. After two years of surfing the Internet and a commitment to a college education, I earned more than $100,000 in scholarships to pay for my entire education.  

Since my mega winnings, I have published a book titled The Scholarship Search, and have started a business to assist students with college, scholarship, and career preparation. I have also been featured in numerous media outlets, including Teen People, Seventeen, and Better Homes & Gardens. 

Here are a few Q&A’s that will give you a deeper insight on how to finance your higher education for free:

What can college women do to prepare for the scholarship process?

Start a regimen. College women are always on the go. We are always involved on campus and in our families. However, as the fast-paced, productive individuals we are, women must do something to help themselves. I encourage college women to make the scholarship process a habit. Take some time every day to devote to your scholarship search. That’s the only way you will stay dedicated and receive free money for your college education. 
 
What are three tips that any University Chic member can use when searching for free money? 

First and foremost, ask for help. Sometimes, people feel they can do everything by themselves. The scholarship process is not one of those do-it-myself activities. A sign of maturity is asking for help to strengthen your weaknesses. So, get help from others!

Secondly, use all your available resources. Utilize your school, library, and local organizations. In addition, contact civic and community leaders; they may know someone giving scholarships to students. Lastly, stay focused. The scholarship process needs your time and energy. So, follow directions, reread eligibility requirements, and give it your all!

Essays are a major part of scholarship applications. What can college women do to give a great first impression?

Essays are the judges’ gateway to learning more about your passion and goals. Two great essay tips are to follow directions and personalize your essay. Students do not always answer the scholarship committees’ questions correctly or in its entirety. Read and reread the essay question until you understand it completely, and then answer the question. Furthermore, students must create their own unique story. Every person has a story to share with the world. College women need to portray their talents in the essay to allow scholarship panelists to understand their strengths. 

What can University Chic members do to get started with their scholarship search?

Sign up with a scholarship database, like fastweb.com and scholarships.com. These sites allow students to fill out profiles that will match their characteristics with available scholarships throughout the year.

Secondly, select the scholarships you can apply for within the next few months. Give yourself ample time to read their requirements; you may need to write an essay, obtain letters of recommendation, or retrieve your transcripts.

Lastly, get help as soon as possible. Many students hit a bump in the scholarship process and get discouraged easily. So, they just give up. I always motivate students to get help from their instructors, advisors, or even a good friend.