Editor's Note: Shalya Price is a college student who published a book titled The Scholarship Search, about her experience applying for scholarships to fund her education. Her columns for University Chic aim to advise college students on the best way to earn scholarships.

First and foremost: Writing is a useful skill. So, keep learning! 

As college women, we sometimes do not understand the importance of all the skills we learn throughout our pretty lives. But I am here to warn you that whatever you do, DO NOT forget the skill of writing. Learning the art of writing will take you a long way, from acing your test to getting a job and, of course, earning some major free money for school! 

The scholarship process can be a lengthy ordeal. But in actuality, it can sometimes just depend on what you have to say. That’s why the essay is one of the most important parts of the scholarship process. Your essay may be the only aspect that sets you apart from other applicants. Therefore, you must do your best to outshine the competition. Here are some tips to writing an excellent essay: 

1. Brainstorm. Generate ideas before you tackle the essay. Write down what you would like your essay to discuss. Nothing is too left field. Jot down everything!
2. Be creative. It’s your time to shine. Think about those unique experiences you have shared with you family and friends. You are unique. So, let it show!
3. Be descriptive. Everyone loves a good story. Tell them one! Use descriptive language that will allow the scholarship committee to relive your experience.
4. No errors. Check for mistakes. Spelling and grammatical errors will have your essay tossed out in the trash. So, double check your work!
5. Follow directions. Read all the directions and make sure you understand them. If the directions ask for a 500 word or less essay, do not have 750 words in your essay.
6. Ask for help.  You cannot do everything by yourself. If you need help, reach out to family, friends, and/or teachers. In addition, try to receive an objective opinion about your essay.
7. Possess a direction. Your essay should have one theme. Do not bounce all around.  Stick to the given topic. One essay. One meaning. 

Now, that you understand how to write an essay. You have to be prepared for what type of questions you will encounter when applying for multiple scholarships. Scholarship committees are interested in who you are as a person, how you work with others, and what your future aspirations are. Therefore, you should not be surprised if you see one or more of these following questions: 

1. If you could change one thing in society, what would it be? Why?
2. Choose a problem that currently exists on your campus. Now, develop a specific solution for the problem.
3. Describe a situation when you took the role of a leader. How did you perform?
4. What makes you different from everyone else in your school? How are you using that talent to your advantage?
5. Write a newspaper article highlighting your achievements.
6. Who has been the biggest influence in your life? Why?
7. Who has contributed the most to your current education? What did this person do?
8. Why do you deserve this scholarship?
9. Where do you see yourself in 2025?
10. How will a college education change your life? 

Don’t be intimated by these questions. Just take a deep breath and answer them  honestly and from the heart. You are a special person. So, let the world know, and you’ll be on your way to earning free money for college!