5 Tips to Organize Scholarship Materials to Save Time

1. Choose a Naming Convention for Scholarship Materials The scholarship process involves a lot of information. Your student may submit dozens of applications, each requiring a variety of scholarship materials, each and every year. Simply keeping track of all of that can quickly become overwhelming, if not completely unmanageable, unless they take the proper steps.For many scholarships, your student will need to track:Login IDsPasswordsApplication FormsEssaysLetters of RecommendationTest ScoresTranscriptsOn top of that, your student also needs to stay on top of any deadlines and scholarship committee contact information. And, to make matters more complex, some committees will also ask for sample portfolios and other scholarship materials.The sheer volume of scholarship materials increases shockingly quickly. Your student can end up with hundreds of documents easily during their first year of applying alone.Without a strong organizational paradigm, merely locating the right scholarship materials can be a challenge. Your student may spend va luable minutes or hours trying to track down the document they need, wasting time that could be put toward completing other scholarship applications.If your student wants to save time during their scholarship hunt, here are five tips that can help them stay organized.1. Choose a Naming Convention for Scholarship MaterialsWhen your student saves a file, they have to name it. If they default to what their computer automatically assigns, a text documents name is usually based on the first line of text the system can read. For images and scans, their computer may use the date and assign a number, or follow a number sequence.In many cases, default file names arent ideal. They dont give your student any idea of what the documents or other scholarship materials are, so they usually have to open the files to figure out.Instead of using the default option, your student should create a naming convention that provides them with more details about what is in the file. They may want to use an ab breviation for the scholarships name, the year it was created, and an indication of what the document or image represents.For example, if your student is submitting information for a scholarship (well call it the XYZ Companys Excellence Scholarship) this year, and the file is a copy of their application, they may want to save that file as XYZ-2018-App for ease of reference. Then, if they also submitted an essay, that file could be XYZ-2018-Essay or XYZ-2018-Essay1 if more than one essay is required.While they dont have to follow that convention exactly, choosing one that makes identifying what a file is without having to open it can help significantly with organization, so its worth selecting a pattern that works for them.We also recommend saving new drafts of essays as a new version. For example, it could be XYZ-2018-Essay1_v1 for the first draft, XYZ-2018-Essay1_v2 for the second version, and so on. Creating them as a new file helps prevent accidentally saving over updated copies (been there, done that!)2. Use Cloud Storage for Saving Scholarship MaterialsToday, nearly everyone has access to some cloud storage. Every Google account holder gets access to some for free as well as most Amazon shoppers. Dropbox also has a free option, so your student can sign up for an account there if they prefer, and Microsoft users commonly have access to cloud storage through the OneDrive feature.Which option your student selects for their scholarship materials isnt particularly relevant. They all offer a reasonable amount of storage (though some provide more than others) and similar levels of security. However, its helpful if the solution they choose also has a desktop feature, allowing it to show in their computers file explorer.Cloud storage provides a number of benefits over saving files to a computer, including:Freeing up hard drive space on your students computerAccess through any internet-enabled computer (and often mobile devices as well)Automatic backups and redunda ncy, ensuring a crash doesnt wipe out their filesDesktop access and easy searchingUltimately, cloud storage is highly accessible, incredibly secure, and very convenient. Plus, if the solution comes with a desktop feature, its easy to search for files right from your students computer.I personally have used Dropbox for nearly a decade. I now pay for 1 TB of data space because I back EVERYTHING up on it. You can install it as a folder right on your computer just like Google Drive.Dont have a Dropbox account? Click here to get started.If you and your student are working on the scholarship process, make sure you dont miss our free scholarship training. Its about 45 to 60 minutes long and I cover exactly where you can find more scholarships your student isactuallyeligible forand arelegitimate.Grab your spot here:6 Steps to Quickly Securing Scholarships for College.3. Choose a Scholarship Materials File StructureOnce the cloud storage is available, your student shouldnt just start dumping every file into a single folder. If they end up with hundreds of documents, scrolling through the list isnt going to be a fun experience.Instead, its smart to create a multilevel folder structure for scholarship materials.Your student can begin by creating a starting file called Scholarship Materials. Then, within that folder, they can create a new folder for 2019-2020 Applications to represent the upcoming school year. Inside that folder should be subfolders, one for each scholarship they try to land. And, as they apply for scholarships, those folders will be the places where they save those documents and other files.Additionally, inside the main Scholarship Materials folder, they can create a separate folder for certain files that they collect in advance. For example, they could label one Letters of Recommendation, and keep scanned copies of all of the letters there. A Test Scores folder can hold details from their ACT, SAT, or any other exam. Then, when they apply to another sch olarship, they know exactly where the primary copies of those documents live.When it comes time to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year, theyll create a 2020-2021 Applications folder inside the Scholarship Materials folder, and repeat the process of creating new subfolders for each scholarship.See the example of how to set up a scholarship folder below (this is inside our Dropbox folder):4. Set Up Calendar Reminders for Critical DeadlinesAs your student searches for scholarships, they might not apply to them all right away. Instead, they may bookmark the page and figure they can get back to it later, allowing them to continue their search.While that approach to managing a scholarship search is acceptable, it doesnt necessarily ensure that they will actually come back and apply. If your student wants to make sure they dont miss their chance, then they need to take an extra step.As the identify a scholarship with potential, they need to jump into a calendar and create a reminder. Hav e them create a new appointment on the day the scholarship application is due and, in the notes section, add a copy of the link to the website. Then, schedule an alert for one week before the deadline and another for the day before the deadline, ensuring they get two reminders to handle their application.Related articles:How to Organize Your List of Scholarship ApplicationsHow to Write Winning Scholarship Essays5. Create a Master Spreadsheet for Credentials and Contact InformationKeeping track of login credentials and contact information alone can be a challenge. Even with technologies like password keepers, ensuring that all of the information is available should a technical issue prevent them from accessing saved login details is a must.One of the easiest methods for backing up this information is to create a master spreadsheet. Your student can list the name of all of the scholarships they apply to, a link to the website, login IDs and passwords, and contact email addresses for f uture follow-up. They can even add links to folders in their cloud drive or computer, making it easy to reach the right information from each application. This puts access to all of their scholarship materials in a single place, which can be beneficial.However, many would also (rightly) say that this creates a level of risk. After all, having your login ID and password in a single place could be dangerous if someone else accessed the master spreadsheet.As a precautionary measure, its usually wise to password protect this document and, if your student absolutely must save this password somewhere, choose a place that isnt the cloud drive. That way, the file containing their credentials and links to their scholarship materials is encrypted and practically inaccessible to anyone who doesnt have the password.By following the tips above, your student can make sure their scholarship materials are organized at all times, increasing the odds that they will be able to find critical files when they need them most.

Informal Essay Example

Tips on how to write an informal essay have already been discussed thoroughly in a previous post, but this informal essay example seeks to deepen the acquired knowledge even further. As mentioned, an informal essay is simply an essay written according to personal preference; its main purpose is to help you practice organization of thoughts, encourage deep introspection and reflection, as well as inspire the proper expression of varying perspectives. Taking cue from its name, an informal essay means you are allowed to forgo making the essay sound more formal, but its informative and substantial nature should remain intact. The topics to best to write about will be according to your taste and interest. If youre still wondering and in need of understanding how to write an informal essay further, read the sample essay below donated by an anonymous writer:The Unseen Wounds of Domestic ViolenceMarie Stewart is a victim of domestic violence brought about by her husband of 11 years. In the s pan of those years, she recalls that she attempted to leave too many times to count, but each time, she was emotionally manipulated to come back. Her husband convincingly demonstrates remorse, she recounts, backed up by his desire to see the children. Because of these confessions, Marie felt that she had no choice and hoped for the better, but in truth, the situation never improves. It just becomes worse and worse, to the point of life-threatening situations. Marie was one of the lucky ones to escape after her husband attempted to strangle her, which her youngest witnessed and then dialed 911. This occurred as Marie packed her childrens things to finally leave. As soon as her abuser saw her packing, he slammed her into the wall.The aftermath of Maries murder attempt meant bruises, battered, and broken features for her the obvious signs of domestic abuse. No doubt paramedics tended to her bruises, most of which decorated her arms and neck. Her stomach suffered more blows, and they qu ickly had to transport her to the emergency room due to internal bleeding. Naturally, these physical injuries demand utmost care and attention, but what many do not see is that there are wounds that run even deeper. Because the truth is, the aftermath of that attempted murder left deep psychological and emotional wounds.According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychological trauma is an emotional response to a tragic event, which inhibits with a persons ability to function normally. The impact of an incident varies depending on the person, of course, but statistics show that most individuals go through augmented levels of emotional distress after the said trauma. These feelings of distress can be alleviated, thankfully, often through support received from family, friends, and professionals.For victims of domestic abuse and other types of the same degree, the situations nature is not always straightforward. There hovers a fear that roots from the possibility of reta liation from the abusive partner, which prevents them from seeking help. Feelings of embarrassment and shame overpower victims, too, prevalent among male victims. All of these make the victim feel helpless, which is furthered by the lack of emotional support. This often leads to anxiety, depression, fear, social withdrawal, PTSD, and even suicidal ideations.From this alone, it is clear that the invisible wounds, psychologically and emotionally, brought about by domestic violence are beyond devastating. It tends to stay with the victim, to haunt and rob many years of their lives. No equipment can detect these injuries, and oftentimes they go unnoticed and worse, untreated. Although the violence has stopped and the abuser is sentenced to jail, it lingers on.Oftentimes, the victims get lured into a promising relationship. The beginning holds the promise of a fairy tale coming true, but the colors get darker as the story progresses. Blinded by the romanticized idea of love, they stay th rough the trials because thats just how love works, right? By the time the victim realizes whats happening, the dark pit is already much too deep to climb out of. Just leave him, Marie says, Thats what the outsiders say. Leave. But its hard because you love him, and according to him he loves you, and if you can only change, itll be better. And you believe that.And this holds true for many women, but to help them empower themselves, especially early on, the National Center for PTSD has identified several scenarios that indicate red flags in a harmful relationship. An abusive partner has the characteristics listed below:Has total control of family financesLimits or severs the other partners social tiesConstantly threatens to ruin the reputation of the partnerRepetitively attempts to scare the other by through physical violence breaking things, punching walls, hurting pets, etc.Gaslighting, or the systematic attempt to guilt shame the otherStatistics further show that on average, a w oman pushed through 37 cases of all cases of abuse before they finally decide to leave, as with Maries 11 years of hell. Only then when she was gasping for air that she truly realized what kind of monster her husband had become, and that she should have left all those years ago. According to her, your relationship becomes sacrosanct especially after marriage, and with children, you will want to hang on to that at all costs. Theres already been a ton of investment in every aspect, and the notion of leaving all that behind seems ridiculous, even if the relationship is dysfunctional. Having shared a home and exchanging love and trust, Marie found it hard to truly walk away. There are children, fruits of love, and a shared life. Be it three months or 11 years, the investment is indubitable Marie certainly felt this way.Another aspect of domestic violence cases is the erosion of the victims self-esteem. The reason why an abusers power is so effective is because they first breakdown what gets in the way yourself. It can happen quickly, but often times its long and slow. Marie, an intelligent young nurse, disintegrated over the course of her marriage, turning into a shell of her former self. She quit working as a nurse and became a housewife, something which she never would have done; her friends and family knew of her dream to become a doctor.Victims forget who they are. They have trouble leaving the house, for leisure or other activities, it doesnt matter. The little hobbies like cooking and dressing up just get lost in translation and they just lose a sense of themselves.Marie, along with countless of survivors, urge victims to reach out and talk about your fears. Your closest friends will do, and this action must start the moment you feel like something isnt right anymore. Questions, too, open up plenty of opportunities. Another survivor of domestic violence is Hannah, a medical student. She recounts all the time she has lived as if floating through life, spor ting bruises she tried desperately to cover up. One time, her partner punched her so hard in the face that it left a nasty bruise, which prompted her to go to the local store for makeup. The salesclerk stared at her bruise, expressed discomfort, but said nothing. At the time, Hannah said, I wished she asked me where I got it from.Part of the battle against domestic violence is empowering women to jump away and escape. While they may finally gain the sense to conclude that the situation is wrong, again, there are plenty of factors that hold them back. Sometimes stepping up to help, or pointing something out, can help them empower themselves. The biggest barrier to seeing that light at the end of the tunnel is the lack or absence of support.And once they power through, you must not let go of their hand. Part of the battle is the recovery, and the unseen wounds of domestic abuse is hard to patch up. The tools to helping a victim of domestic violence is patience and understanding. With no medicine to administer cure, time remains to be the only antidote. Marie, although free from her violent husband, still tends to her wounds. But with a new loving partner, along with her family and friends who ran to her the day she was strangled, she is slowly healing.An essay writing service for studentsOne key thing to remember about domestic abuse victims is that they lose their own voices. While many of them overcome their traumatic experiences and move on, plenty still fall prey into their own wounds. Many fall victim every day, and victims live through abuses for years. This is why those who have recovered use their newly-formed voices to speak for those who cant some speak addressing audiences, some resort to art, and others write. We at understand the power that writing can hold and it is through this very reasoning why we continuously try to feature their stories of utmost importance. Many people suffer from other forms of violence, too, and sometimes abusers come in the form of systems. Some students go through abusive educational systems, so many turn to academic writing services like ours for help. Through our professional writers knowledge and skills, our essay writing services are able to produce custom essays and custom research papers, to name a few. In turn, we hope that we are playing our part to help.