Every year, hundreds of students question how to find extra scholarships to supplement their educational needs, when the answer is simply online, says Sr. Administrative Services Assistant and Scholarship Coordinator, Kim Cooper.
Scholarships are available not only based on academic achievement, but also based on leadership, merit, music ability, military involvement and organizational membership.
“All you have to do is go to www.utm.edu/departments/finaid/scholarships and simply search and apply for the scholarships that fit you best,” Cooper said.
“The next best option is to go by your department and ask if they offer departmental scholarships, which also can be found listed on the UTM scholarships website.”
The departmental scholarships are run by a different schedule unique to the department. Therefore, students should keep this in mind and check back constantly for the best chances of getting these.
Cooper went on to say that the site has always been available to students, but some might not be aware of it.
On the site, at the top of the page, there are not only departmental scholarships, but also outside scholarships and UT Alumni-sponsored scholarships. There is also an online scholarship search engine as well. When students click on any of the tabs, each one expands or takes the student directly to the host site where the application can be submitted.
“Personally, under the outside scholarships tab, I research each one that is posted there to see if it is legitimate,” Cooper said.
“I know that some on there are national scholarships and may be hard to get, but if I feel there is any real chance at all, I post it. A slight chance is better than none.”
Furthermore, the biggest problem with outside scholarships can be timeliness. This is why Cooper tries to help students filter these out-of-date scholarships by posting them to the outside scholarships tab.
“Each scholarship has different requirements and is due at different parts of the year. However, filling out the FAFSA in early spring each year is by far the best and easiest way to find scholarships,” Cooper said.
For scholarships excluding the FAFSA, there really isn’t a certain time of year that has more offerings than other times. Students just need to make sure of dates and think far enough ahead to apply.
Cooper also said that other options for scholarships include scholarships with student organizations, hometown civic groups and even employers.
“Another scholarship aid that UTM offers is the Honors Day Program at the end of the spring semester each year. However, these aren’t scholarships that you can apply for directly,” Cooper said.
Students are awarded these scholarships based on staff evaluations, student service, academics and merit. For more information on scholarships, contact Cooper at 731-881-7039.
