DUNWOODY, Ga. — Anastassia Stoenelova initially didn’t think much about applying for a scholarship to help cover the costs of her education.
But last year, after satisfying prerequisites to begin classes as a dental hygiene student at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College, the Bulgarian immigrant found it increasingly difficult to balance her work at several jobs with the demands of studying.
So, she quit her jobs, acquired student loans and sought assistance through Perimeter’s scholarship program. Now, she is an avid believer in scholarships.
“I apply for 20-something-odd scholarships every semester,” Stoenelova said.
Although, she thinks trying for just one scholarship is worthwhile, pursuing multiple ones increases her chance of being selected for an award, she said.
Stoenelova, who maintains a near 4.0 grade point average, has received a number of scholarships since she began applying last year. One award—for $1,250—came from the Georgia Perimeter College/DeKalb College Retiree Association.
Stoenelova says this and other scholarships have helped dramatically in covering the expense of dental hygiene instruments and supplies, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
In 2016, Perimeter College offered 167 scholarships worth nearly $130,000. As the Oct. 1 deadline for fall scholarships quickly approaches, Stoenelova offers these tips for prospective applicants:
- Take the time to write a solid essay, because many applications will require this. Once you have one good essay, you can amend it for various scholarships.
- Make sure you read the application requirements carefully and that you satisfy all those requirements before applying.
- Apply for scholarships for the specific academic pathway you are following because those are limited to a smaller number of students.
- Apply in the summer if you are taking summer classes because the pool of applicants decreases.
- Look for scholarships online or in the community (Stoenelova received one from a local dentist last fall).
- Apply, apply, apply!
“Dedicate the time, and it could pay off,” Stoenelova said.
Interested in applying for a Perimeter College scholarship? Check out the listing of what’s available, along with the requirements.