Financial Aid Tip of the Month, August 2019
FRANKFORT, KY - Some colleges, especially private schools, require an essay as part of the admissions process for college freshmen. That essay may also help when it comes to paying for college, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).
Generally, the more exclusive the college, the more important the essay may be in admissions and financial aid decisions.
Essays let schools learn more about students by giving them a chance to set themselves apart from other applicants.
Students should put time and effort into an admissions essay. Schools that require a written essay want students who can express themselves clearly, using proper spelling, grammar and punctuation. It may take several drafts to get it right, but the essay needs to be well written and free of errors. Students should have a teacher, school counselor or parent review the essay before submitting it to the college.
Some schools let students submit nontraditional essays such as poems, song lyrics or videos. That lets students show their creativity.
KHEAA is the state agency that administers Kentucky’s student financial aid programs, including the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES). Its sister agency, the Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation (KHESLC), offers low-cost Advantage Loans to help students and parents pay for college or to refinance student loans. For more information about Advantage Loans, visit www.advantageeducationloan.com.
For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602; or call 800-928-8926, ext. 6-7214.
