It’s something that more and more students are finding themselves forced to do: Combine study and work. Or worse, choose between one or the other. While it’s true that there is work and study programs available for some students, it isn’t a service everyone can take advantage of. If you’re worried about studying hard enough to get a scholarship while also working, take a breath: It will be okay. It is possible to do both at the same time. All it takes is some hard work and a little know-how.
Know What’s Needed
Knowing what’s needed when it comes to your scholarships can make it much easier to apply for them while you’re also busy working. A full list can be found below, but a small selection includes identification (driver’s license or other state-issued ID), birth certificate and your test scores. If possible, store these in several places. This includes electronically, on your computer and your phone. You’ll find it easier to apply from anywhere if you do that. Which means that you won’t waste those quiet moments at work.
• Scholarship Documents
• A state-issued ID. Passport works too.
• Your CV.
• A letter of recommendation. Two is preferable.
• Test scores.
• Your resume.
• Letter or statement of purpose.
• A copy of the completed form.
Go Online
Go online for what? Whatever you find easier to go online for. If your job translates well into the one that can be done online or from home, then it’s a good idea to make the switch now. If it doesn’t, then you might consider going to online college rather than to a brick-and-mortar campus. There are many available, and you’re sure to find the one that you’ll enjoy. Even if you don’t want to commit to an online job or school completely, doing it to some degree can make working and studying simpler for you.
Get Help When Necessary
Sometimes, a person just needs help. Knowing when to turn to a particular service for help is a skill you’re to develop. For those who need it, there are many essay writing sites available. You might just be trying to find free essays examples for inspiration, or you might be looking for a custom-made essay to suit your needs. Whatever the case, know when it’s time to turn elsewhere. There’s no shame in asking for a helping hand when you need one, after all.
Be On Time
When your schedule is busy, then you need to keep careful track of your schedule. With so much to do (this shift to work, a lot of hours to study, an essay to write), it can be easy to let things get away from you. You can’t allow that to happen. Invest in some type of planner, whether paper or electronic. Use it to plan out your days and, unless it is an emergency, stick with it. By doing this, you’ll find your schedule within your control.
Consider Work-Study
While this tip is suited better for those who have already decided what college to go to, it can’t hurt to try. Many universities do offer these work-study programs for students who need the money. By enrolling in them, you’ll be given a specific job to do for the school. This can be anything from mopping the floors, serving in the cafeteria, being a teacher’s aide or working in the campus bookstore. Whatever the case, you’ll be paid for it. A great choice, if you don’t want to work off of campus.
Make it Part-Time
If you find that writing essays is becoming too much to work full-time, then cut down on your working hours if possible. Alternatively, if you find that you can’t afford to make ends meet while still studying full-time, then consider making the transition to part-time. Either way, you’ll have your schedule clearer and less hectic. While it will certainly mean making concessions (in how you live, in how long you’re in school), it might be better for your overall mental and physical health to make the choice.
Be Prepared to Choose
Speaking of choices, this is something that you’ll have to think about. Though few people like to point this out, it is the truth: There may come a time when you have to make a choice between your work and studies. You’re not in a perfect world, so there’s no guarantee that you’ll find an easy solution to this. However, you might try looking elsewhere for work or taking a small break from your studies. The key here is to be flexible with your desires. Roll with the punches, in other words.
To sum up, it’s not always an easy thing to study for a scholarship while trying to hold down a job. For many, it can be too much to bear. But, for those that are strong enough to handle it, it can be done. Just face this hurdle with perseverance, orderliness, and flexibility, and you’ll do just fine.
