Scholarships

• 20 Essential Life Skills to Have Before Going Off to College (2026) [2026-02-20]

  Yes! You’re finally headed off to college. Your first real taste at freedom and independence. However, with great freedom also comes great responsibility. What are you going to eat every day? How does a laundry machine work? How do you pay your bills? Read on and master these 20 essential skills to have before leaving for college.

  1. Learn How to Do Laundry

  You may have lucked out with mom or dad doing your laundry until now, but in college one of the essential skills you’ll need to master is cleaning your own clothes. Your college dorm will have laundry rooms for you to use. If you’re not in a dorm, there will be a few laundromats in the area. As it turns out, doing laundry is actually pretty easy. If you can learn how to do it before leaving for home, great. If not, this video can give you a quick and easy run down: Don’t forget to separate your whites from your colors! 

   

  2. Know How to Cook

  Basic cooking is one of the essential skills that everyone should possess. It may seem boring or difficult, but the basics are actually super easy – and if you are living in an apartment without a meal plan, developing basic cooking skills is really a necessity. For example, you will be amazed how easy it is to make scrambled eggs or pasta. If your budget allows it, you can order in, or eat out on campus, but it’s healthiest and cheapest to make your own meals. Choose a few meals you love and learn how to cook them. If you’re still lost, you will have lots of new friends who can show you a recipe or two. Cooking a communal meal with friends can be a fun activity when you have the time. If you need some inspiration, here are 30 easy meals you can make with just an oven and stove. Pro tip: cook large batches of food over the weekend to save you time for studying during the week. 

   

  3. Manage Your Money

  Most teenagers aren’t financially independent before going off to college. You might still be getting help from your parents when you are in college, but you’ll have more freedom with spending money. It’s smart to set a budget for yourself so you know how much you can spend on groceries, school expenses, and fun. You can use an app like Mint to help you stay on top of your budget. The last thing you want to do is end up with a big debt. 

   

  4. Have a Bank Account

  Managing your own bank account is as “adulting” as it gets, and is one of the key essential skills you’ll need to know. College might be the first time that you open a bank account on your own. You should know how to use the ATM to take out money AND if you are working part-time, it is also important to know how to deposit checks as well. Many banks now offer mobile deposit, enabling you to deposit checks on-the-go, without stepping foot near an ATM! If you plan to get a credit card, use it responsibly and pay your bills on time so that you build a good credit score. 

   

  5. Balance Work and Fun

  You’ll probably have tons of fun in college, during welcome week and beyond. You might be tempted to go out pretty much every night of the week. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize and make memories, but it’s important to stay focused on your main goal, to get a degree! Figuring out the balance between working hard and having fun is one of many essential skills you’ll take with you for the rest of your life.

   

  6. Keep an Organized Space

  All those years of your parents nagging you to clean your room might finally pay off in college! Keeping your room organized, making your bed, and having a neat study area are so important for productivity. This is also one of the most important essential skills you’ll need to have if you want to get along with your roommate! If organization doesn’t come easy for you, here are several things you can do to get started: 

  • Write lists of tasks you need to do 
  • Purge clothes you don’t wear 
  • Use shelves to keep books organized 
  • Have a place for everything so you don’t misplace them 
  • Make your bed every morning → One good habit leads into the next 

   

  7. Time Management

  Learning how to manage your time efficiently is a skill that can quite literally save you time. You will have a busy schedule in college, especially during finals week. It’s important that you know how to split your time between all your responsibilities. Learn how to prioritize so that you tackle the more important tasks first. You can use a planner to write down your schedule and tasks, or an app like Google Calendar. If your phone is distracting you, put it on silent or turn it off.

   

  8. Basic Sewing

  If the button falls off of your shirt, you don’t need to throw away the shirt. You simply need to learn how to fix it. Having some basic sewing skills under your belt can be very helpful. You may just turn into your dorm hall’s seamstress! 

   

  9. Get Familiar with the Gym

  Exercise has tons of benefits for both your physical and mental health. College is a lot of brain work, and stress, so going to work out can be the perfect release. There are lots of things you can do in the gym such as cardio, weights, dance classes, yoga, squash, racquetball and more. Getting acquainted with the gym early can help you get a feel for which activities you like best. It can also help you learn how to do them safely, as sometimes things like lifting weights can cause injuries.     

   

   

  10. Iron a Shirt

  We know this is college, but there are times you will want to look presentable. The last thing you want is to show up to an interview or formal event with a wrinkled shirt. Learn how to use an iron so that you make a good impression right away.

  11. Cleaning your living space

  One basic life skill no one ever tells you about is that you need to keep your living space clean. Things like dirty dishes in the sink, or garbage that has been left out too long can create some nasty problems in your life. Old dishes in the sink for example, can spread bacteria and germs around your living space, which can then cause stomach problems. Not taking the garbage out can also spread bacteria and germs. It can also cause your living space to stink, and be infested with flies and other insects. You could pay someone to clean your house, but a much more economical solution is to create a weekly schedule of when to do which chores. If your not sure how to do something, just Google it. You’ll find it’s pretty easy with the right supplies. Not only that, cleaning up can be a nice break from studying, and might even make you feel like you accomplished something when you finish.

   

  12. Take Public Transportation

  You may not be going to college in a big city, but even many colleges are big enough to have their own bus system. It’s helpful to know how to take buses on your own. Google Maps is a godsend and can easily help you get from point A to point B. If you are going to college in a city that has a subway system, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with that as well. 

   

   

  13. Maintain Good Hygiene

  You’ve hopefully been maintaining healthy practices, like brushing your teeth and showering for your whole life. But now that you’re living away from mom and dad, you might be tempted to throw your healthy habits out the window. Please take care of yourself, if not only for you, then for your roommates as well. Wash your hair and body, brush your teeth, and clean your hands after using the bathroom. Be sure to use deodorant daily, and reapply after exercise.

   

  14. How to take care of your health

  Everybody should know what to do when they are sick or injured, not only students pursuing a degree in medicine. Learn the differences between various over-the-counter medications, how to treat minor wounds, and when it’s time to see a doctor. Don’t let nagging colds and infections linger, instead go see a doctor.  It also wouldn’t hurt to know CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. A DIY first aid kit with some band-aids, hydrogen peroxide, pain relievers and cold medicine is a good idea to have in your room.    

   

  15. Care for Your Mental Health

  Living on your own for the first time, and dealing with the stress in college can wreak havoc on your mental health. It’s easy to let it get out of hand, but that’s why one of the most essential skills you can learn is being self-aware, and noticing if you feel stressed or sad. It’s so important that you carve out time to do things for you. This means getting enough sleep every night, exercising, and doing what you need to destress. For some this might mean meditation, for others it might be a run outside or a coffee date with a friend. 

  If you have been feeling down for a while, make sure you take care of yourself. According to statista, over 41% of college students report having talked to a therapist before.  College is the ideal time to talk to a therapist for the first time if you haven’t before. You can discover more low effort self-care tips here.  College campuses will always have a campus health center where you can get assistance with your physical and mental health needs. 

   

   

  16. Set Goals

  Setting goals gives you motivation, helps you stay focused, and makes you more productive with your time. If you know what you want to work in after college, use the time until then to gain relative experience and take classes in that particular field. Your short-term goals may include getting a summer internship or participating in a research project. Set goals that are realistic and achievable. Don’t be afraid to change your goals along the way if they no longer suit you.

   

  17. Pay Bills

  When you’re living on your own, you’ll be responsible for paying your bills. Have a physical or digital folder for each expense you have, such as electricity, rent, car insurance and phone bills. That can come in super handy if there are ever any disputes. Make sure you pay your bills on time so the internet connection doesn’t get cut off.  

   

  18. Write a Professional Letter

  You may be a great texter, but that’s not going to come in handy when you’re trying to write an email to a potential employer. You need to know how to professionally address teachers and prospective employers. And for everybody’s sake, leave the emojis out. 

   

  19. Write a Resume

  Now that you will be applying to more advanced jobs, having a resume is critical. It can literally make or break you landing an interview! Need help writing a resume? Check out how to write a badass resume.  

   

   

  20. Rock an Interview

  Interviews are scary! But with the right preparation, you’ll be a confident interviewee. Before going on an interview, make sure you familiarize yourself with the company. That means who the team is, what their mission is, and any other information you can find online. If you are on the shy side, ‘practice’ interviews with friends and family can help. Need more advice? These tips on rocking interviews is a good place to start.

   

  Final Thoughts

  College is a time of many firsts, like living on your own and paying your bills. These 20 essential skills to master before leaving to college will help you transition to ‘adulting’ and make sure you have a successful college experience. 

  The post 20 Essential Life Skills to Have Before Going Off to College (2026) appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

• How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter in 2026 [2026-02-20]

  A scholarship motivation letter can make or break your application. This is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge before an in-person interview. Motivation letters are not required for every application. Yet when they are necessary, they are critical. In this guide, we will provide tips for writing a scholarship motivation letter.

  What is a scholarship motivation letter?

  A motivation letter is like a cover letter you may include with a job application and resume. The goal of the letter is to explain:

  • Why you are a good candidate for the scholarship
  • What you plan to do with the education you receive.

  Review committees often use motivation letters to narrow down their pool of applicants. Then they assess the rest of the application from the candidates they like best.

  Motivation letters are usually required for graduate-level scholarships. Sometimes, you may need to write one for specialty programs at a bachelor’s level too. If you have the option to include a motivation letter with your scholarship application, take it. This may be the only chance you have to wow the review committee.

   

  Motivation letter for scholarship applications – general guidelines

  Usually, the application will not specify how long your motivation letter should be. You will need to use your best judgment to write a concise motivation letter. The letter should include:

  • The most important elements of your resume
  • Your education
  • Your professional experiences and plans for the future.

  Motivation letters are usually around 500-1,000 words. Split them into paragraphs for easy reading.

   

  Tailor your motivation letter to fit the sholarship

  Your motivation letter should link your future plans with the goals of the scholarship. How will you benefit from continued education in this field? How will you use this knowledge to support the mission of the scholarship provider?

  Say that the scholarship is from an agency that supports wildlife preservation. Your letter should explain how you plan to apply your education towards a career in that field.

  You also need to establish why you deserve this application more than other applicants. What specific experiences do you have now that set you apart from the rest? What specific plans do you have that will address a current issue in the world? Even if you currently have limited knowledge about the issue, use that to your advantage. Explain how you could thrive with more education and solve even more problems in the future.

  The structure of a scholarship motivation letter

  Scholarship motivation letters vary by award, but they usually consist of three elements:

  • An introduction
  • Three body paragraphs
  • A conclusion

  Your introduction should include your name, level of education and the degree program.

  Your first body paragraph should include any work-related experience you have. This can include both paid and unpaid internships. You should show the growth of your career in chronological order. Finally, suggest where your career will go with continued education.

  Your second body paragraph should explain what you hope to gain from your education. Think of which problems you aim to solve or uncover.

  Your final body paragraph should explain your holistic plans for the future. Some ideas for inspiration:

  • You can include extra education you plan to pursue after education.
  • You can write about companies or agencies you’d like to work for after graduation.
  • You can talk about programs or organizations you would like to develop.

  Finally, your conclusion should re-emphasize why you are a good candidate for the scholarship.

   

  What NOT to include when writing a scholarship motivation letter

  Your scholarship motivation letter should be well-written with no grammar or spelling errors. Use a professional tone and advanced phrasing (no slang). Provide specific examples about your past, present and future. Stay away from vague generalizations. Vagueness suggests a lack of care or knowledge. Neither of  these are impressive to a scholarship review committee.

  Some final tips

  Writing a motivation letter for scholarship applications takes time and commitment. Plan what you will say in advance, and allow at least three days to write the letter, review it, step away from it and edit it. This extra time will provide the best chance of success with your application.

  A Sample Scholarship Motivation Letter

  Date

  Julie Moore
  9876 Smith St.
  Stillwater, OK 74074The Scholarship Committee
  123 Learning Rd. Suite 4A
  Oklahoma City, OK 73127

  To Whom It May Concern:

  My name is Julie Moore and I am a third year student at Oklahoma State University. I am currently pursuing a five-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree. My plan is to follow up with a one-year master’s degree after I graduate.

  In high school, I worked extensively with my local Habitat for Humanity branch to help build homes for low income families. I learned about the construction process from the ground up, and I discovered the importance of function in architectural design. The homes we built during my four years as a volunteer were never extravagant. They served their purpose and became a beacon of hope for their owners.

  My education has been focused on this mindset: function over form, stability over showmanship. I have enrolled in several classes that crossover to the Architectural Engineering major. My goal is to have a comprehensive view of how design meets structure. I have worked on three extra-credit residential design projects under the supervision of my architecture professors (Dr. X and Dr. Y). This helped speed up my research and education.

  My goal is to become an architect to create accessible, affordable housing opportunities in underprivileged communities. Living in a college town, I have seen countless rental properties available. Yet there are few homes for sale that are affordable enough for college students and first-time buyers. This is the case in many towns throughout America, especially areas with a low standard of living. I want to create neighborhoods that include affordable starter homes. This would enable low and middle-class families to build equity, avoid excessive debt, and create financial stability for their futures.

  This summer, I will intern with  LMNOP Architects. Upon completion of my master’s degree, I hope to continue there as I further develop my skills. After working under acclaimed residential architects Suzan Craft and Peter Wood, I would like to open my own architectural firm focused on developing inexpensive, high-quality housing. I also would like to work with Habitat for Humanity again, this time as an architect instead of a general laborer. I believe firmly in their mission to build “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” I appreciate your consideration. With your help, I can continue my schooling in architecture and design to bring accessible homes to those in need.

  Sincerely,
  Julie Moore

  The post How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter in 2026 appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

• Difference Between Undergraduate, Graduate and Postgraduate (2026) [2026-02-19]

  As a high school student, you’ve probably started thinking about college. Maybe you even started to do research and narrow down your options. You may have come across the following terms: undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees.

  So, what is the difference between undergraduate and graduate and postgraduate?

  Read on to learn more! 

  What is an undergraduate degree?

  After students finish high school, they get an undergraduate degree. An undergraduate degree refers to either a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree. When people talk about going to college or university, they are talking about getting an undergraduate degree.

  How many years is an undergraduate degree?

  There are two levels of undergraduate degrees: associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. An associate degree requires 2 years to complete, and typically is earned at a community college. A bachelor’s degree requires completion of four years of study.

  Students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree can either complete their entire degree at a four-year college or university OR they can attend a community college for their first two years, and then transfer to a university for their final two years.

  What is a graduate degree?

  After a student gets their undergraduate degree, they have two options. They may either get a job or continue with their studies. If they choose to continue with their studies, they pursue a graduate degree.

  A graduate degree is any degree that is above a bachelor’s degree. This includes a master’s degree or doctoral degree. Master’s degrees take around 2-3 years to complete. Doctoral degrees take around 5-6 years.

  Graduate degrees are typically more narrowly-focused than an undergraduate degree. This enables students to dive more deeply into their specific career interest, gaining the knowledge and expertise needed in their chosen field. Oftentimes, a student must have a graduate degree to get a job. Somebody seeking a career as a clinical social worker, must have their Master’s of Social Work.

  You don’t have to get a graduate degree right after you finish your undergraduate degree. Many students take a break after their undergraduate degree and decide to work or travel instead. It’s common to see mature students in their late 20s and 30s (and even older) who decide to go back to school to get a graduate degree later in life.

  To get accepted into graduate school, you must have a bachelor’s degree. This means that you must graduate from a 4-year undergraduate college or university. A student can only pursue a graduate degree if they already have a bachelor’s degree.

  What is a postgraduate degree?

  Students get confused with the term “postgraduate degree.” There actually isn’t a real difference between the two. Postgraduate is used interchangeably with graduate. Like a graduate degree, postgraduate refers to the range of higher degrees past the undergraduate degree. This includes both master’s degrees and Phds.

  
  

  Difference between undergraduate and graduate and postgraduate

  Undergraduate degree programs and graduate degree programs are very different from one another. Undergraduate programs help students gain basic knowledge in a major, or even in a few majors. Students must take a variety of courses, and not only courses relating to their major. They usually spend the first few years fulfilling general course requirements.  

  Graduate programs are very different. You go to graduate school to learn something very specific. So, all the courses you take relate to your field of study.

  Another big difference between the two is switching majors. In undergraduate programs, students aren’t always sure what they want to major in. Even if they choose a specific major, they may end up changing it. Undergraduate programs allow students to switch majors. It is also fairly easy to transfer to another school for any given reason.

  Because graduate programs are so specific, it’s not easy to switch your field of study. You would have to fulfill new requirements and go through the application process all over again.

  Another big difference is class size. Undergraduate classes tend to be much larger than graduate classes. In graduate programs, class sizes are much smaller.

  Because of the difference in class size, teacher-student interaction also differs. In undergraduate programs, there isn’t much room to interact with your professors. There are also fewer opportunities to participate in class.

  Graduate programs are more intimate and thus, more dynamic. Students have more opportunities to participate in class discussions. They also have more opportunities to work with their professors.

  To get accepted into an undergraduate program, students must take the SAT or ACT. Other requirements include a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation and personal statements. Colleges and universities all have their own requirements.

  Many graduate programs require students to take an entrance exam such as the GRE, or specialized entrance exams for law school or medical school. Not all graduate programs require an entrance exam, so be sure to check the requirements for the program you are applying for.

  Graduate programs also typically require that certain undergraduate classes be completed prior to applying, so you’ll want to check to be sure that you have completed any required courses. Sometimes graduate programs will allow you to complete missing prerequisites while enrolled in your graduate degree program.  

  Final thoughts

  Whether you have already started your bachelor’s degree or you’re still in high school, it’s nice to get an idea of what your options are. This can help you plan the classes you want to take in college or university and make the most of your degree.

  The post Difference Between Undergraduate, Graduate and Postgraduate (2026) appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

• How to Write a Great 250-Word Essay in 2026 [2026-02-17]

  In college, there are many instances where you may be required to write a 250-word essay – your application, exam questions, small writing prompts, etc. A 250-word limit may seem like a novel to some, but others find it difficult to get their point across with so few words. In this guide, we will look at a 250-word essay example, along with tips on how to write a great 250-word essay.  Bonus: Need to write a longer essay? See this guide on how to write a 500-word essay

  The Basic Format of a 250-Word Essay

  All essays consist of the same three parts: an introduction with a thesis, a body paragraph or body paragraphs that support the thesis, and a concluding paragraph that summarizes the overall essay.

  In 250 words, you will most likely have 3-4 paragraphs in total, each with 50-100 words. This will allow for 3-5 concise but detailed sentences per paragraph.

  A Step-by-Step 250-Word Essay Example

  To help visualize this process, let’s go ahead and write a simple 250-word essay.  You’ll see our writing sample in green and our explanation of what we did (and what can be done) with each section in normal text.

  Without further ado, let’s get started on our essay!

  TOPIC:  How has your family upbringing influenced your educational goals?

  Step 1 – Write Your Thesis

  Your thesis is the first thing you should consider in your essay. Simply put, it’s the main idea of your essay that will control everything else you write. If you could summarize the question in just one sentence, how would you do it?

  For our topic  How has your family upbringing influenced your educational goals? our thesis will be:

  My parents saw little value in a formal education. It was their lack of passion that led me to my educational goals.

  Step 2 – Write Your Introduction

  In the introduction, the first sentence can be a broad or general statement that sets the tone for the piece. It is usually supported by a second sentence that leads into the thesis. The optional third sentence may pose a question that the thesis aims to answer, or it may prompt the reader to think about the topic in a different light. The final sentence of the intro paragraph clearly establishes the thesis.

  As a general rule of thumb, the introduction should go from broad to specific, sentence by sentence, gradually leading up to your thesis. Here’s a sample example of an introductory paragraph.

  Parents are supposed to push you past your goals, or at least, that’s what I always believed. I was raised in the generation of “you can do anything if you put your mind to it.” My parents did not follow that philosophy, and they saw little value in a formal education. It was their lack of passion that led me to my educational goals.

  Word count:  Introductory paragraph, 64 words.

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  Step 3 – Write The Body Paragraph(s)

  Next, we’ll continue with the body paragraph. Remember, body paragraphs should support the thesis and be about 3-5 sentences or 50-100 words long. In a short essay you may opt for only one body paragraph but in a longer one you may need more.

  So how should your body paragraphs support your thesis? Think of each body paragraph as an argument that supports it.

  Working with our thesis  “My parents never saw the value of formal education and that’s what lead me to my educational goals”, then each paragraph could be about how not seeing the value of formal education led to the writer pursuing it.

  For example, maybe the writer didn’t want to end up in the same work as their parents. Or maybe it was the parents’ lack of belief in the writer that pushed them to pursue a better future.

  Let’s have a look at what a body paragraph can look like for our 250 word essay.

  From as far back as I can remember, I knew I didn’t want to follow in the footsteps of my parents, at least not when it came to work. My father had worked on the family farm all his life and my mother had been a housewife since graduation. They were both content with the simplicity of their lives and wanted the same for me. I remember my father telling me that college was “expensive and a waste of four years”.  I knew however, that I wanted a career in the city that would be more challenging than simple farm life could provide. The only way to make that possible would be through formal education and a college degree. 

  Word count:  Body paragraph 119 words. Total essay is now 181 words.

  Step 4 – Summarize with a Conclusion

  The final paragraph is the conclusion. You may start this paragraph with “To summarize,” “As evident by X, Y, and Z,”  or a similar statement that highlights the biggest points in your essay. Use the conclusion paragraph to sum up the main point of your essay using different words. The last sentence can be something broad that leaves the reader wondering. Let’s see how we can write a conclusion for our sample essay.

  While my parents may not understand the value of formal education, I know it is essential for my future. This has helped me immensely, by making me realize that without strong parental support, I’m the only one who’s responsible for my own goals. In a way this has been the strongest source of motivation. And for that, I am forever grateful.  

  Notice how we summarize the main point of the essay in the first sentence. We then connect the first sentence to the a conclusion we arrive at. Finally we end in an optimistic tone by stating how this has been helpful and we are grateful. Unlike the introduction paragraph, which flows from broad sentences to specific, a conclusion generally flows the opposite way, from specific sentences to broader concepts.

  Word count: Concluding paragraph 61 words. Total essay is now 242 words. 

  Sure, we came up 8 words short. But being that close should not be considered an issue. If for some reason you are required to write 250 words minimum, you can make the essay longer by sprinkling in a few extra words.

  The Entire 250-word Essay Altogether

  Parents are supposed to push you past your goals, or at least, that’s what I always believed. I was raised in the generation of “you can do anything if you put your mind to it.” My parents did not follow that philosophy, and they saw little value in a formal education. It was their lack of passion that led me to my educational goals.

  From as far back as I can remember, I knew I didn’t want to follow in the footsteps of my parents, at least not when it came to work. My father had worked on the family farm all his life and my mother had been a housewife since graduation. They were both content with the simplicity of their lives and wanted the same for me. I remember my father telling me that college was “expensive and a waste of four years”.  I knew however, that I wanted a career in the city that would be more challenging than simple farm life could provide. The only way to make that possible would be through formal education and a college degree. 

  While my parents may not understand the value of formal education, I know it is essential for my future. This has helped me immensely by making me realize that without strong parental support, I’m the only one who’s responsible for my own goals. In a way this has been the strongest source of motivation. And for that, I am forever grateful.  

  Should I Write More Than 250 Words or Less Than 250 Words?

  When a professor or college entry application asks for a “250 word essay,” 250 words is generally a rough guide. No one is going to fail you if you go over or under the limit by a few words. We’d say a good gauge is plus or minus 50 words. As a general rule of thumb though, try to stay as close to 250 words as possible without going too far over or under.

  Essay Writing Tips

  Here are some quick tips for writing a great 250-word essay:

  • Write the first draft from start to finish without any pauses. This will make the writing sound fluid, and you can make adjustments after that.
  • Avoid over-editing your work. Ideally, you should take a long pause between editing sessions so you can clear your head and come back with a fresh perspective.
  • Try not to think about the word count too much. Once you get in the habit of writing four 3-5 sentence paragraphs, you’ll find your words naturally get close to 250.
  • Don’t throw fluff sentences in your essay. Professors see right through those. Instead, think of an additional sentence to enhance the support in your body paragraphs.
  • If you feel like you have concisely and sufficiently answered the question below the word count, trust your gut. Most instructors will value quality over quantity.

  The more 250-word essays you write, the easier they will become. Feel free to practice with free essay prompts online to train your brain to write with this rhythm. You’ll soon be able to whip out 250 words without checking your word count!

  YOU SHOULD ALSO READ

  How to Write a Great 500 Word Essay

  Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Examples

  Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples

  Scholarship Essay Examples – Career Goals

  How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter

  About Yourself Scholarship Essay Examples

   

  The post How to Write a Great 250-Word Essay in 2026 appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

• Managing Student Loan Debt: The Ultimate Guide for Graduating Students [2026-02-17]

  Graduation day is a momentous occasion, a celebration of years of hard work, dedication, and dreams realized. But for many, the joy of receiving that diploma is accompanied by a looming question: “What about my student loans?” If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension as you think about the managing student loan debt you’ve taken on while in college, you’re certainly not alone.

  With over 45 million Americans currently carrying student loan debt, navigating the repayment landscape can feel overwhelming. It’s challenging enough to understand the exact amount you’ve borrowed, let alone who you owe it to, and precisely when you need to start repayment. But don’t despair! This guide from ScholarshipOwl is designed to empower you with the knowledge and strategies you need to tackle your student loan debt confidently, both now and in the long term.

   

  Unearthing Your Debt: How Much Have You Actually Borrowed?

   

  The first step to managing student loan debt is understanding its full scope. It’s common for students to lose track of individual loan amounts and lenders, especially if they’ve borrowed over several years. Fortunately, there are clear paths to get this information:

   

  Federal Student Loans

  For federal student loans, your go-to resource is StudentAid.gov. You’ll be able to find out all about your federal student loans so that you can take proactive steps to manage your debt.

   

  Private Student Loans

  If you have taken out private student loans, you’ll need to review your personal records, such as promissory notes or loan agreements, or contact the financial aid office at your institution for assistance. Alternatively, you can check your credit report with one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to see a list of all your loans, both federal and private.

   

  The Repayment Clock: When Do Payments Begin?

  For most federal student loans, you’ll have a grace period after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. This grace period typically lasts six months (though some loans, like Perkins Loans, may have a nine-month grace period). During this time, you are not required to make payments. This period is designed to give you some breathing room to find a job and get your finances in order before repayment begins. Private loan grace periods can vary, so be sure to check your loan agreements for specific details.

  Be aware that if you have private student loans and/or federal unsubsidized student loans, then you are responsible for the interest that accrues while you are in school. Even though you aren’t required to make payments on your loans while in school, it is to your advantage to make payments on accrued interest while in college if you can. Any unpaid interest on unsubsidized federal student loans will be added to the principal balance of your loan, resulting in you having to pay interest on a higher principle amount.
  If you have federal subsidized student loans, then the federal government will pay for the interest that accumulates while you are in school. This is what makes these loans “subsidized.” Of course, you’ll be responsible for both the principal and interest that accumulates after you exit school or reduce to less than part-time status.

  Laying the Groundwork: What to Do While Still in School

   

  Even before graduating, there are proactive steps you can take to make managing your student loan debt easier:

   

  Know Your Loan Servicer

  While still in school, try to identify your loan servicers. These are the companies that will handle your billing and other services related to your loans. Knowing who they are and how to contact them early can save you stress later. To find out who is servicing your loan, go to StudentAid.gov.

   

  You might be wondering why you would need to proactively seek out this information. This is because lenders will often re-sell their loans to other loan servicers. What this means for you is that the lender who originally lent you the funds for college might not be the same company who is currently servicing your loan. So even if you remember the name of your original lender, you’ll need to check with the StudentAid.gov website to get the most accurate and up to date information about your current loan servicer.

   

  Create a Budget

  Get into the habit of budgeting now. Track your income and expenses to understand where your money goes. This practice will be invaluable when you have to factor in loan payments.

   

  Make Interest-Only Payments If You Can

  As indicated above, any unsubsidized federal loans and private loans accrue interest while you’re in school. If you have the financial capacity, making interest-only payments during college can significantly reduce the total amount you’ll owe over the life of the loan. This prevents interest from capitalizing (being added to your principal balance) when repayment begins, which means you’ll pay interest on a smaller amount overall.

   

  Make Principal Payments If You Have Extra Funds

  If you’re in an even stronger financial position, consider making principal payments. Even small amounts can make a difference in the long run.

   

  Prioritize Scholarships Over Loans

  As you plan for future semesters, actively seek out and apply for scholarships. Every dollar you receive in scholarship money is a dollar you don’t have to borrow, directly reducing your future debt burden. Consider part-time jobs during college to earn income and reduce your reliance on loans.

   

  The Countdown to Commencement: Steps to Take Before You Graduate

   

  As graduation approaches, it’s crucial to finalize your student loan game plan:

   

  Confirm Your Loan Servicer(s)

  Re-confirm who your loan servicer(s) are. If you have federal loans, check StudentAid.gov again. For private loans, review your records or contact your lender.

   

  Create Your Loan Servicer Portal Account

  As soon as you know your servicer, visit their website and create an online account. This portal will be your hub for managing your loans, viewing statements, and making payments.

   

  Update Your Contact Information

  Ensure your loan servicer has your most current contact information. Crucially, switch from your school email address to a personal email address you’ll use long-term. Your school email will likely be deactivated after graduation, and you don’t want to miss important communications regarding your loans.

   

  Choose a Repayment Plan

  Federal student loans taken out prior to July 01, 2026 offer several repayment plans, including standard, graduated, extended, and various income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Research these options carefully to find the one that best fits your financial situation and goals. IDR plans can be particularly helpful if you anticipate a lower starting salary.

   

  Federal student loans taken out as of July 01, 2026 or later have just two options: The Standard Repayment Plan and the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). The RAP Plan is the only income-driven repayment plan available as of this date and going forward due to legislative changes made in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). In addition, if you have older loans and want to take out NEW federal student loans on or after July 01, 2026, then you’ll need to choose one of the two new plans for ALL of your loans. This is because the legislation requires that all loans have the same repayment plan.

   

  If you have private loans, you’ll need to check with your lender to learn about repayment plans available to you.

   

  Don’t Hesitate to Call Your Loan Servicer

  If you have questions about your loans, your repayment options, or are concerned that you won’t be able to make your minimum payment amount, call your loan servicer immediately. They can guide you through your options, such as deferment, forbearance, or changing repayment plans. Avoiding communication will only lead to greater problems.

   

  Ensuring Repayment Success: Making Your Loan Payments Manageable

   

  Being able to consistently make your loan payments is key to financial stability after college:

   

  Job Search Early and Strategically

  Begin your job search well before graduation, ideally seeking a position in your field that will be waiting for you upon receiving your diploma. A steady income is your best defense against debt.

   

  Build a Realistic Budget and Stick to It

  Create a post-graduation budget that accounts for all your living expenses (rent, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, etc.) AND your student loan payments. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford, and look for areas to cut back if necessary.

   

  Plan for Independent Living

  If you plan to live independently after graduation, ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in addition to your loan payments. This might mean saving a security deposit, first month’s rent, and a few months of emergency funds before you move out.

   

  Consider Living with Family

  If moving back in with family is an option, it can provide significant financial relief during your first few years out of college, allowing you to save more aggressively or make larger loan payments.

   

  Preventing Deeper Debt: Prioritize Smart Financial Choices

   

  If you’re still in college and have future years of study ahead, continue to be strategic about your finances:

   

  Scholarships Over Loans, Always

  This cannot be stressed enough. Dedicate time to finding and applying for scholarships. Every scholarship awarded means less money you have to borrow. ScholarshipOwl is an outstanding resource for scholarship opportunities.

   

  Work While You Study

  Earning income from a part-time job or internship can help cover current expenses and reduce your need for additional loans. Even a small amount can make a difference.

   

  Only Borrow What You Absolutely Need

  When it comes to student loans, treat them like a last resort. Borrow only the minimum amount necessary to cover your essential educational expenses. Avoid borrowing extra for non-essential items or lifestyle upgrades.

   

  Why ScholarshipOwl is Your Best Alternative to Loans

   

  While loans simply delay your financial responsibility, scholarships provide true financial freedom by offering “free money” that never has to be repaid. Embracing a “Scholarships First, Loans Last” mentality is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your long-term financial health.

   

  Using a dedicated platform like ScholarshipOwl offers several unique advantages over traditional funding:

   

  Massive Opportunity Pool

  You can access hundreds of thousands of dollars in active, year-round scholarships all in one centralized location.

   

  Smart Matching Technology

  Instead of mindlessly searching, an AI-powered system analyzes your unique profile to match you with scholarships where you have the best chance of winning.

   

  Strategic Insights

  Only ScholarshipOwl offers you strategic insights into scholarships that you won’t find anywhere else:

  • • • View Number of Applicants: You can see the number of applicants for each scholarship, allowing you to prioritize those with less competition and stack the odds in your favor.
      • Access Credibility Scores: Our exclusive credibility scoring system shows you which scholarships are most worth your time and effort, helping you to avoid scholarship scams.

   

  Maximum Efficiency:

  • • • Universal Application: Your profile data automatically fills out application forms, eliminating hours of repetitive data entry.
      • AI Essay Assistant: Quickly generate relevant essay drafts to speed up the application process for high-reward opportunities.
      • Automatic Re-application: The platform can automatically resubmit your applications for recurring “no requirement” scholarships while you focus on other tasks.

   

  By making scholarship applications a priority through a streamlined system, you can significantly reduce—or even completely eliminate—your reliance on student loans.

   

  The Marathon, Not a Sprint: Long-Term Debt Management

   

  For most borrowers, managing your student loan debt is a marathon, not a sprint, with many taking 20 years or more to become debt-free. Long-term success requires consistent effort and smart strategies:

   

  Avoid Negative Credit Ratings

  Your student loan payment history directly impacts your credit score. Missed or late payments can severely damage your credit, making it harder to secure housing, get favorable interest rates on future loans (like a car or home loan), or even land certain jobs. Set up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates.

   

  Don’t Bury Your Head in the Sand

  If you find yourself struggling to make payments, do not ignore the problem. Your loan servicer is there to help. Proactively communicate with them to explore options like income-driven repayment plans, deferment, or forbearance. These options can temporarily reduce or postpone your payments, preventing delinquency and default.

   

  Avoid Aggressive Collection Efforts, Including Wage Garnishment

  The Trump Administration has made student loan collection efforts a priority, especially for borrowers with defaulted loans. In 2026, wage garnishments are expected to begin for those in default, so ensuring your loans are in positive status is imperative.

   

  Consider Federal Student Loan Consolidation

   

  A Direct Consolidation Loan allows you to combine multiple federal student loans into a single loan with one monthly payment and one loan servicer.

   

  Advantages:

  • • • • Simplified Repayment: You will have only one monthly bill to track, reducing the risk of missed payments.
        • Access to New Plans: It can make older loans (like Perkins or FFEL loans) eligible for income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
        • Fixed Interest Rate: If any of your current loans have variable rates, consolidation will lock you into a single fixed interest rate for the life of the loan.
        • Lower Monthly Payments: By extending your repayment term up to 30 years, you can significantly lower your required monthly payment.

   

  Disadvantages:

  • • • • Higher Total Interest: Because extending the term means you are paying for longer, you will likely pay more in total interest over the life of the loan.
        • Slightly Higher Rate: Your new interest rate is the weighted average of your current loans, rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of 1%.
        • Capitalized Interest: Any unpaid interest on your original loans is added to your new principal balance, meaning you will now pay interest on that interest.
        • Loss of Benefits: You might lose specific borrower benefits from your original loans, such as interest rate discounts or certain loan cancellation perks.

   

  Explore Refinancing (Carefully)

  Once you have a stable job and good credit, you might consider refinancing private student loans (and sometimes federal loans, though this means losing federal benefits). Refinancing can potentially lower your interest rate or monthly payment, but be sure to understand the pros and cons.

   

  Make Extra Payments When Possible

  Whenever you have extra income (a bonus, a tax refund, an inheritance), consider putting it towards your student loans. Even small extra payments can help you in managing your student loan debt by shortening your repayment period and saving on accrued interest.

   

  Live Below Your Means

  Post-graduation, resist the urge to immediately upgrade your lifestyle. Continue living frugally, especially in the early years of repayment. The more aggressively you can pay down your debt, the sooner you’ll achieve financial freedom.

   

  A Bright Future Awaits

  
  While the journey to student loan freedom might seem daunting, it’s a completely achievable goal. By taking proactive steps, understanding your options, and maintaining open communication with your loan servicer, you can navigate this challenge successfully. Your college education is an investment in yourself and your future, and managing student loan debt is a crucial part of maximizing that investment. Embrace the challenge, stay informed, and know that with a solid plan, you’ll not only conquer your college debt but emerge with invaluable financial wisdom and a clear path to a bright and financially secure future!

  The post Managing Student Loan Debt: The Ultimate Guide for Graduating Students appeared first on ScholarshipOwl.

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