As college applications start to close and scholarship season begins, there are many out there who have no idea where to begin. For those who are trying to figure out how to afford college, here are a few tips on how to start applications.

Essays. One of the hardest things about scholarships are the amount of essays one has to write. In order to help with this overload, try writing one generic essay that you can adapt to many different prompts. This way you only have to edit one essay instead of trying to write many.

Apps and Websites. If you are having trouble finding scholarships, try creating accounts on scholarship websites or apps. They can take your information and pair you with scholarships that you qualify for. Just make sure that the website is safe before inputting your information.

Talk to the counselors. The school counselors have many different ways to connect you to scholarship opportunities, whether it’s on Google Classroom or through a local packet. They can also help you through the process of applying if you are unsure on how to fill out the application.