Ready to start the process of applying for scholarships to help you go back to school? Use these tips to secure money to fulfill your education goals.

1. Do not pay someone else to help you find a scholarship. You can find all the information you need for free. The point is to make money, not lose money! Look into resources available through your local library. Also research back-to-school assistance programs, such as Graduate Memphis, to identify cost-free help to guide your application process.

2. Create a dedicated calendar to manage your application process. Keep track of important dates and deadlines in a central location to make staying on track easier. Breakdown key tasks and assign due dates in advance so you manage your time well.

3. Clean up your social media persona. Some schools (and employers) will search candidate’s Facebook or Twitter profiles in evaluating your application – what you present to the public is extremely important in the online world. Consider removing images or comments that do not portray you in the best light. Make sure your privacy settings are adjusted so that only friends can see personal information, images and videos.

4. Reach out to your network. Ask friends and family members about their experience applying for scholarships. Make sure everyone you know knows that you are looking for advice and assistance in learning about how to earn scholarships.

5. Complete the FAFSA form online. Anyone considering continuing their higher education should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), even if you do not think you are eligible for the aid. You can complete the FAFSA Forecaster now, and then January 1st, log on to submit your application. www.fafsa.ed.GOV – IT IS FREE.