As seniors prepare for college, finding money that can go towards college can be a difficult thing. So naturally, scholarships are on everyone’s mind. But there are only a few to go around.

On Sept. 11, students took a test to apply to the Dane Hansen scholarship. The scholarships are given out to seniors that are enrolled in Northwest Kansas schools, one of them being the Ellis county district. The scholarship provides between $4,000 and $10,000 that goes toward any college. The majority of the senior class took the test.

Senior Tristan Callis believes that the test can be beneficial in some aspects.

“Personally, this test is only beneficial if I receive a scholarship,” said Callis. “Because it was free to take the test, I can only gain from taking this test.”

He goes on to talk about the content of the test and its complexity.

“The most difficult thing about the exam was the fact that I really couldn’t study for it,” said Callis. “When we received the letter for the test, we were given some prompts to study, such as Kansas History, American History, Vocabulary, and Mathematics. But, they really generalized categories. Plus, most of what was told to be studied wasn’t on the exam, which was a little irritating.”

Senior Ben Rajewski agrees with Tristan that the test itself can be difficult.

“I think the most difficult thing was how random most of the questions were,” said Rajewski.

Considering the test is difficult to most, some people have suggestions as to how the test could be better.

“The questions could have some actual relevance,” said senior Max Stieben. “If they would put things from the study guide onto the test, then that would probably make it easier.”

Senior Jacob Balzer also agrees with Stieben.

“Maybe they could have some sort of study guide that actually helps with the test could be beneficial,” said Balzer.

But aside from the difficulties of the test, most would recommend for future seniors to take it.

“I would encourage others to take it, said Rajewski. “We might say it’s awful but it could definitely be worth it.”

15rarthur@usd489.com