Hey everyone, as a junior in high school, I'm starting to look into ways to afford college. I've heard there are a lot of scams out there, so I'm nervous about finding legit scholarship sites. Does anyone have recommendations for trustworthy websites or places I should look for scholarships? Any tips on spotting scams or avoiding unnecessary fees would also be super helpful!
As you begin your scholarship search, it's critical to be aware of potential scams and focus your energy on reliable sources. There are definitely some reputable websites out there that can help you identify scholarship opportunities. Here are a few:
1. Fastweb: A long-established scholarship portal with an extensive database of opportunities and personalized matching.
2. Cappex: This site not only houses scholarship information but also has a hefty collection of college reviews and a robust college match tool.
3. College Board Scholarship Search: The people behind the SAT also offer a scholarship search platform, where you can get access to more than 2,200 source of college funding.
4. Chegg Scholarships: Known for textbook sales and rentals, Chegg also has a useful scholarship search function.
5. Peterson's: Provides an online scholarship tool in addition to test prep, college statistics, and other resources useful for college-bound students.
Please remember that you should never have to pay a fee to apply for a scholarship. Scammers often ask for a fee or your financial information to assist in your scholarship search or to claim a scholarship. Legitimate scholarships are free to apply for and the organizations sponsoring them won't ask for your banking or credit card information.
Another red flag is receiving notification that you've won a scholarship you didn't apply for. Scholarships are usually competitive and you are informed you've won them because you've applied and been selected, not because your name was randomly drawn from a hat.
Look out for high pressure tactics, such as "Apply now or miss this opportunity," it’s another sign of scams. Good scholarships give you adequate time to apply and do not rush the process with high-pressure tactics.
Lastly, starting your search with your high school counselor's office or the financial aid office at the colleges you're considering can also provide trustworthy local or college-specific scholarship opportunities.
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