As a junior in high school, I'm starting to think more seriously about college and, obviously, how I'm going to pay for it. I've heard that there are tons of scholarships out there specifically for students, but I'm a bit overwhelmed with where to start looking. Does anyone have tips on how to find these scholarships and maybe some advice on what types of scholarships are worth applying for? Any insights on where to discover lesser-known options would be super helpful!
Great to see your forward-planning! Your timing is actually great because scholarship search and applications are lengthy processes and starting early gives you an advantage.
The first place to start is with local scholarships. These could come from local businesses, organizations, or even clubs you're involved with. You can ask your high school counselors or mentors if they are aware of any local scholarships, as they usually have a good list or resources to help you.
Next, you should see which scholarships are offered directly by the colleges you're interested in. These are known as institutional scholarships and could be merit-based or need-based. Once you've identified colleges you're interested in, you can check their Financial Aid page on their website to find out if they offer any scholarships you could apply for.
There are also nationwide scholarships that are often more competitive, but provide larger awards. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Appily (formerly known as Cappex) are databases that curate thousands of nationwide scholarships. When you create a profile on these platforms, they can even match you with scholarships that are specifically suited to your background and interests. Be sure to be careful when sharing your information online and avoid scholarships that seem too good to be true or that are asking for unnecessary personal information.
Scholarships can also be specific to your intended field of study. Professional organizations related to your field of interest often have scholarships to support students pursuing a career in that field. Google searches like "scholarships for engineering students" or "biology major scholarships" can lead you to these opportunities.
Remember, small scholarships can add up, so don't just aim for the large, competitive ones. Each scholarship has its own criteria so read them carefully and prioritize applications for the ones you most closely meet the criteria for. Good luck with your search!
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