Are there free scholarships for college students available next year?

I'm planning to attend college in 2024, and I'm looking for any tips on finding free scholarships that will be available next year. I'm especially interested in scholarships that don't require a lot of complex application processes because I'm balancing a lot of AP classes and extracurricular activities right now. If anyone knows about easy-to-apply scholarships or has recommendations on where to look, I'd appreciate it!

Absolutely! There are many scholarships available each year, be they merit-based, need-based, or focused on specific characteristics or skills. It's great you're taking initiative so early in your college journey!

While many scholarships do have rigorous processes, there are some that are simpler. For instance, some scholarships have shorter essays or only require a basic application form. You should be aware, though, that these "easier" scholarships might also have more applicants, since they are less time-consuming.

To find scholarships, you could start with the new Appily site which aggregates scholarships and can be filtered based on your eligibility criteria. Be sure to check the websites of your prospective colleges too. Many institutions offer scholarships that are specific to their students, and these might be less competitive than national scholarships because they have a smaller applicant pool.

Another good strategy is to look locally. Local businesses, organizations, or even high schools often offer scholarships to students in the area. These are typically less competitive than national scholarships, and they might not require as much effort.

Also, don't forget about scholarships offered by national organizations related to your planned area of study, or your extracurriculars. For example, if you're a debater, check if the National Forensics League offers scholarships. Or if you're interested in engineering, see if societies like the National Society of Professional Engineers offer scholarships.

Please make sure that you are careful with your personal information online and that you're applying to reputable scholarships. Any scholarship asking for an application fee, or guarantees you will win before even applying, should be red flags. Remember that scholarships are about helping students, so legitimate ones won't require you to pay them.

Applying for scholarships might seem overwhelming, but it can be a great way to ease the financial burden of college. Start your search early, stay organized and apply to a mixture of both "reach" scholarships and those that have simpler application processes or fewer applicants. Good luck!