How to search for financial need-based scholarships?

I'm currently a junior in high school and I'm trying to figure out how to find scholarships that are based on financial need. My family doesn't have a lot of income to support college expenses, so I’m really relying on this to help cover costs. I’ve heard that there are both need-based and merit-based scholarships, but I’m more interested in learning about the financial need-based ones right now. Where would be the best places to look or start my search? Do certain colleges have better resources or databases for these scholarships?

Certainly! It's great to hear that you are proactively preparing for your college expenses. Securing need-based scholarships can indeed make a substantial difference.

I would recommend starting your search in a few areas:

1. Federal and State Aid: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you can - this is typically after October 1 in your senior year of high school. The FAFSA is the door to various types of financial aid, including need-based scholarships, federal grants, and student loans. You'll get what's called an Student Aid Index (SAI) and the schools to which you’re applying will use this to determine your financial need and aid package.

2. Your Intended Colleges: Many universities offer their own need-based scholarships. To find these, go to the website of the school you're interested in, look for the financial aid or scholarship page, and see what they provide. It's also beneficial to reach out to the financial aid office directly for more personalized advice. Remember to also use the school's Net Price Calculator to estimate your financial aid package before you apply.

3. Community and Local Scholarships: These are often overlooked but can be a valuable resource because you may be competing against a smaller group of applicants. Check with your guidance office and local businesses, foundations, and community organizations.

4. Online Scholarship Platforms: Websites like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Appily host databases for different types of scholarships, and this includes those based on financial need. You can also use filters to refine your search based on your personal circumstances and requirements.

Remember to read the criteria for any scholarship carefully before applying. Never pay to apply for a scholarship - such offerings are often scams. Be persistent, thorough, and start early to give yourself the best chance. Best of luck in your scholarship search!