How can I find a scholarship for college?

I'm starting to look into college scholarships, but there are so many options out there. What's the best way to find scholarships that could help with college tuition, especially if I have no specific focus yet?

Starting your scholarship search can be quite daunting given the plethora of options available. Here are a few strategies to help organize your search and ensure that you don't miss out on potential opportunities:

1. Use scholarship search platforms: Websites such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and CollegeBoard’s BigFuture have databases of scholarships from various sources. Appily is another platform where you can find merit-based scholarships available at different colleges based on your profile.

2. Check with your high school guidance office: Your school counselors often have information about local scholarships - these are often less competitive since they are open to a smaller pool of students.

3. Look for institutional scholarships: These are scholarships offered by the colleges themselves. Most schools automatically consider you for these when you apply, but some require a separate application or additional materials, so be sure to check each school's financial aid website.

4. Explore Federal and State Aid: When you fill out the FAFSA, you're not just applying for aid from your college; you're also being considered for state and federal aid. Some states have grant programs that function much like scholarships.

5. Consider your attributes and background: There are many scholarships targeted towards students with specific backgrounds, such as first-generation college students, students of specific ethnicities, or students with particular academic or extracurricular interests.

6. Remember to follow a broad-angled approach: In the initial stages, your focus should be on gathering a large list of potential scholarships. As you move forward, you can start prioritizing based on the award amount, eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadline.

Finally, remember that applying for scholarships is a numbers game. The more you apply, the better your chances of winning some. So once you create your list, make sure to manage your time well to ensure you can send in a thoughtful application for each. Good luck with your search!