What's the best way to find scholarships?

I'm beginning to feel the pressure of finding scholarships to help with college expenses. What's the most effective way to look for scholarships, and how can I organize the search process?

The scholarship search can indeed be a daunting process, but a systematic approach can help. Here are some tips for finding and organizing your scholarship search:

1. Start with Local Scholarships: Often, local scholarships have less competition than national ones. These could come from local businesses, civic groups, your high school, or local foundations. Ask your school's guidance office, look through local newspapers, and ask around in your community.

2. Use Online Databases: Websites like FastWeb, Scholarships.com, and Appily can help you find scholarships that match your profile. Always remember to update your profile as your circumstances change, to broaden your opportunities.

3. Check college websites: Most colleges offer merit-based scholarships to incoming students, and some may have separate applications or requirements. Be sure to check the college's financial aid or scholarships page for specifics.

4. Specific Groups: There might be scholarships available for members of particular demographic or interest groups. For instance, if you're involved in a particular activity or have a specific major in mind, there will likely be scholarships related to that.

5. Stay Organized: Use a spreadsheet or a dedicated folder on your computer to keep track of scholarships you're interested in. Include key details like the deadline, award amount, essay topic, and any additional requirements.

6. Regularly Review: Set aside time every week to look for new scholarships and review the upcoming deadlines.

7. Be Aware of Scams: Beware of “scholarships” that require a fee to apply, or that promise a guaranteed win. Genuine scholarships will never ask for an application fee.

Remember, apply widely and consistently. Keep an eye on deadlines and give yourself plenty of time to write your essays. Good luck with your scholarship search!