Aside from the usual platforms, where else should I be looking to find scholarships? Are there any local or niche opportunities I should be aware of? I'd love to hear where others found success!
You're on the right track in expanding your scholarship search! Broadening your search not only to major search platforms but also to smaller niche scholarships can significantly improve your chances of landing some money for college.
Three main types of scholarship sources that students should consider are institutional scholarships, national databases, and local/regional scholarships.
Institutional scholarships are offered directly by the university or college to which you are applying, and these often have the biggest financial rewards. Check out the financial aid pages on the websites for the schools to which you're applying and consider meeting with your admissions counselor if you have questions about specific scholarship opportunities.
National databases are large, searchable platforms that aggregate scholarships from all over. Some examples include Appily (formerly known as Cappex), Fastweb, and Scholarships.com. When using these platforms, make sure to complete your profile in detail, as they match you with scholarships based upon the information you've provided.
Local or regional scholarships tend to be less competitive as they are only available to students within a certain geographic location and they aren't as well publicized as national scholarships. Check with local businesses, community organizations, and foundations. Additionally, your high school counseling office may have resources and information about these scholarships.
Lastly, remember to diversify your search - applying to both large, competitive scholarships and smaller, niche scholarships can increase your odds of earning financial aid. From scholarships for left-handed students to those for vegetarians, there really are scholarships for just about any hobby, talent, or characteristic you can imagine! Good luck on your search.
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