Best way to search for college scholarships?

I'm a junior starting to think about college costs. What's the best way to search for college scholarships? Are there any websites or techniques that have worked for you? I'm particularly interested in scholarships that don't require a high GPA.

Finding scholarships can seem overwhelming, but there are various resources and techniques that can make the process more manageable.

One of the first places to search is your high school's guidance office. Many local businesses and organizations offer scholarships to seniors of nearby high school. Additionally, check with your future college's financial aid office to see if they have scholarships you might qualify for.

There are also plenty of online search engines for scholarships to expand your search to a national level. Some popular ones are:

- Fastweb: This site has a massive database of scholarships and excellent advanced search features.

- Appily: Appily (previously known as Cappex) has a searchable scholarship database and personalized scholarship chances.

Keep in mind, however, that these sites will often require you to create an account and input some personal information to generate the most relevant scholarships for you.

A note on GPA - remember that many scholarships do have GPA requirements; however, there are plenty that base their decisions on other factors. For instance, look for scholarships that value something you excel in, such as community service, athletics, or leadership experience.

You can also look for essay-based scholarships - highlighting your personal experiences and perspectives are important here. But remember, it’s not just about having a compelling story to tell. The most successful essays are well-written and demonstrate clear, thoughtful responses to the prompt.

Remember to be diligent! Apply to as many scholarships as you can, no matter how small. They can add up and every little bit helps. Remember that you’re probably not the only one applying, so make sure your applications are polished, professional, and memorable. Don't be discouraged if you don't win the first few scholarships you apply to – keep trying and stay optimistic!

Lastly, beware of scams. Never pay for a scholarship search service, and avoid any scholarships that require an application fee.

Best of luck!