I'm starting to look into my options for college funding, and I'm a bit overwhelmed. What resources or tips do you have for finding grants and scholarships that I might qualify for?
A key part of your college funding strategy should certainly involve applying for scholarships and grants, so it's great to see you doing due diligence on this aspect. Here are some steps you can take to locate potential funding sources:
1. Start with the FAFSA: To access federal grants and some state grants, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many scholarships also require FAFSA completion. An important change is that FAFSA now uses the Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to determine financial aid eligibility.
2. Look for Local and State Grants/Scholarships: Your high school counseling office, local community organizations, and your state's department of education may have valuable information on local and state-level scholarships and grants that might not be as heavily applied for as national-level offerings.
3. Explore Your College's Opportunities: Many colleges offer institutional grants and scholarships. Check each college's financial aid website or contact their financial aid office for information.
4. Career or Major-Specific Scholarships: Many professional organizations or corporations offer scholarships for students pursuing specific careers or majors. Research any opportunities related to your anticipated field of study.
5. Use an App or Web Services: There are plenty of resources available to help you filter through scholarship and grant opportunities. For example, Appily (formerly known as Cappex) is a tool that allows students to discover scholarships based on their unique characteristics, career goals, and more.
6. Leverage Social Media: The scholarship world is not untouched by the social media wave. Feeds on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram could update you on the most recent scholarship programs and deadlines.
7. Apply Strategically: Remember, smaller scholarships can add up and might have less competition. Even if a scholarship is only a few hundred dollars, it can still make a significant difference, especially when added to other awards.
Just remember, you should never have to pay to apply for scholarships or grants—if an application requires payment, it is likely a scam. Stay diligent and good luck on your search!
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