What are the best strategies to find free scholarships for college?

Finding scholarships that don’t have any costs tied to applying would be helpful! Does anyone know the best sites or methods to find free scholarships or any that have been especially helpful for you?

Sure, there are several methods to locate free scholarships for college. Here are some strategies that might be useful:

1. Check with Your School Counselor: They likely have a wealth of knowledge about local scholarships. Oftentimes, local scholarships might be less competitive because they're only open to students in your area.

2. Utilize Scholarship Search Engines: There are many websites designed to match students with scholarships. Appily is one such site that provides a large database of scholarships students can apply for. Always remember to set the search parameters accurately so they match your unique qualifications, and be sure to avoid scams—remember, you should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.

3. Explore College Financial Aid Offices: The financial aid office at the college you attend (or plan to attend) may have resources available too. Some colleges offer scholarships that are unique to their campuses.

4. Tap into Non-Profit Organizations or Community Foundations: Local non-profit organizations or community foundations often sponsor scholarships for high school students. Be sure to check out their eligibility criteria.

5. Look for Scholarships in your Field of Study: Many industry groups or professional associations also offer scholarships for students planning to study in their field.

6. Don’t Forget About Your or Your Parents' Workplaces: Some companies offer scholarships for employees' children.

Always watch the deadlines and plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to put together a strong application. It can be a lot of work, but remember, every bit of financial aid you receive is less money you'll need to borrow and pay back in the future!