Is it possible to get a full scholarship for college?

I'm trying to find ways to attend college without going into debt. Are full scholarships a reality, and if so, what steps should I take to make myself a strong candidate for them?

Yes, full college scholarships are very much a reality. These types of scholarships, often called full-tuition or full-ride scholarships, cover the cost of tuition, and sometimes other expenses like room, board, and books. They're typically awarded by either the colleges themselves or outside organizations.

For colleges that award merit scholarships, which are given based on academic or talent achievement regardless of financial need, you can often strengthen your candidacy by having a strong GPA, high test scores (if the college is not test-blind), well-rounded extracurriculars with a few areas of high involvement, and compelling essays or interviews.

External scholarships can be similarly competitive and often require application materials such as essays, recommendation letters, or portfolios showcasing your work or talent. Many have specific eligibility criteria (e.g., intending to major in a certain field, belonging to a certain ethnic or demographic group, demonstrating significant financial need), so keep an eye out for any scholarships that align with your profile.

Consider starting your scholarship search on a platform like Appily, which collects a variety of scholarships from across the country. Additionally, you can look for locally sponsored scholarships in your community—these may have fewer applicants and therefore be less competitive.

You might also look into universities with substantial endowments, as they often have generous financial aid packages calculated to meet 100% of students' demonstrated need. Schools like Harvard, for instance, don't require families earning under $65,000 to contribute to their students' education.

Finally, remember to start your search and applications early. Many scholarship deadlines fall in the year before you start college, so it's good to begin your search in your junior year of high school or even earlier. And remember that every bit of scholarship you receive reduces the amount of loans you might need to take on!