Advice on scholarships for incoming college freshmen

I'm an incoming freshman and nervous about college costs. Are there any strategies for finding scholarships for students just starting their college journey?

Absolutely, there are plenty of scholarships out there for incoming college freshmen like yourself, and I have a few strategies that could help you find them.

1. Begin with Local Opportunities: Typically, local businesses, nonprofits, or community-based organizations offer scholarships for local students. These scholarships might not be as substantial as the more prominent ones but remember, all the small amounts add up. Speak to your high school guidance counselor, look at local business websites or check in with community organizations to find these opportunities.

2. Use Scholarship Search Engines: Online platforms such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Appily can be highly useful for sourcing scholarship options. You fill out a profile with your academic interests, hobbies, and other relevant information, and the search engine matches you with scholarships that fit your profile.

3. Look into Institutional Scholarships: Many colleges offer scholarships specifically for their students, based on criteria like academic achievement, leadership activities, or special talents. If a particular college has admitted you, check their financial aid page.

4. Follow Your Interests and Skills: Companies, organizations, and foundations often provide scholarships for students who have demonstrated passion or success in a particular area, such as music, sports, or STEM. Look up organizations or companies related to your interests and search their websites for scholarship opportunities.

5. Don't Disregard Small or Less-Competitive Scholarships: These may require an essay or project for an amount that might seem insignificant compared to your total tuition. However, smaller scholarships add up, and they tend to be less competitive, giving you a better chance at winning them.

6. Keep Deadlines in Mind: Some scholarship deadlines are as early as a year before college starts, so start searching as soon as possible. And remember, you can continue applying for scholarships throughout your college years.

7. Craft a Compelling Essay: For scholarships requiring an essay, make sure yours stands out. Share your unique experiences and speak authentically about your passions, challenges, and dreams.

Remember, the scholarship application process can be time-consuming, and patience is key. Treat it like a part-time job, and remember—every dollar you win is a dollar less you or your family have to pay. Best of luck!