Tips for finding scholarships for college students in 2025?

I'm looking ahead and want to get organized about applying for scholarships for 2025. Does anyone have tips on the best way to find and keep track of scholarship opportunities for college students?

Finding and applying for scholarships can indeed be an overwhelming task, but getting organized early on will make the process smoother. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Identify Sources

Start with widely-used platforms like Going Merry, Fastweb, and Appily. These websites host a directory of scholarships you can apply for, and you can filter them by factors like your qualifications, demographics, and the type of scholarship. Apart from the internet, also check out local community organizations, business groups, and foundations; they often offer scholarships to local students or students of a specific demographic.

2. Create a Spreadsheet

Keeping track of numerous scholarships can be challenging. I recommend creating a spreadsheet with columns for scholarship name, total award, application deadline, requirements, and a link to the application. This way, you can easily keep track of all the information you need to apply for scholarships.

3. Start Early, Apply Often

The earlier you start, the more scholarships you are able to apply for. Some scholarships have very early deadlines, even a year before you'll need the funding. Applying for scholarships is a numbers game; the more applications you submit, the better your chances of winning.

4. Tailor your Applications

Each scholarship foundation is looking for something specific in their applicants. Tailor your applications to highlight the qualities the specific scholarship is looking for.

5. Proofread and Edit

Before you submit any scholarship application, proofread your work multiple times and have someone else look over it, too. A single mistake can make the difference between winning a scholarship and receiving a rejection letter.

6. Follow Up

Many scholarships will confirm they received your application. If you don’t receive a confirmation within a week of your submission, reach out to the provider to confirm they received your application.

Good luck with your scholarship search!