How to Find Scholarships and Grants for College?

I'm a high school junior planning for college in 2026, and I'm really interested in discovering different scholarships and grants available. What's the best way to begin researching these opportunities and what are some tips for applying?

Finding scholarships and grants for college can feel like a daunting task, but it's definitely doable with the right strategies and resources.

Firstly, look at the financial aid policies of the schools you're interested in. Some schools offer merit scholarships, institutional grants, or other types of aid that can significantly offset the cost of attendance. Look for a "Financial Aid" or "Tuition & Aid" section on each college's website.

Secondly, seek out national and local scholarship opportunities. These can range from scholarships sponsored by large corporations to those sponsored by local businesses, community organizations, and foundations.

Your school guidance counselor can be a helpful resource, too. They often have information about various scholarships and may also provide advice on the application process.

A key strategy while applying is crafting a strong essay - this can certainly give you an edge over the other applicants. Remember to tailor your application and essay to the specific award you're applying for, highlighting the aspects of your academic, extracurricular, or personal life that align with the scholarship or grant's criteria or mission.

However, be cautious of scholarships that require an application fee - these can often be scams. A general rule of thumb is that you should never have to pay to get a scholarship.

There is a plethora of online resources and databases available. Some popular sites include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board's scholarship search engine.

Lastly, be organized and keep track of deadlines. Many scholarships have deadlines late in the year or early the next year.

Finding scholarships and grants requires time and effort, but it's certainly worth it. Committing some time each week to research and apply for scholarships can help you secure the funding you need for your college education.