There are so many scholarships advertised online, but I'm not sure which are real or worth applying to. How can I find reliable information about scholarships that I might actually qualify for?
There are indeed numerous reliable sources where you can find legitimate scholarships to apply to. I suggest starting with the following:
1. Financial Aid Office: Many universities offer institutional scholarships, i.e., scholarships awarded & managed by the school itself. Check with the financial aid office or the school's website for information on these scholarships. Often, they're based on academic achievement, leadership back in high school, or financial need.
2. Federal and State Government: The U.S. Department of Labor’s free scholarship search, for example, is a great place to start. Most states also have financial aid programs which could include scholarships. To get information on these, you'd visit your state's government or education department website.
3. Local Community Organizations: Find out if local businesses, religious, or nonprofit organizations offer scholarships for students in your area. They may have a smaller applicant pool which can be advantageous.
4. Course-Specific Scholarships: Often, professional associations will offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in the same field. If you have a particular course or major in mind, check for the respective professional organizations.
5. National Merit Scholarship Program: This is a competition for recognition and scholarships that high school students enter by taking the PSAT/NMSQT.
6. Appily: Appily offers a variety of scholarships and also offers a scholarship matching tool that match your personalized profile with potential scholarships.
Remember to avoid any service that requires you to pay them to find scholarships. Real scholarships never ask for a payment from applicants. Keep your information safe by applying only to recognized scholarships or scholarships recommended by trusted sources.
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