How do I find the best scholarships for college?

I'm looking for ways to fund my college education and want to make sure I apply to the best possible scholarships. What criteria should I consider when looking for top scholarships? Any personal experiences or success stories?

When searching for the best scholarships, there are several key factors to consider:

1. Eligibility Requirements: Make sure you meet all of the scholarship’s criteria. Scholarships may specify certain GPA requirements, an intended field of study, or have restrictions based on factors like racial or ethnic background, gender, geographic location, or financial need.

2. Scholarship Type: Some scholarships are merit-based, which means they are primarily interested in your academic achievements, leadership roles or extracurricular activities. Others are need-based, meaning they consider family income, assets, and other information, like you would report on the FAFSA. In addition, some scholarships mix the two criteria.

3. Award Amount: While a $50,000 scholarship sounds amazing, don't shun smaller scholarships! Even $500 can help with textbooks or other costs. Remember, every bit helps.

4. Renewability: Some scholarships are one-time awards; others can be renewed each year. Scholarships that are renewable for four years can provide significant help, even if the award amount might seem small on the surface.

5. Application Process: Some scholarships require just a simple application, while others might require an extensive application, like a personal essay or letters of recommendation. Consider the time investment each scholarship requires versus the potential payoff.

6. Deadline: Keep track of all scholarship deadlines. Some scholarships have fall deadlines, while others might not be due until spring, but it's best to start researching and applying early and not wait until the last minute.

Many students have shared that using trusted scholarship search engines like Appily or Fastweb helped navigate the wide range of scholarship opportunities. These platforms compile a multitude of scholarships in a searchable format and can be a very handy resource. Another useful tip from previous students has been to reach out to local community organizations, businesses, and even their high school counseling office, as local scholarships can sometimes have less competition.

Always be cautious of scams. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship. Additionally, be mindful of how much personal information you are being asked to provide. Good luck!