Finding free scholarships and grants for college: Where do I start?

I'm looking for opportunities to fund my college education mostly through scholarships and grants. Does anyone have advice on where to start searching for free scholarships and grants that don't require repayment?

Definitely, there are several resources you can use to find scholarships and grants. First of all, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is the gateway to all need-based financial aid, including federal, state, and college-specific programs, a mix of grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. Fill this out as soon as possible after it opens on October 1st.

Next, consider looking at your intended college's financial aid office. They will have information about scholarships available specifically to students at their institution. Some of these scholarships may be based on financial need, academic merit, or other specific categories.

Your high school's guidance office is another fantastic resource. They often have information about local scholarships, which have less competition compared to national awards. These can be based on a range of factors like community service, leadership, or choice of college major.

Furthermore, online databases, like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, Chegg Scholarships, and Appily can be beneficial in your scholarship hunt. Make sure to keep an eye out for scams. If the application requires a fee, or if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You should never have to pay to receive a scholarship.

Lastly, inquire about scholarships related to your specific interests or circumstances. There are scholarships for athletes, musicians, artists, STEM students, and more. Plus, some organizations offer scholarships for students of particular backgrounds, members of certain organizations, or those pursuing specific careers.

Keep in mind, applying for scholarships can be a numbers game. Apply for as many as you're eligible for, even if they're small amounts. They can add up. Most importantly, never miss a deadline. Create a schedule or tracking system to keep everything in order. The efforts you make now can go a long way in reducing your future student loan debt. Good luck!