I'm starting my college search and need to figure out my financial options. Where do high school juniors usually find scholarships for college? Are there specific websites, organizations, or local opportunities I should know about?
There are a number of resources that high school juniors can use to find scholarships for college. Let's list them in categories:
1. High School Guidance Office: They might have a database or bulletin board of local scholarships, which face less competition compared to national scholarship programs. Often, these scholarships are sponsored by local businesses, community organizations, and service clubs.
2. Online Scholarship Search Platforms: These tools allow you to search for scholarships by major, location, college, etc. Some popular ones you might want to check out include Scholarship.com or Fastweb. I'd also recommend looking into newly rebranded Appily (used to be Cappex).
3. College Financial Aid Offices: Once you narrow down a list of colleges you're interested in, make sure to check their financial aid pages. Many colleges offer scholarships based on financial need or merit, and some even offer departmental scholarships for specific areas of study.
4. Federal and State Student Aid: Don't forget to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when available. This will allow you to be considered for a whole slew of financial aid options, including federal Pell Grants, which don't need to be repaid. States may have their own grants and scholarship programs as well.
5. Employers and Community Organizations: Some employers offer scholarships for children of employees, so be sure to ask your parents if their employers offer anything. Also, check out local organizations, such as the Lions Club or the Rotary Club.
Remember, applying for scholarships is a numbers game—the more you apply to, the more likely you are to receive some financial aid. Start early, be organized, meet deadlines, and write thoughtful, personal essays. Good luck!
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