I'm starting college soon and realized I need more financial aid. Is it too late to apply for scholarships a week before college starts? Any suggestions on where to start would be appreciated!
Absolutely, scholarship applications aren't necessarily tied to the academic calendar, so there are opportunities available year-round. Keep in mind, however, that many scholarships take time to process and disburse funds, so the money may not be immediately available. Scholarships with quicker turnarounds do exist, but they may be more competitive or have specific eligibility requirements.
One of the best places to start finding scholarships is within your own network. Reach out to local organizations — such as community clubs or religious institutions — that you're affiliated with. They often have scholarships specifically for members. Be sure to also check with the financial aid office at the college you'll be attending. They may have insight into emergency grants or last-minute scholarship opportunities.
Appily, formerly known as Cappex, is also a good resource because it allows you to search for a wide variety of scholarships, including those that are less competitive and those with deadlines throughout the year.
Keep in mind, finding and applying for scholarships can be time-intensive, so be prepared to allocate a bit of time each day to the process. And remember, even small scholarships can add up, so don't overlook those with lower award amounts! Good luck!
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