Scholarships and grants for first-time college students?

I'm going to be a first-time college student, and I'm looking for scholarships and grants available for people in my situation. Any advice on where I can find a list or start applying?

Absolutely, there are many scholarships and grants available for first-time college students and several ways to search for them. Let me outline some steps you can follow to kickstart your scholarship and grants search:

1. FAFSA: First and foremost, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to land federal grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans. The FAFSA uses your Student Aid Index (SAI) to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid. Remember, you need to fill out the FAFSA every year you're in school, not just your first year.

2. Institutional Scholarships: Most colleges offer their own scholarships, often based on merit or financial need. After you fill your FAFSA, you will find out if you're eligible for any institutional aid when you receive your financial aid package from the universities to which you've been accepted.

3. Local Scholarships: Check with your high school counselor or local community organizations for scholarships specific to your area. These scholarships often have fewer applicants than national scholarships, improving your odds.

4. Online Scholarship Platforms: There are numerous online databases such as Appily(formerly Cappex), Fastweb, Scholarship.com where you can create a profile and be matched with scholarships you're eligible for based on your skills, interests, and background.

Remember to start early and apply to as many scholarships as possible to maximize your chances of success. Grants and scholarships can significantly reduce your college costs, and unlike loans, they don't need to be repaid. Good luck in your search!