Where to Find Merit-Based College Scholarships?

I'm interested in applying for merit-based scholarships for college. Does anyone have advice on how to find these scholarships or tips on the best places to look? I want to make sure I explore all possible options.

Absolutely, I’d be more than happy to help guide you in the right direction here.

First and foremost, many universities offer their own merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are often tied to the admission process, so when you apply to the school, you are automatically considered for them. It's crucial for you to research individual university websites or talk to an admissions representative to understand their specific scholarship offerings and processes. A list of University-based Scholarships can often be found on the financial aid section of a school's website.

Also, don’t forget to leverage your school's college counseling or advising office. This office often has resources and databases available to them and can help you search for awards you may be qualified for.

Outside of universities, there are also countless independent organizations offering merit scholarships. These are more time-consuming to apply for (you'll need to handle the application yourself, separate from the usual college admissions process), but can be well worth it. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and the newly rebranded Appily (previously known as Cappex) have databases of scholarships you can search.

When it comes to searching for these scholarships, keep in mind that some are general and others are tailored to specific profiles (like engineers, artists, athletes, etc). It can be helpful to brainstorm a list of your defining traits and academic passions so you can search effectively and not miss anything.

Lastly, and extremely importantly, beware of scams while you're searching. A legitimate scholarship will never ask for a participation fee or any sort of payment from you.

This is a time-consuming process, but stay persistent with your research and applications. Best of luck in your scholarship search!