Best Ways to Obtain College Scholarships

I'm searching for scholarships to help pay for college, but I'm overwhelmed with where to start. What are the most effective ways to find and apply for scholarships? Any tips on finding lesser-known opportunities?

Firstly, starting your scholarship search early is a fantastic move. You'll have a better opportunity to explore various scholarships and to submit compelling applications.

There are multiple strategies you can follow:

1. Start with your college's financial aid office: Colleges often offer merit-based scholarships to attract talented students. Make sure to review the details on the school's official website and do research on any special departmental scholarships that may be available.

2. Local Community: Local scholarships tend to be less competitive because they're limited to students within a specific area. Look for opportunities offered by local businesses, organizations, or clubs in your community.

3. Use Scholarship Search Platforms: There are several reliable online platforms where you can find a plethora of scholarships. One such platform is Appily, where you can filter scholarships based on your achievement, interests, and intended major. Remember, these platforms don't comprise all scholarships available, but they're a good place to start your search.

4. Plan to Utilize Your Summer: The summer before your senior year is an excellent time to search for scholarships. Many students are focused on enjoying their break, so you could have less competition during this time.

5. 'The Smaller, the Better': Don't overlook smaller scholarships. Even though they may not offer as much money, they can still help you reduce your college costs and are often less competitive than larger scholarships.

6. Employer Scholarships: If you or your parents work for a company that offers scholarships to employees’ dependents, this could be another source of college funding.

7. Extracurricular Leadership & Achievements: If you have significant achievements in your extracurricular activities, look for scholarships related to them. For example, Eagle Scouts, Girl Scouts, and participants in the Congressional Award Program often have special scholarships available to them.

Always remember, winning scholarships often comes down to the student's ability to market themselves. In your applications, be sure to articulate your experiences, your goals, your commitment to your chosen field, and why you’d be an excellent candidate for the award. Good luck on your journey!