How to Find Free Scholarships for College

With college costs being what they are, I'm trying to find scholarships that don't require an upfront fee to apply. What are the best resources or strategies to find genuine free scholarships? Is there anything specific I should avoid?

Securing scholarships is a great strategy to offset the costs of college, and you're absolutely correct in wanting to avoid any that require an upfront fee, as these are often not genuine.

To find free scholarships:

1. Start with your guidance counselor: Your school's guidance office should have a list of local scholarship opportunities. These scholarships often have a smaller applicant pool, making your chances of winning higher.

2. Check with the colleges you're interested in: Most colleges and universities offer scholarships for incoming students, both merit-based and need-based. You can usually find information about these on the school's financial aid website.

3. Use online scholarship search engines: There are various online platforms that compile scholarship opportunities. One example is Appily—simply create an account, fill out your profile, and you'll be matched with scholarships that fit your academic and extracurricular achievements.

4. Reach out to local organizations: Many community groups, such as Rotary Clubs, religious institutions, or local businesses, offer scholarships to local students.

As for what to avoid:

1. Scholarships with fees: As you've already mentioned, be wary of scholarships that require you to pay to apply—they can be scams.

2. Scholarships that seem too good to be true: If a scholarship promises a big payout for minimal effort or information, it could be a scam. Watch out for messages that guarantee you've won a scholarship you never applied for, or that ask for personal information like your social security number or bank account information.

3. Scholarship services that charge for searching: With all the free resources available, there is no need to pay for a service to find scholarships for you.

In conclusion, while scholarship applications can take time to complete, the potential savings are well worth the effort. Best of luck in your search!