How can incoming college freshmen secure scholarships?

I'm going to be a freshman in college soon and am trying to figure out the best way to find and apply for scholarships. Any advice on where to look or tips for the application process?

Congrats on making it to this exciting stage! One of the best ways to go about securing scholarships as an incoming college freshman is to first, of course, start with your college itself. Most colleges have a robust set of scholarships that they automatically consider applicants for, based on the information provided in your application. They will also have specific scholarships that require separate applications. These awards are typically listed on the college's financial aid website.

In addition, there are countless external scholarships out there. There's a scholarship for almost anything you can think of! Platforms like Appily or Fastweb maintain large databases of scholarships and match you to ones that fit your profile. They're not the only ones, but they're useful as they centralize a lot of information.

Also, don't overlook local scholarships. These are often less competitive as they are only open to students within a certain geographic area. Check with local community organizations, businesses, or even your high school counselor.

As for application tips, make sure you're paying close attention to the instructions. Each scholarship will have its own criteria and it's critical that your application addresses them specifically. Some scholarship organizations provide advice on what they're looking for in an application, so do your homework.

Next, highlight your unique qualities and experiences. Scholarship committees see thousands of applicants, so make sure your application stands out by sharing your distinct experiences.

Keep your responses focused and be succinct. Explain why you deserve the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals.

Lastly, proofread your application! Spelling and grammar mistakes can make your application seem less professional.

Hope these tips are helpful and best of luck with your scholarship hunt!