How can I find scholarship resources as a college student?

I'm preparing for college and want to know the best ways to find scholarships. What resources should I look into, and are there any specific websites or tools that are super helpful for this?

Absolutely, there are several ways to find scholarships as a college student, both through online platforms and by tapping into local opportunities.

1. Online Search Platforms: Online search platforms such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Appily are some of the most comprehensive sources. They compile thousands of scholarships and often allow for specific search parameters like major, year in school, and even hobbies or interests you have.

2. College Financial Aid Offices: Another important resource is your college's financial aid office. They often have a list of scholarships specific to their institution or can guide you based on your specific profile.

3. Professional Associations: Consider looking at professional associations related to your intended major or career path. Many of these organizations offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in their field.

4. Local Organizations: Don't underestimate the power of local organizations. Community groups, high school foundations, and local businesses often offer scholarships for students in their area.

5. Government and Companies: The government offers a plethora of scholarships based on need or merit. Companies also have scholarships for students interested in pursuing careers in their industries.

6. Internships and Co-op Opportunities: Some internships or co-op opportunities also offer scholarships, especially those that are geared towards underrepresented groups in certain fields of study or industries.

Remember to start early and apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for. Many students make the mistake of not applying because they think they won't get the scholarship. Some scholarships receive few applications, so your chances might be better than you think.

One key note to always keep in mind is to never pay to apply to a scholarship. Legitimate scholarships won't ask applicants to pay an application fee.

Good luck with your scholarship search!