Strategies for getting scholarships for college?

Hey everyone, I'm super stressed about paying for college. I know scholarships are a big help, but how do I actually get them? Is there a certain approach or strategy I should be using to increase my chances?

Indeed, the rising costs of college education are causing financial stress for many students, but there are multiple strategies you can use to increase your chances of securing scholarships.

1. Start Early: Don't wait until your senior year to begin the scholarship search. Many scholarships are open to juniors or even sophomores. Starting early gives you more time to find programs, write essays, and get recommendation letters, if needed.

2. Cast a Wide Net: There are literally thousands of scholarship opportunities out there, ranging from large, national awards to smaller, local ones. Don't limit yourself to highly competitive, well-known scholarships. Apply for lesser-known awards as well—these can be easier to win and add up over time.

3. Keep an Organized List: It's essential to stay organized during your scholarship search. Create a spreadsheet or use an app like Appily to track scholarship names, requirements, deadlines, and application statuses.

4. Aim for a Good Fit: Consider your unique characteristics and experiences. There are scholarships based on everything from academic interests, extracurricular involvements, community service, to even more specific criteria (family background, location, etc.). Find ones that align best with your strengths and experiences.

5. Prioritize Your Applications: Apply to the scholarships that you're most excited about and that you think you have the best chance at first. Remember, applying for a scholarship is no guarantee that you'll receive it, so applying for multiple is crucial to maximize your chances.

6. Tailor Your Essay: If the scholarship requires an essay, tailor your response to the prompt and the organization sponsoring the scholarship. Remember to avoid cliché topics unless you can present a unique perspective.

7. Consider Financial Need-Based Scholarships: If you have demonstrable financial need, don't overlook scholarships based on these criteria. The Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA can help demonstrate this need.

8. Don’t Forget about Scholarships once in College: Many scholarships are available to current college students—not just high school students—so continue your search even after you enroll.

Remember, scholarships are essentially 'free money.' Any funding you receive reduces the amount you’ll have to borrow or pay out-of-pocket. Every dollar counts. Good luck with your search!