Tips for High School Seniors Seeking College Scholarships?

I'm a current senior and really want to maximize my chances of getting scholarships for college. Any advice on where I should be looking and what deadlines I need to keep an eye on?

When it comes to college scholarship hunting, it involves a multi-directional approach. Here are some tips that can help you in your search:

1. Start Early

Make sure you start your scholarship search as early as possible. Many scholarships have deadlines in the fall or early winter. Due to their competitive nature, ample preparation time is necessary.

2. School-Based Scholarships

Your first port of call should be the financial aid offices of the colleges you're interested in. Many institutions offer merit-based scholarships, grants, or fellowships to incoming students that require separate applications.

3. Local Scholarships

Don't neglect local scholarships as they tend to be less competitive. These may be offered by businesses, non-profits, or clubs in your community.

4. Commercial Scholarship Platforms

Platforms like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Appily can also offer significant support in matching you with potential scholarships based on your profile and preferences.

5. Extracurriculars and Personal Interests

Scholarships are not just about academic merit; your hobbies, interests, and the clubs you're active in can yield significant funding opportunities. For instance, if you're a part of a student council, a National Honor Society member, or active in community service, there are specific scholarships out there for these.

6. Major-Specific Scholarships

If you know what you want to study, look for scholarships specific to your intended major. Professional organizations related to the field of study often sponsor these scholarships.

7. FAFSA

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it opens in October. This will open you up to grants, work-study, and federal loans. Plus, some scholarships use FAFSA data to determine financial need.

Always remember to be consistent and thorough in your search. Every dollar won through scholarships is a dollar less that you'll need to pay out of pocket or borrow in loans. It may feel tiresome and time-consuming, but your future self will thank you!