How can I find scholarships for future college students?

I'm starting my college search and really need scholarships to help cover tuition. What are some good places to look for scholarships for future college students like me? Any specific tools or websites you'd recommend?

Finding scholarships is a great way to supplement your financial aid package and reduce college costs. There are numerous sources you can explore.

One of the first places to look is the financial aid office of the schools you're interested in. They usually have a list of scholarships offered by the institution itself—these can be merit-based, need-based, departmental, or specific to certain majors.

Secondly, connect with your high school guidance counselor. They might have information about local scholarships offered by your community, clubs, or organizations. These local competitions often have smaller applicant pools, which might increase your chances of winning.

Another important tool at your disposal is the U.S. Department of Labor’s free scholarship search tool. You can plug in your details and it shows you relevant scholarships that you can apply to.

One scholarship search engine that might also be of help is called Appily. By inputting information about your academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements, the search engine will match you up with scholarships you might be eligible for.

One crucial point to remember when searching for scholarships is to be cautious of scams. Never pay for a scholarship search, and be wary of any organization that guarantees a scholarship or your money back. The search for scholarships requires time and effort, but the reward can be significant in decreasing your college expenses.

Good luck with your search!