I'm currently a junior trying to build a list of scholarships I can apply for when I start college. Any tips on where to search for scholarships that are a good fit? Online resources or personal recommendations would be super helpful!
Sure, building a list of potential scholarships early on is a great strategic move. There are several scholarship databases that can be quite useful in your search. One of them is the U.S. Department of Labor's free scholarship search tool. It's useful because you can filter by scholarship level, state, affiliation, etc. This allows you to search for scholarships in a more targeted manner.
Another useful resource you can check out is the database from the College Board. It contains scholarships, other financial aid, and internships from more than 2,200 programs. An advantage of using this tool is that it's compiled by those who administer the SAT, so there is a level of credibility in the information provided.
Moving on from databases, reaching out to local clubs, organizations, and businesses may also bear fruit. Many of these groups may provide scholarships for local students, and these can often be less competitive as they are lesser-known and have a geographically restricted pool of applicants.
Don't overlook your future college's financial aid office, too. They may have information on scholarships specific to your college or major.
Appily (formerly Cappex) is another resource where they have a large scholarship database. Their platform provides additional college-planning tools that can be helpful.
Remember to be cautious of scams. A good rule of thumb is, if you're asked to pay to access a scholarship, it's likely not legitimate. Each scholarship application will require some work from you, not money. Good luck with your search!
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