Finding Third Party College Scholarships: Any Tips?

I’m trying to find third party scholarships for college, especially those offered by companies or organizations. Does anyone have advice on where to start or how to increase my chances of getting one?

Sure, third party scholarships can be a good way to reduce the cost of college. It's great that you're being proactive about it. Here are a few tips:

1. Research widely: Look beyond the usual scholarships that are widely known and advertised. Don't limit yourself to just the big nationwide scholarships. Smaller, local scholarships might be less competitive and easier to win. Look at businesses and organizations in your town, check with your high school guidance office, or research online on platforms like Appily, Scholly, or Fastweb.

2. Apply to scholarships that match your interests and skills: The more specifically a scholarship matches you and your experiences, the better your chances of winning. For example, if you're interested in engineering, look for scholarships from STEM-related organizations. If you excel in a certain sport, look into athletic scholarships.

3. Tailor your application: Each scholarship will likely have different essay prompts or application requirements. Make sure you tailor each application to fit the specific scholarship. Show how you specifically match their criteria.

4. Mind the deadlines: Keep track of when each scholarship application is due. You don't want to miss out on the opportunity because you were late.

5. Proofread: Make sure your application is well-written and free of spelling or grammar errors. This might seem simple, but a well-presented application can make a big difference.

6. Ask for recommendations: If the scholarship requires letters of recommendation, ask a teacher, counselor, or mentor who can speak to your strengths and accomplishments. Be sure to ask them well in advance of the deadline.

Remember, applying for scholarships can be a numbers game - the more you apply to, the better your chances of winning. So start early and apply often. Good luck!