Any Tips on Finding Unclaimed Scholarships for College?

I've read about unclaimed scholarships that are often overlooked by students. Are there reliable resources or databases to find these? Trying to get ahead with scholarship applications before senior year kicks in!

Absolutely, it's great that you're looking into financial aid opportunities early on. Unclaimed scholarships do exist and can provide a great additional source of funding for college.

Searching for unclaimed scholarships can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, so it's important to be strategic in your approach. A good starting point is the financial aid office or website of the specific colleges you're interested in. They often have information about institutional scholarships. These scholarships are provided by the college itself and may not be as well advertised as those from external organizations.

Then, delve into localized scholarships such as those provided by service organizations like the Rotary Club, Lions Club, or your local chamber of commerce. These organizations often find themselves with funds to give, but fewer applicants because students may overlook these smaller, localized opportunities. It can be helpful to have your parents inquire at work as well, as some businesses have scholarships for their employees' children.

Furthermore, targeted search platforms like Appily (formerly Cappex) or sites like Scholarships.com can help you identify potential scholarships that may not be heavily applied for. On these platforms, you can tailor your search to peculiar scholarships that apply to a very specific group of students (such as left-handed students, or students with a particular hobby), which can lower the competition significantly.

Finally, keep in mind that your high school's guidance office may also be a good resource for finding less-known scholarships. Guidance counselors often receive information about scholarships that are specifically targeted towards students in your region.

Remember, unclaimed scholarships are out there, but they do require persistence and creativity to find. Best of luck in your search!