Where can I apply for scholarships as I prepare for college?

I'm trying to figure out the best places to look for college scholarships. Are there specific websites or resources that have the most reliable scholarship listings? I'd love to hear any tips from those who've gone through the process.

Sure, there are quite a few resources where you can discover scholarship opportunities to help fund your education. Here's a quick rundown of some places you could explore:

1. Your High School Guidance Office: Oftentimes, they have information on local scholarships available for graduating seniors. It's worth checking with them as competition for these scholarships is typically smaller.

2. Colleges and Universities: Many colleges offer scholarships as part of the financial aid package. These can be merit-based or based on other categories like athletics, community service, the arts, and more. Make sure to research each school you're applying to and their scholarship programs.

3. Local Community Organizations, Businesses, and Groups: This includes organizations like Rotary Clubs, local businesses, local foundations, and other community-minded entities. Many sponsor scholarships for local students.

4. Appily: A site that allows students to search for scholarships by category and deadline. It's a substantial database, and you may find a variety of opportunities there.

5. The U.S. Department of Labor's Scholarship Search Tool: This government-managed tool lets students filter scholarships by education level, award type, and other types of aid.

These are just starting points, so try to think outside the box and seek out less conventional scholarship opportunities as well. Be sure to start looking early and apply for many scholarships to increase your chances of receiving aid. And of course, remember to avoid any service that asks you to pay a fee to apply for scholarships—real scholarships will never ask for a payment. Good luck!