Finding Scholarships for College Freshmen

As I prepare for college, I'm curious about where to find scholarships specifically for incoming freshmen. Are there specific databases or organizations I should check out to ensure I’m getting all the opportunities available?

Indeed, there are many resources to facilitate your scholarship search. Here are some places to start:

1. Your Guidance Counselor: Don't overlook the resources right in your school. Your guidance counselor likely has information about local scholarships you may qualify for, so schedule a meeting to discuss your options.

2. College Financial Aid Offices: Contact the financial aid offices of the colleges you're interested in. They often have scholarships exclusive to their school that you might not find elsewhere.

3. Scholarship Search Platforms: Various scholarship search platforms such as Fastweb, Chegg Scholarships, and the newly renamed Appily (formerly Cappex) can help you find scholarships that fit your profile. Be ready to spend some time filling out questionnaires about your academic and extracurricular interests, achievements, and future aspirations.

4. Local Organizations: Think about your community — are there local business or cultural organizations that offer scholarships? Do you participate in any service or hobby clubs that might offer scholarships to continuing members?

5. Federal and State Aid: Be sure you also check out federal and state opportunities for scholarships or grants. Remember to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to ensure you qualify for as many opportunities as possible.

6. Corporations: Large corporations often have scholarships for students entering college. For example, Coca-Cola and Burger King have well-known scholarship programs.

When searching, remember to stay safe and avoid scholarship scams. Never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship, and be wary of guaranteed wins or unsolicited opportunities. It may require some digging, but there are many resources out there, don’t leave any stone unturned. You could potentially fund a significant portion of your college education through scholarships.