Finding and applying for different college scholarships

I'm trying to diversify my scholarship applications, but there are so many options out there. How do you find and apply for different scholarships for college successfully? Any tips for keeping track of deadlines and requirements?

First off, prioritize checking out scholarship opportunities at the schools you're applying to. Many colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships, and you are automatically considered for some when you apply. There are also specific scholarships that might require a separate application or essay, so ensure you keep track of all the details.

To uncover additional scholarship opportunities, you can use scholarship search platforms, with Appily being one notable option. Just be mindful that some scholarship search platforms might have outdated information, so always do your due diligence by going to the official website of the scholarship to confirm the details.

In terms of organizing your scholarship search, it can be helpful to create a spreadsheet or use a software tool. Include the name of the scholarship, the link to the website, the amount it covers, eligibility criteria, application requirements, the deadline, and if you have applied or not. This way, all the info is in one consolidated place, and you can easily track application deadlines. Plus, you can sort the spreadsheet by deadlines or award amounts to prioritize the scholarships that are most relevant to you.

When preparing your scholarship applications, remember that each application might require a different approach. Some might require essays, others might ask for letters of recommendation. Start your applications well before the deadline to ensure you have adequate time to complete each part of the application to the best of your ability.

Finally, be persistent! The scholarship search and application process can be time-consuming and occasionally frustrating, but the payoff can be substantial. It's a numbers game and remember that every bit of financial aid helps!