Finding Money for College
You may have thought you were done with writing essays and sending applications, but not quite yet. Now is the time to look for scholarships. And don’t get discouraged. In this case, one more essay or scholarship application could mean a big pay-off for you. A few more hours of your time could turn into hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
College scholarships typically come from three sources:
- The colleges to which you have been accepted
- Local community organizations
- National or larger regional organizations
At your College
Most scholarships come from the schools that have admitted you. Check the college website for any scholarships offered by the school.
Start Locally
Local organizations are the hidden gems of scholarship money. Although the awards are typically smaller in dollar amount, the competition is also limited. Many local scholarships are actually looking for applicants! Churches, service organizations (like the VFW, or the Junior League), local charitable funds, even your parent’s employer may have scholarship opportunities. The key is finding the information – who, what, when, where, why and how to apply!
Check with:
- Your high school counseling office
- Parent organizations (PTA, Booster clubs, etc.)
- Your local library
Expand Regionally
Use your residence as a means to get more money for college. Many states offer scholarships to top students. Check to see what is offered through your state. Check deadlines for any state scholarships you qualify for.
Compete Nationally
There are dozens of national scholarship search engines available. Many are nothing more than a way to market credit cards or other products to you. These are some of the recommended scholarship search engines.
Take Action
Add your college scholarship deadlines to your application plan.
Review the scholarships offered by all colleges on your list and determine your eligibility for specific awards. Note down milestones or other relevant points for the scholarships you are planning to apply for.