The most successful scholarship seekers use a variety of sources to search for free money. Libraries and bookstores keep many books on scholarship searching. It's not necessary to purchase books with scholarship databases, though, as they quickly become outdated.
Scholarship Search Engines and the Internet
You may be tempted to go to a scholarship search site, create a profile, kick back and wait for the money to roll in, but if you do only this, your chance of success is not high. Using scholarship search engines is a great way to start, though.
Scholarship search engines require you to fill out a profile, listing your interests and experience, which then is matched with a variety of potential scholarships. Since you can fill out more than one profile on these sites, fill out several, emphasizing different strengths, such as volunteer work, academic achievement, awards, and even obstacles you have overcome. This is a great way to see what's available based on your different experiences.
Sometimes these scholarship sites won't always match your profile with scholarships ideal for you. Try searching the Internet as well by typing "scholarship listings" into a search engine. Your results should turn up scholarship listings that are not profile-based, which may help you find more scholarships that fit your experiences.
Because you're not the only one using scholarship search engines, you won't be the only one to discover these scholarships. You'll be competing nationally with many other people. To increase your odds, use a variety of strategies in your search.
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Colleges, Universities and Community Resources
Colleges and universities generally offer scholarships specialized to your major. These scholarships probably are less competitive, so stop by your financial aid office or check with your department to find out more about these scholarships.
High school guidance counselors often have scholarship listings and may be willing to help you, even if you're no longer in high school.
Some employers offer scholarships for children of employees and people in their community. Don't miss out on these opportunities — competition for these scholarships can be relatively low.
Community organizations may be your best bet for finding scholarships. Joining the 4-H club or another organization not only can teach you valuable skills but also can open the door to scholarships. Check to see if the organizations your parents or grandparents belong to offer scholarships as well.
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When to Start
Begin preparing for scholarship applications by keeping good records of your volunteer activities, jobs and club participation. Write in a notebook or diary, or keep details of your activities in a file folder. Gather applications early. Many scholarships let you apply before your senior year — some are available to individuals as young as 14. Even if the directions indicate a far-off due date, you should begin preparing applications early. Remember, though, to use current forms when you send in your final application. The scholarship listing will give you directions on how to order the most current forms.
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Athletic Scholarship Myths
Athletic scholarship dollars generally are pretty scarce. Many schools don't offer athletic scholarships at all. The number of scholarships granted by college athletic programs is limited by the size and competitiveness of those programs. Because coaches can get a better variety of skilled athletes, they prefer partial-ride scholarships. Very few full-ride scholarships exist.
Most students who receive athletic scholarships aren't athletic superstars — they're better than average athletes who don't wait for coaches to contact them. Athletic scholarships are awarded each year, and while it is possible to retain them throughout college, these scholarships are evaluated yearly to determine renewal. If you're interested in an athletic scholarship, initiate contact with coaches. Remember, though, if you get an athletic scholarship, you'll be expected to devote most of your free time to the sport. The demands of college-level athletics are far greater than those at the high school level.
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