Like grants, scholarships are awards that you are not required to pay back.
Before applying for scholarships, apply for admission to your school. Your school may automatically consider you for scholarships based on your admission, previous scholastic achievements, and other information you provide them.
They may consider you for need-based scholarships based on your federal application for student aid. You should check with your financial aid office and the department of your major to find out if they have any separate or additional scholarship aid.
Additional scholarships are also available from outside sources. The key is to find legitimate scholarship opportunities that you are qualified for and apply.
Scholarships are offered for a variety of reasons, including academic achievement, participation and excellence in sports or other activities, race or minority status, contests, and association with certain organizations, clubs, employers, or other groups.
Ask your high school guidance office or the financial aid office (or their website) at your college or university what state and institutional scholarships may be available. Your guidance office will also have a database of other scholarships.
Find out if scholarships are available through your employer or organizations you are associated with. Large companies and organizations sometimes offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement for their employees or employees' children.
Also look for websites that perform free scholarship searches; you should not have to pay anyone to find scholarship opportunities. Keep in mind that local and specific scholarships will have less competition and give you a better chance of winning.
Decide which scholarships you are qualified for, follow the instructions, and pay special attention to deadlines. Be prepared to provide information such as ACT and SAT scores, GPA or transcripts, financial information, proof of eligibility, and letters of recommendation. In addition, you should be prepared to submit personal essays and exhibit your skills.
After gathering all requested information and filling out your application, have someone proofread it before you submit it. As in the case with federal financial aid, you should apply for scholarships annually.