General Scholarship Search Engines:
* Fastweb: A comprehensive database with many scholarships, some very specific. It's free to use but requires creating a profile.
* Scholarships.com: Another large database with a wide range of scholarships. Similar to Fastweb, it requires a profile.
* Unigo: Provides scholarship searches, college information, and other resources for prospective students.
* Peterson's: A long-standing resource for college planning, including scholarship search tools. (Often requires a subscription for full access, but some information is free.)
* Going Merry: Allows you to apply for multiple scholarships from one application.
Government and Institutional Resources:
* Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This is crucial for determining eligibility for federal grants (like Pell Grants) and loans. It's *not* a scholarship search engine itself, but it unlocks many other funding opportunities.
* Your High School Guidance Counselor: Counselors often have lists of local and specialized scholarships.
* Your College's Financial Aid Office: They're the experts on funding options specific to your institution. Check their website or contact them directly.
* State Government Websites: Many states have their own scholarship programs; search "[Your State] college scholarships."
* Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): If you're a veteran or dependent of a veteran, the VA offers education benefits.
Niche Scholarship Databases:
* Scholarships by Major/Field of Study: Search online for scholarships specific to your intended major (e.g., "engineering scholarships," "nursing scholarships").
* Scholarships by Ethnicity/Race: Many organizations offer scholarships targeted at specific ethnic or racial groups.
* Scholarships by Gender: There are scholarships specifically for women or men.
* Scholarships by Religion: Some religious organizations provide scholarships to students of their faith.
* Scholarships by Geographic Location: Look for scholarships specific to your state, city, or region.
* Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: Organizations offer scholarships to support students with disabilities.
* Scholarships for First-Generation College Students: Many scholarships target students who are the first in their family to attend college.
* Scholarships for Athletes: Athletic scholarships are available at many colleges, both at the Division I, II, and III levels. (Note that these are often merit-based and not always full rides).
* Scholarships from Professional Organizations: Many professional organizations offer scholarships to students pursuing careers in their field.
Tips for Success:
* Start early: Scholarship applications often have deadlines months in advance.
* Be organized: Keep track of deadlines and required materials.
* Tailor your applications: Customize your essays and applications to fit each specific scholarship.
* Proofread carefully: Errors can hurt your chances of winning.
* Don't give up: The scholarship application process can be competitive, but persistence pays off.
Remember to always be wary of scholarship scams. Legitimate organizations will never ask for money upfront to apply for a scholarship. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.