Meet with your high school counselor to review your high school transcript, and ask about scholarships. Ask about area colleges that offer scholarships. Ask about upcoming school events such as college fairs or tours. Ask about scholarships for students graduating from your high school. Ask if your state has a college foundation to help students apply for college and find scholarships. Check in periodically with the counselor, and continue to ask questions.
Develop a plan and timeline for researching, identifying and applying for scholarships. Include your preferences, such as the school you would like to attend and the major you intend to pursue. Keep a notebook to write down notes.
Use an online search engine to search for scholarships. Make note of all scholarships for which you qualify. Visit the websites of schools you would like to attend, and check the financial aid pages for scholarship information. If applying for full-tuition scholarships at specific colleges contact the financial aid office or your high school counselor, and ask for help in applying.
Visit the website of a professional organization related to your intended major. For instance, minority students who plan to major in accounting will find that the American Institute of CPAs provides the Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students. The National Society for Professional Engineers maintains a list of engineering scholarships and deadlines.
Identify civic organizations in your community, such as the Lion's Club, Junior League, Rotary Club, and ask about scholarships. Community foundations manage charitable funds for foundations, individuals and corporations to provide grants and scholarships. Visit the websites or call to ask about scholarships.
Complete the online FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online to apply for the Pell grant and the SEOG (Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant). Colleges that require the FAFSA distribute federal student aid.