Every school begins the financial aid process with the FAFSA. Qualifying students will also activate access to the federal low income grant program by filling out this paperwork.
All eight Ivy League schools have financial aid websites that give specific scholarships and grants for which a student can apply, dependent upon his college and career goals. These sites also contain tips for getting the most scholarships possible.
Take the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior in high school. This gives entry into the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
It may be possible to use your state's scholarship money for Ivy League schools. Check with your individual state and the school of your interest. For instance, Dartmouth, located in New Hampshire, also accepts need-based state grants from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and several other states.
If you have a family member who belongs to any professional or social organizations, check for scholarships that are offered to the membership. Also, go on the Internet and look for professional organizations that offer scholarships in your field of interest. It is estimated that about $3 billion a year is unclaimed in available private scholarships and grants.
QuestBridge is a major part of the Quest Scholars Program. Every Ivy League school is a partner college with the QuestBridge Program. The program offers the National College Match Program and the College Prep Scholarship Program. Qualifying junior students can get help with Ivy League college visitations and admissions applications.