1. The College Itself:
* College's Financial Aid Office: This is the best place to start. Colleges often have their own merit-based and need-based scholarships. Contact their financial aid office directly or check their website. Many applications are completed through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
* Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments offer scholarships to students majoring in their field. Check with the department you plan to study in.
2. Federal and State Governments:
* Federal Grants and Scholarships: The FAFSA is crucial for determining eligibility for federal grants (like Pell Grants) and some federal scholarships. While not strictly scholarships, grants don't need to be repaid.
* State Grants and Scholarships: Each state has its own financial aid programs. Check your state's higher education website for details.
3. Private Organizations:
* Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Fastweb, Scholarship America, and Peterson's search databases compile scholarships from various sources. These are great starting points, but be wary of scams.
* Specific Organizations: Look for scholarships offered by organizations related to your:
* Major: Professional organizations often offer scholarships to students in their field.
* Ethnicity/Race: Many organizations offer scholarships based on heritage.
* Gender: Scholarships specifically for women are available.
* Religious Affiliation: Religious organizations offer scholarships to their members.
* Geographic Location: Scholarships may be restricted to residents of a specific state, county, or city.
* Extracurricular Activities: Scholarships are available for involvement in sports, arts, community service, etc.
* Corporations: Many corporations offer scholarships to students, often focusing on specific fields of study or based on employee affiliation. Check with companies you're interested in or where your parents work.
4. Your High School:
* Guidance Counselor: Your high school guidance counselor is a valuable resource. They often have lists of local and national scholarships and can help you with the application process.
Tips for Finding Scholarships:
* Start Early: The scholarship application process can be time-consuming, so start your search early in your high school career, ideally your junior year.
* Be Organized: Keep track of deadlines and required materials.
* Be Persistent: Don't get discouraged if you don't win every scholarship you apply for.
* Be Authentic: Write compelling essays and highlight your unique accomplishments.
* Proofread Carefully: Errors in your application can hurt your chances.
Remember to be cautious of scholarship scams. Legitimate scholarships will never ask for upfront fees. Always verify the legitimacy of any scholarship opportunity before submitting any personal information or paying any money.