Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form asks questions about your parents' income and helps qualify you for financial aid. Submit this form by the deadline to qualify for federal grants, grants from your college and many private grants.
File your FAFSA with the federal government. This will determine your eligibility for federal grants--especially the Pell grant--and other state-based grants. You can file this online and check your application status online as well.
Submit the financial aid application forms for the colleges to which you apply. This includes the FAFSA and other forms. Many schools offer financial aid for students in the form of grants. These may be need- or merit-based grants.
Apply for merit-based grants at your chosen college. Your college will have different requirements for merit-based grants, based on the type of grant. For example, you will have to show your report cards to earn an academic grant, but you will need to show sports ability to receive a grant for your talent in sports.
Look for private grants for college. Your best option is to look for grants that apply to students in your local area, which will have less competition. However, there are also nationwide grants. Use a free grant search to look for grants based on type.
Complete the applications for private grants. Be sure to follow all directions exactly, as a slight mistake could automatically disqualify you.