The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the first step in searching for scholarships and grants for college. Although many students may be discouraged from applying because their families have medium to high incomes, everyone should take the time to submit this form.
Many colleges and universities give financial aid to high-school athletes who show promise and are willing to play for the college's team. Check with your high-school coach to find out what schools may be interested in having you try out for their teams or squads.
Depending on what major or concentration you selected in college, there may be opportunities to get aid money from professional organizations. You may only be eligible for these once you complete an academic year of college; check with your department head for contact information.
Searches for scholarships and grants are greatly aided by the Internet. Sites such as fastweb.com and scholarsite.com have searchable databases of scholarships to help you find the right ones to which to apply.
Ask people you know--such as a high-school guidance counselor or college adviser--for help finding financial aid. Also, if you are a dedicated member of a national organization, such as Girl Scouts or Kiwanis Club, check out their websites and find out if they offer scholarships for which you may be eligible.
Students often focus their scholarship and grant searches on outside companies, but many schools offer scholarships and grants to their students. Sometimes these awards only are available to students who have completed one or two semesters at the school; other times, they are available to incoming freshman and transfer students as well.