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Applying for Scholarships: Tips to Win Free College Money

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tips for winning college scholarships
Scholarships can cut your college bill. A little effort on applications can save you thousands.

Scholarships can cut your college bill. A little effort on applications can save you thousands.

Start with the FAFSA. It is the first step for federal aid in the United States, and many states and colleges use it for their own awards too. File it early each year. Some aid runs out fast, so timing matters.

Some colleges also ask for the CSS Profile, a second form they use to award their own non-federal aid. Check whether your schools require it and note their deadlines.

Know the types of aid. Grants go to students with financial need and do not need to be repaid. Scholarships reward grades, talents, or specific backgrounds and also do not need to be repaid. Work-study programs give you a part-time job, often on campus, to help cover costs. Federal student loans come last. They can help, but you pay them back with interest, so borrow only what you need.

Search widely for scholarship opportunities. Your college, local groups, employers, and nonprofits all offer them. Apply to several. Small awards add up, and less-known scholarships get fewer applicants.

Write each application with care. Follow the directions exactly. Tailor your essay to the question instead of reusing one generic essay. Ask a teacher or adviser to proofread before you submit.

Keep track of deadlines. A simple list or calendar with each scholarship, deadline, and status will keep you organized. A missed deadline ends an application, so do not let one slip by.

Read every aid offer you get. Compare what is free money, what is work-study, and what is a loan. If a school’s offer is short, you can ask the aid office whether they can reconsider. Maximize your financial aid by treating aid, work, and savings as one plan. And if you do borrow, make a plan for repaying student loans after college before you sign.

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