How to Find Scholarships: Where to Look and How to Apply
Where scholarships come from, how to build an application you can reuse and how to avoid scholarship scams.
In this guide
Key takeaways
- Complete the FAFSA first. Many schools and states use it to award their own aid.
- Local scholarships often have fewer applicants than national ones.
- Keep a reusable application kit to apply for more awards in less time.
- You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
Start with the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, is the starting point for most college funding. It's used to award federal grants, work-study and federal student loans. Many states and colleges also use it to decide who gets their own grants and scholarships.
Fill it in at studentaid.gov as early as you can. Some state and school aid is limited and given out first come, first served. Check the site for this year's opening date and deadlines, because they can change.
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Ask your school's financial aid office
Colleges are one of the largest sources of scholarships. Some awards are automatic, based on your application. Others need a separate form or essay.
Ask the financial aid office, and your department if you've chosen a major, what scholarships are available and how to apply. High school students can also ask their school counselor, who often hears about local awards first.
Look close to home
Local scholarships are often smaller, but they usually have far fewer applicants than national competitions. Places to check include:
- community foundations in your city or county
- your parents' or your own employer
- labor unions, credit unions and local banks
- civic groups such as Rotary or Lions clubs
- religious organizations and cultural associations
- local businesses and professional associations linked to your planned career
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Not now, show me another guide →Use reputable search tools
Scholarship search sites let you filter awards by your background, interests and plans. The US Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website has a scholarship finder, and many colleges list search tools on their financial aid pages.
Create a separate email address for scholarship searches. Some search sites share your details with marketers.
Build an application kit
Many scholarships ask for similar things. Gather them once and you can apply for more awards in less time:
- an up-to-date transcript
- a list of activities, jobs, volunteering and awards, with dates and hours
- two or three people who've agreed to write recommendation letters
- a strong core essay you can adapt for different prompts
- a copy of your FAFSA submission summary, if awards are based on need
Give the people writing your recommendations at least two to three weeks' notice, and a short summary of what you'd like them to mention.
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Writing an essay that stands out
- Answer the question that's being asked. Adapt your core essay to each prompt.
- Tell a specific story about something you did, not a general description of yourself.
- Show what you learned or how you changed.
- Stay within the word limit.
- Ask a teacher or someone you trust to read it, then proofread it out loud.
How to spot a scholarship scam
The Federal Trade Commission warns students to watch out for these signs:
- A fee to apply, or a fee to receive an award you've supposedly won.
- A promise that you'll win, or your money back.
- A request for your bank account or credit card details to hold an award.
- Being told you've won a scholarship you never applied for.
- Pressure to act right away.
Real scholarship providers don't charge you to apply or to collect your award.
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Stay organized and report your awards
Keep a simple spreadsheet with each scholarship's deadline, requirements and status. Set reminders a week before each deadline.
If you win a scholarship, tell your college's financial aid office. Outside awards can change your financial aid package, so it's better to know early. Thank-you notes to donors are also a good habit, and some scholarships require them.
Common questions
Can I apply for scholarships if I'm already in college?
Yes. Many scholarships are for current students, adult learners and graduate students, not just high school seniors.
Do I need high grades to win a scholarship?
No. Many awards focus on community service, leadership, work experience, where you live, your planned career or financial need.
Do scholarships have to be paid back?
No. Scholarships and grants are gift aid and don't need to be repaid, as long as you meet the award's conditions.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information. Deadlines and rules change, so always confirm details with the scholarship provider, your school or studentaid.gov.
