The internet has vastly simplified the process of searching and applying for scholarships. Free scholarship databases abound; register at several sites since their search parameters may be different, giving you access to a greater variety of scholarships. One caveat: you should never be asked to pay a fee to find or apply for scholarships. Beware of those scholarship search companies that guarantee that you’ll be eligible for a scholarship. Treat all such offers as the scams that they are.
Start your search by registering at www.fastweb.com. After completing your registration and profile form, they’ll notify you of all types of scholarships that fit your description. You take it from there by applying to those scholarship programs that interest you. Many programs are at least partially need-based, so you may have to submit family financial information. Often, the application includes an essay, but a generic essay about your achievements, experiences, or goals may fit the bill. Scholarship search engines similar to that of Fastweb will be found at www.collegeboard.com, at www.scholarships.com and at www.finaid.org.
You can also use the web to search for corporate and/or minority scholarships, or to enter scholarship competitions. Minority students can “google” the sites for the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program, the Jackie Robinson Program, the LULAC National Scholarship Fund, the Ron Brown Scholar Program, the Hispanic College Fund, the Microsoft Minority Technical Scholarship Program, the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, the United Negro College Fund, and the Xerox Technical Minority Scholarship Program. Corporate scholarships include those of Best Buy, Target, McDonald’s Ronald McDonald House, the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation, the Boeing Company, and Discover Card. If you’re competitive by nature, search out contests in the arts (Arts Recognition and Talent Search), sciences (Intel Science Talent Search), computers (Imation Computer Arts Scholarship) and numerous other areas. Many of the scholarship programs allow you to apply online. Others may use a paper application, often available by download from the program’s website. Happy hunting!
