How do I find scholarships?

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How do I find scholarships as a high school senior planning to pursue a degree in computer science at a U.S. university, with limited family income and no prior formal connections to scholarship organizations? I’m specifically looking for merit-based, need-based, and field-specific opportunities available for international students like myself, and I’d prefer free resources without paid services—could you outline a clear step-by-step process starting from where to search online to how to craft standout applications?

To find scholarships, explore these comprehensive strategies and resources:

  1. Online Scholarship Databases:

    • Use free scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, College Board’s Scholarship Search, Cappex, and BigFuture by College Board. Create detailed profiles including academic achievements, interests, and extracurricular activities to receive personalized matches.
    • Utilize federal resources: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website, which links to state and federal grants, and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Scholarship Finder tool.

  2. Directly Through Colleges and Universities:

    • Visit the financial aid section of the college’s official website. Apply for institutional scholarships, merit-based awards, and department-specific funds (e.g., for engineering, arts, or STEM).
    • Check for need-based aid, talent scholarships (athletics, music), and diversity scholarships. Contact the financial aid office for opportunities not listed publicly.

  3. Community and Local Organizations:

    • High School Guidance Offices: Access local scholarships sponsored by businesses, nonprofits, and community groups. These often have lower competition due to geographic restrictions.
    • Employers and Unions: Offer scholarships for employees, their children, or community members through corporate social responsibility programs.
    • Religious and Civic Groups: Churches, synagogues, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and Elks International frequently provide scholarships based on involvement or need.
    • Chambers of Commerce and Local Businesses: Sponsor scholarships for students from their service area.

  4. Professional and Industry Associations:

    • Explore scholarships linked to your intended career or field (e.g., American Medical Association for pre-med students, National Press Foundation for journalism). Search "association name + scholarship" or visit their websites.

  5. State-Level Resources:

    • State education agencies (e.g., California Student Aid Commission, New York State HESC) manage state grants and scholarships. Verify eligibility through your state’s higher education website.
    • State Lottery Funds: Some states allocate lottery proceeds to scholarship programs for residents.

  6. Essay Contests and Competitions:

    • Platforms like Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, National Merit Scholarship Program, and niche contests (e.g., Duck Tape Stuck on Prom, Holocaust Remembrance Project) offer large awards.
    • Participate in STEM fairs, debate tournaments, or creative competitions to qualify for scholarships.

  7. Military and National Service:

    • ROTC programs, GI Bill benefits, and the National Guard offer tuition assistance in exchange for service. Explore programs like the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) or AmeriCorps for educational stipends.

  8. Ethnicity, Identity, and Affinity Groups:

    • Organizations such as the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), and Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) support underrepresented students.
    • LGBTQ+ groups (e.g., Point Foundation) and religious institutions offer identity-specific scholarships.

  9. Specialized Search Engines and Platforms:

    • Niche databases: ScholarshipOwl (automated matching), Tallo (connects to college and career opportunities), and GoScholarships (filters by demographics).
    • International students: Use IEFA (International Education Financial Aid) or university-specific international aid pages.

  10. Avoiding Scams:

    • Never pay for scholarship applications or access. Legitimate scholarships do not require bank account numbers or Social Security numbers via email. Verify organizations via the Better Business Bureau or FTC guidelines.

  11. Application Tips:

    • Start early (12–18 months before college), tailor essays to each scholarship’s mission, highlight unique experiences (volunteering, overcoming adversity), and request strong letters of recommendation.
    • Track deadlines using tools like Google Calendar or scholarship management apps.
  12. Other Resources:
    • Libraries: Reference shelves have scholarship directories (e.g., "Peterson’s Scholarships").
    • Social Media: Follow #ScholarshipFriday on Twitter or join Facebook groups like "Scholarships360."
    • Books and Magazines: Resources like "The Ultimate Scholarship Book" by Gen Kelly Kaplan or publications from Kaplan Educational Centers.
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By systematically exploring these avenues, you maximize opportunities for financial aid. Always verify deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application requirements for each scholarship.

Published: October 7, 2025