What is the best way to search for scholarships?

Laura,

Like Jordan mentioned, I would definitely look at Cappex and Niche. Other sites that I have heard students use is ScholarshipZone, Scholarships and StudentScholarships. Another easy to use Scholarship site that has the amount, due date, etc. and easy to find is Scholarships360.

As Jordan also mentioned, you may need at least one stellar essay to copy & paste or turn in when submitting for these scholarships. Like Jordan said you will need to spend some time on a possible daily basis applying for any and all that you qualify for. There are so many scholarships that don't get applied for. Plus don't doubt your self worth - if you don't apply, you definitely will not get it.

One last thing that I heard from my coworker is that his daughter's school, through her counselor, was able to get a list of scholarships she would qualify for. Some kind of program her high school counselor had access to so she could give her a print out or send electronically all the scholarships she would qualify for, but was up to her to reach out and actually apply for the scholarships. Good Luck!

Great question Laura. I'm sorry no one's answered it yet! In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few links to other relevant Q&A on CareerVillage.org that should be super helpful for you to read through.

Take a look at the "next steps" section below for a list of sites you should create accounts on if you haven't already. Tips:

1. Dedicate a minimum of 1 hour a day for a few weeks to applying for scholarships and it'll go a long way.
2. Be thoughtful about your entries, just doing the bare minimum isn't going to land you any scholarships. It's better to spend more time on each entry to ensure it's well thought out than to rush through to try to enter a bunch. Quality over quantity!!
3. I recommend writing one STELLAR essay. Chances are you'll use it for every scholarship application (potentially only having to make minor edits dependent on what the prompt is). Tell a story that clearly represents who you are and what's important to you. The goal of the essay should be to let the reader in to your life. If you can do that in a genuine and meaningful way you'll be considered, I promise! A couple of ideas: Write about the hardest thing you've had to go through in your life or what makes you so passionate about something. Be sure to include lessons you've learned and what you hope to do with that knowledge/experience later in life.
4. Spend more time finding scholarships that directly pertain to YOU so it cuts down the competition. Look for scholarships in your local community, or that are just for young women, for example. Know what career path you want to pursue? There are probably dozens of scholarship opportunities that are only for students aspiring to follow a specific career path (e.g. STEM, entertainment, sports, design, etc. etc.)

Relevant Q&A on CareerVillage.org you should read:

What financial support can I find to help me pay for college?

How to stand out when applying for scholarships?

What are the chances of winning scholarships?