What is the simplest way to get a full ride to college?

Hi Justin,

To echo the previous comment, there isn't really an "easy" way to get a full ride. It certainly happens. My school had merit based scholarships based on ACT score (at least 32) and GPA (top 5% of your class). While a full ride was possible, only a select few got it paid in full. You can certainly apply for many scholarships that may eventually add up to a full ride, but that will take many scholarship applications. You won't be able to just carelessly fill these out. You will have to make yourself stand out to be awarded enough scholarships for a full ride. A lot of scholarships are only for 1 year, so this would be an ongoing application process.

Nothing about college is easy. You have to get used to working hard and realizing that you will likely not go to college for free. It is an investment in your future, so rather than looking for a free pass, focus on getting as much as you possibly can out of your investment. Good luck!

Justin, I can't tell from your question how old you are, but you are old enough to be thinking about college, so I will say this gently. Its time to grow up.

Nothing in life is really easy, and everything has a price. Usually, that price is hard work. Knowing how to recognize opportunities, discovering your strengths and applying them are part of the mix, too. I'm sure you've already made some important discoveries about your talents, interests and skills. Now is the time to put those together. Talk with your school's college guidance team and look for scholarships that apply to your mix of strengths.

There's a good general rule in life that says if something was easy, everyone would be doing it...so figure out how to stand out from the crowd and put together a portfolio of grants/scholarships. Its not easy, but its doable. I know a number of now-college students who have done it. They've worked hard through high school, have been involved in their school and in their community. They've worked hard scholastically and equally relentlessly in searching for, and applying for, scholarships. In the end, they ended up with full-rides....but it was years of hard work for their success.

I know you can do that too! Best of luck.