How to apply for scholarships

Get tips on applying for scholarships and choosing which scholarships to apply for.
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Why apply for a scholarship?

When paying for college, always explore scholarship opportunities before considering federal or private student loans. College scholarships are free money that you don’t need to pay back. There’s no limit to the amount of scholarships you can apply for—so submit as many applications as you can.

How do I find a college scholarship?

Here are four ways to find scholarship opportunities:

  • Look at your hobbies in a new way.
    You may not think of your hobbies and interests as a way to help pay for school, but you should. There are college scholarships out there for everyone: crafters, gamers, vegans, green thumbs, Trekkies—you name it. Scholarships aren’t just for straight-A students or all-star athletes.
  • Power up Nitro by Sallie Mae.
    With Nitro by Sallie Mae you get matched to scholarships based on your profile and you can track your college funds all in one place. (By clicking this link, you’ll go to our trusted affiliate, SLM NitroCollege LLC. Any use of the site will be governed by SLM NitroCollege LLC’s terms of use and any information you provide will be governed by the terms of SLM NitroCollege LLC’s privacy policy.)
  • Meet with your school counselor and others.
    Discuss your plan to pay for college with your school counselor and ask about scholarship opportunities that might be right for you. Also, keep your eyes and ears open in your community. You might hear of college scholarship opportunities through your church, your job, or your parents’ jobs.
  • Apply for scholarships for minority students.
    If you’re a minority student, there are scholarships available that can help you pay for school.

When should I apply for a scholarship?

Apply for scholarships early and often. Some scholarship deadlines are as early as a year before you start college. You don’t need to wait until you’ve made your final decision about your school to apply.

But don’t worry if you missed out on some of the earliest scholarship applications. There are lots of scholarship opportunities out there, all with different deadlines.

Apply for scholarships every year you’re in college, too—there are many scholarships for current college students.

Scholarship application tips

As you get ready to apply for college scholarships, keep in mind that different scholarships have their own qualifying criteria and require certain documents. These tips can help as you choose which scholarships to apply for:

  • Be careful.
    You shouldn’t have to pay to apply for scholarships or for scholarship searches. School counselors and school financial aid offices can recommend reputable options, like  Nitro by Sallie Mae. (By clicking this link, you’ll go to our trusted affiliate, SLM NitroCollege LLC. Any use of the site will be governed by SLM NitroCollege LLC’s terms of use and any information you provide will be governed by the terms of SLM NitroCollege LLC’s privacy policy.)
  • Be thorough.
    Apply for smaller scholarships. Even a few hundred dollars can help offset the cost of textbooks and supplies.
  • Be honest.
    Don't exaggerate your grades, memberships, skills, or qualifications on scholarship applications. You’re more likely to receive scholarships if you apply for the ones that match your interests and skills.
  • Be proactive.
    Apply for scholarships every year you’re in college. Approximately 50 percent of available scholarships are for students already enrolled in college.
  • Be diligent.
    Pay attention to details. Some scholarship applications require you to write an essay while others may want letters of recommendation. Send in what’s requested and proofread everything. Typos and missing materials can be the difference between winning or losing a scholarship.
  • Be on time.
    Some scholarships are very quick and easy to apply for. Others take a little more time. Meet all deadlines. If the scholarship application can’t be submitted electronically, use certified mail. Missing a deadline could disqualify you.
Check out Kaci’s plan for finding free money to pay her degree

Learn more about college scholarships

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