How to apply for scholarships: 7 steps + 5 ways to find them

College is expensive! It costs an average of $11,610 per year in tuition and fees for public colleges and in-state schools. And the average is $30,780 for out-of-state schools, according to the College Board. Scholarships are one way grads-to-be and their families can help manage the cost of college (in addition to applying for financial aid through FAFSA).

The thing is, scholarships come in all different shapes and sizes and from many different places. And it can be overwhelming to find them. But don't be discouraged! We compiled this step-by-step guide as you search for scholarships to make it all more manageable. Plus, we've included helpful tips on how to find them.

7 steps to apply for scholarships

We consulted two experts to get their tips on how to apply for scholarships. Here is what they said.

1. Get organized and start early

When it comes to applying for scholarships, having a plan is critical. Doug Crawford, founder of Best Trade Schools LLC, says: "Start by getting organized. Keep track of deadlines, requirements, and the details of each scholarship." You can use a spreadsheet or planner to manage your scholarship applications. Create a column to track deadlines, requirements, and eligibility. Then, go through them one by one, tackling the scholarships with the earliest deadlines first.

The earlier you start the process, the better! Ken Ruggiero, co-founder and CEO of private loan organization Ascent, explains: "Don't wait until senior year to start applying—many scholarships are available as early as freshman year of high school."

2. Research all your options (even unusual ones)

National scholarships are pretty easy to find. But you'll encounter many more fantastic opportunities if you look beyond national scholarships. Search for local, niche, career-specific, and hobby-based options. Ruggiero agrees: "Scholarships based on niche hobbies, such as gaming or community activism, or those offered by professional organizations in fields like tech or the arts, can provide financial relief and open doors to specific career paths."

We included some places to find scholarships that are off the beaten path in the "Where to look for scholarships" section below.

3. Understand the requirements and follow them exactly

Crawford explains, "A lot of times, students will rush through the application and miss crucial details." That's a problem because, as Ruggiero tells us, "Scholarship providers often have very specific instructions on how to complete the application, including word counts, formatting, or required documents. Failing to follow these instructions can result in disqualification."

So make sure you carefully read everything required in the application before starting. It's helpful to add these details to your spreadsheet or tracking document so you have everything in one place.

4. Personalize every application

Your scholarship applications will be much more successful if you set yourself apart. "A personal, thoughtful approach shows that you're truly invested in the opportunity," says Ruggiero.

Crawford agrees: "Every scholarship has its own focus or mission, and when students don't take the time to align their application with that, they miss the chance to make a stronger connection." So customize your responses to the questions, and highlight how your goals match the scholarship's mission or values.

5. Write a strong personal essay

Your essay is your chance to tell your unique story and show your personality. Crawford advises: "This is your chance to connect with the scholarship committee. Make it personal and authentic." Ruggiero agrees: "Take the time to craft a compelling and polished essay that highlights your strengths and aspirations."

Getting feedback from a parent, trusted teacher, or mentor is also a good idea to ensure your essay flows and is error-free.

6. Ask for letters of recommendation early

Many scholarships require that you include letters of recommendation along with your application. And it's better to start this process sooner than later! "Waiting until the last minute to ask for letters of recommendation can put unnecessary stress on both you and the recommender,” says Ruggiero.

When you ask for these letters in advance, provide context so the recommender knows the type of scholarship you’re applying for and can tailor their letter accordingly.

7. Turn scholarship hunting into a routine

Once you’ve got your list of scholarship opportunities lined up, “Set a goal to apply for a certain number each month,” says Ruggiero. The more opportunities you throw your hat in the ring for, the better your chances. And don’t discount the scholarships that don’t come with big money. Crawford explains: “Don’t be afraid to apply for smaller scholarships. They can add up.”

Use your spreadsheet to track your submissions and plan a time to follow up if you don’t hear back.

Where to look for scholarships

Now that you have a plan for how to apply for scholarships, let’s cover how to find them. Here are five places to start your search.

1. Start with your school

Ask your high school guidance counselor for scholarship opportunities that are on their radar. They often maintain a list of local or school-specific scholarships you can explore. Also, ask your teachers and coaches. They may know about niche awards for clubs, athletics, or academic performance. If you’re a college student looking for scholarships, check in with the financial aid office.

2. Tap into your community

Local businesses and community organizations may offer scholarships. So check in with local rotary clubs, chambers of commerce, and religious organizations. These are opportunities you won't want to miss. As Crawford explains: “Students often overlook local scholarships… the competition is typically less intense than national scholarships, and you have a much better chance of winning.”

And don’t forget to check libraries and local government websites. Some may post listings on their sites or host scholarship info nights where you can get more details.

3. Use scholarship search engines and databases

Several different places compile information on scholarships so you can find multiple opportunities all at once. Check out these websites:

On some of these websites, you can even set up a profile with filters to get matched with relevant scholarships.

4. Check with employers and professional groups

Your parents’ employers might offer scholarships for employees’ kids, so it’s worth having them ask around. You can also look into scholarships from professional organizations, especially if you already know the field you’re interested in, like healthcare, tech, or journalism. These groups often want to support the next generation coming into the industry.

5. Think outside the box

If you have a specific interest or hobby, chances are there’s a scholarship out there for it. Think gaming, music, art, writing, you name it. There are also awards for students with specific backgrounds or identities, like first-gen college students, bilingual students, or those from underrepresented groups. And if you’re passionate about volunteering or social causes, watch for scholarships tied to activism or community service.

Applying for scholarships is just a learned skill, but it gets easier the more you do it. So get started today, and you can start chipping away at those college costs!

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