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A scholarship search takes time, energy, and effort. Successful students apply for everything and do not make excuses! You may have to fill out a lot of applications to get one scholarship. It is always OK to ask about scholarships. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed. Finding free money for college will be worth it. Never give up!

• Schedule time every week to complete and submit applications.
• Make note of application deadline dates and put them in a calendar.
• Keep track of what you have applied for and what you should work on next, based on deadline dates.
• Let someone else read your scholarship essays and give you feedback.
• Check out our video video on how to write an effective scholarship essay!
• Thoroughly review your scholarship application before submitting it.  Make sure you did not skip or leave a question blank.  Double check your spelling and grammar.

Take advantage of the network you, your family and your friends have developed.

• If you are still in high school, meet with your high school counselor and ask what scholarships are offered by your high school and the surrounding community.
• Check with your friends.  What scholarships did they apply for?
• Read announcements and local newspapers for local scholarship opportunities.
• Are you active in a club or student organization?  Check and see if they offer scholarships at a local, regional, or national level.
• Does your church, synagogue, mosque or other religious affiliation offer scholarships?  Ask!
• Ask University Community - Ask about scholarship opportunities when you talk with ����Թ� State staff, academic advisors, faculty, and other students.  Someone might know about a new or upcoming resource to check out.

Similar to exploring options that might bubble up through your personal network, other possibilities will be available through professional connections you, your family and friends have cultivated. As a result:

• Check with your employer (both students and parents) to see if they have a scholarship program.
• Are you volunteering somewhere?  Ask if they offer scholarship opportunities.
• Businesses and industry groups in your major or career field may offer scholarships.  A simple Google search can help you uncover these types of scholarships.  For example, search for “scholarships for aviation students” or “scholarships for human resource management majors”.
• Research  state and national organizations which may offer scholarships to individuals with your cultural background or personal circumstances.  Google is a great place to start with these types of searches.
• Register for 1-2 external scholarship search engines.  View a  list of free and reputable search engines!
• Contact national organizations which may offer scholarships to individuals with your cultural background, personal circumstances, interests and skills.