How do I get scholarships?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to pay for college without huge loans, but you have no idea where to find scholarships.

Scholarships reduce loans.

Causes & evidence

Start with your school, state and FAFSA. See FAFSA basics.

What to do

1. Submit the FAFSA.
2. Ask your school's financial aid office.
3. Search the CareerOneStop scholarship finder.
4. Beware of scholarship scams that charge fees.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: only applying for big national scholarships with lots of competition. Look locally: community groups, employers, religious organizations, and your school's financial aid office. Use free scholarship search tools, like the one from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop. Never pay to apply for a scholarship or to use a 'guaranteed' search service; that's a common scam. Make a list of deadlines and requirements. Reuse and adjust essays. Ask for recommendation letters early. Keep a folder with your transcript, a list of activities, and a basic essay you can adjust.

Speed Man tip: Apply to many small ones too.

Wrap-up: FAFSA. School aid. No fees.