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Finding College Scholarships That Match Your Student (and Avoiding the Junk)



Finding College Scholarships

If you’re serious about making college affordable, scholarships are a must. But with so many websites, lists, and social media posts promising "free money for college," it can be hard to tell what’s worth your time—and what’s just noise. Here’s how to find quality scholarships and create a strategy that works.


Start with the Right Sources

Not all scholarships are created equal. Start your search in places that tend to offer reliable and legitimate opportunities:

  • Your high school counselor’s office

  • Local businesses and foundations

  • Community organizations and religious groups

  • College financial aid and scholarship pages

  • Reputable search engines like Fastweb, Going Merry, BigFuture, and Scholarships.com


Bonus tip: Use your library! Many local libraries curate scholarship listings for their area.


Think Local (and Specific)

National scholarships are often highly competitive, but local awards usually have fewer applicants—and better odds. Look for opportunities tied to your town, region, or state, especially those targeting specific interests, backgrounds, or career goals.


Examples:

  • A women’s civic club offering scholarships to female seniors

  • A local credit union awarding students going into business

  • An organization supporting students pursuing healthcare or STEM careers


Create a Smart Application Strategy

Treat scholarships like a part-time job. Instead of chasing every $500 opportunity, focus on:

  • Quality over quantity: Target awards that fit your strengths and interests.

  • Organizing by deadline: Use a spreadsheet or calendar to track due dates and requirements.

  • Reusing materials: Many essays can be tweaked and reused, saving time and energy.

  • Starting early: The best time to start is junior year—or even earlier.


Watch Out for Red Flags

Avoid scholarships that:

  • Charge a fee to apply

  • Guarantee you'll win

  • Ask for sensitive personal info like your Social Security number

  • Require you to attend a seminar or buy something first

If it feels sketchy, trust your gut and move on.


Final Thought

Finding the right college scholarships isn’t about applying to everything—it’s about applying smart. With the right strategy, students can earn real money to reduce their college costs without wasting hours on scams or dead ends.


Need help building a customized scholarship search strategy? Fenix Consulting can help you identify real opportunities that match your goals—and show you how to win them.

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