You’ve done a lot of prep work to narrow down your list of colleges and get those applications submitted. The next step in preparing for college is figuring out how to pay for tuition and other expenses. One way is through scholarships—money that you don’t have to pay back. Many types of scholarships are available, but how do you get them?

　　Some college scholarships are based on need; others are based on your achievements or merit. Still other scholarships may be awarded because of your heritage, ethnic background, the clubs and activities you were in, or where your parent or legal guardian works.

　　Fill out that FAFSAThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your Student Aid Index (SAI) and can identify some state and school grants and scholarships for which you might be eligible. If your college or university uses the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, fill it out. (The CSS Profile is similar to the FAFSA and used by certain schools.) After you’ve been accepted, schools will inform you of your individualized financial aid package.

　　Federal grants (including the Pell Grant)Federal student loans (subsidized and unsubsidized)Federal Work-Study programs State-level need-based grants School-level need-based grants and scholarships Some merit-based state and school scholarshipsWhat are need-based scholarships?Need-based scholarships award funds based on the cost of attendance at a given college compared to your family’s financial situation. Typically, a college uses the information provided on the FAFSA to determine if your situation merits a need-based scholarship. Each school has different parameters for calculating need, so just because you were awarded a need-based scholarship from one school doesn’t mean you’ll receive similar funds—or any at all—from other schools.

　　There are also scholarships at the federal, state, and local levels that consider financial need. You may have to provide copies of bank statements, tax returns, or other documents if the organization doesn’t use the FAFSA or CSS Profile to determine your family’s monetary needs.

　　What are merit-based scholarships?Scholarships are often awarded based on achievement or merit. You may qualify for scholarships based on your grades or your performance in athletics, performing arts, or leadership.

　　If you take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) during your junior year of high school, you’re automatically entered into the National Merit Scholarship Program. The top 1% of test-takers qualify as semifinalists in the competition. These students must then complete an application, submit an essay, and meet other requirements. Less than 1% of semifinalists receive a scholarship.

　　What other scholarships are there?Some companies and professional organizations offer scholarships to children of employees and members. These scholarships generally still require an application and may have a need or merit requirement. For example, you may have to have at least a B average to be awarded one of these scholarships.

　　Heritage Ethnicity Disability Area of study A personal essay Unique traits or characteristics, such as being tall or a twin Random drawings and contestsYour high school is the best local scholarship sourceYou can find scholarships online by using one of many websites, such as Scholarships360, Scholarships.com, or The College Board’s BigFuture directory. But these sites list hundreds of scholarships nationwide, and it can be difficult to refine your search. A simpler way is to check with your high school guidance counselor or college admissions officer for a list of local scholarships. It’s much easier to win a scholarship if you’re only competing within your community rather than at the national level.

　　Check with your school to see if alumni have set up any scholarships. You might find a scholarship for someone who participated in student government, for example, or a scholarship for someone who was in three different arts programs, such as choir, a radio station, and a theater program. Apply for these specific scholarships if you are eligible; less competition increases your chance of winning.

　　The bottom lineChances are you won’t qualify for every available college scholarship, but there’s still plenty of free money to be found. And you have more control than you might think. Your efforts could make the difference between getting scholarship money or having to find other ways to pay for college, such as student loans.

　　If you’re still in high school, get involved in activities that interest you. Try for that leadership position. Work an outside job (if you can). Do community service. Keep your grades up. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA and apply for any eligible scholarships.

　　Finding ways to pay for college can be a lot of work, but those skills won’t be lost. You can use them to help grow your career once you have that hard-earned degree in hand.

　　ReferencesTuition Exchange at a Glance | tuitionexchange.org Scholarships from Every Angle | scholarships360.org Scholarships by State | scholarships.com Scholarship Search | bigfuture.collegeboard.org [PDF] Guide to The National Merit Scholarship Program | nationalmerit.org