 Start by completing your FAFSA each year at http://www.fafsa.gov/.

The FAFSA for the upcoming year becomes available January 1st each year for the upcoming academic year. (Example, the 2012-2013 FAFSA will become available January 1, 2012 and is your application for Federal Student Aid for the Fall of 2012, Spring of 2013 and Summer of 2013.)

 Great site to initiate your search is www.fastweb.com
• Create Account
• Create Profile
• Enter Student Activities/Parent Activities
• Search Results are automatically generated
• Categorize results by type, requirements, due dates, and award amounts.

 Other sites to try:
African American Scholarships http://www.free-4u.com/african.htm
Broke Scholar www.brokescholar.com
College Board www.collegeboard.com
College Net www.collegenet.com
College Planning Network www.collegeplan.org
Fast Aid www.fastaid.com
Gates Millennium Scholars www.gmsp.org
Go College www.gocollege.com
Military Scholarships www.military.com
National Hispanic Scholarship Fund www.hsf.com
Next Student www.nextstudent.com
Petersons www.petersons.com
Princeton Review www.princetonreview.com
Sallie Mae’s College Answer www.collegeanswer.com

 Tips for your scholarship search
• Start Early!!! Almost every scholarship has a deadline and many give priority to applications submitted early.
• Compile a list of accomplishments, awards, professional experience, education credentials, and volunteer organizations. Having this list handy can save you hours during the application process as most will ask for this information
• Be aggressive. Scholarships are designed to reward deserving and persistent students who are willing to “do what it takes” to further their education. A scholarship committee is not impressed by a “less than your best” effort. Plan accordingly!
• Identify and contact at least three people who would be willing to write an impressive recommendation letter on your behalf.
• Apply for every scholarship for which you are eligible. You never know what somebody else may see in you. Remember scholarships are available for almost every facet of student life and education.
• Follow Up! Don’t let your scholarship application slip through the cracks. Scholarship committees will also appreciate the dedication you show in your future endeavors.
• Be organized! This is a great time to hone your organizational skills. Keep track of all deadlines, signatures, recommendation letters, and any necessary follow-up questions from a scholarship organization.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of applying for scholarships. After all, a successful scholarship search could land you with a free ride and money to spare! How’s that for motivation!!