Today, web-based scholarship searches have become incredibly popular. Not only are they easy because all the information that you need to earn financial aid is right there on the screen in front of you, but they are also diverse, offering a wide array of scholarships that students from almost any walk of life can apply for.

Still—even with the help of the Internet and other scholarship databases—it can be difficult and time consuming to find a scholarship that you are eligible for and have a reasonable chance at earning. One important rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the smaller and more specific the scholarship, the higher your chances of being awarded the prize are. This means that sometimes the Internet isn’t the best and only place to pursue your scholarship search: it’s a great resource to be certain—but one that should be used in combination with the many others that are available.

Here are some great places to pick up where the Internet leaves off:

• Local newspapers. Local is the keyword here. Such newspapers may list opportunities that are offered specifically for students in your area—not for students across the entire nation. With a smaller group of candidates, you are much more likely to stand out.

• On your college campus. For students already in school, fraternities, sororities, and other clubs offer great incentives to members. Sometimes its worth joining just for the opportunity to apply for one of their scholarships. Like scholarships found in your newspaper, scholarships found on your own campus are much easier to earn.

• The guidance office. Colleges and high schools have them. Guidance counselors will often post local awards that they come across or allow community groups to post information about awards that they are sponsoring. It’s also a good idea to sit down and talk to your guidance counselor about potential scholarship opportunities as he or she may be able to help connect you with organizations that can be of assistance.

Posted Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:19:35 and filed under Scholarship Tips. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.