College

Sites, books, all advice is welcome. Thanks in advance!

This is a good one for the discussion boards because I know lots of editors on the site will have valuable information.  

Before looking at sites for college scholarships remember that some scholarships really depend on what state you plan on attending college in. Also think about what you might like to choose for your major. You do not have to decide now, but if you know what you want to study often times there are specialized scholarships in specific fields of study. Do you play sports? If you aren't a stellar athlete you might look at scholarships from smaller schools for athletics. One helpful book to look at might be How to Go to College Almost for Freeby Ben Kaplan.

http://www.college-scholarships.com/

http://www.collegescholarships.org/

http://www.students.gov/STUGO VWebApp/Public

eNotes has two good resources for scholarships:

Scholarships & Loans Directory

Scholarships Blog 

That's right blazedale we sure do have two great sources right here!

If you have, say your top 5 schools, I'd say start there. Look at the general scholarship fund and then move on to specific majors or interests.

Another good place is your community action-type places: The Urban League, Goodwill, etc. Also, contact businesses in your area - giving away scholarships is good PR. For example, big box stores love to talk about how they give back to the community - often they'll have local or national scholarships. It's not just chain stores either. The Chamber of Commerce in your city may also have some leads on businesses who offer scholarships. 

Nailing down scholarships is about networking, leg work, finger work (on the net) and phone work (giving places a call, checking on leads).

Three things to be aware of - if anyone says they can guarantee you a scholarship for a fee, they are liars :0) And if anyone contacts you out of the blue about a scholarship and requests you send an "entrance fee," run... 

Lastly, scholarship reference books are great, but realize there are thousands of students in the library, like you, pouring over and applying to the ones listed. Don't be afraid to look for lesser known and publicized funds.

Also, if you're already in college (4 year) or in a two-year college, or you'll be in college soon, then shoot for membership in Phi Beta Kappa (the honor society of the four year college) or Phi Theta Kappa (the honor society of the two year college).  Both honor societies have MILLIONS of dollars available in scholarships for their members.  I am the lead advisor for Phi Theta Kappa at my community college.  Check the website out:

www.ptk.org