How Can I Find Scholarships?

We get it. You want scholarships and you want them NOW! But, unfortunately, that’s not always the way it works. We’re not going to sugarcoat it: A scholarship search can be a long process that often does require a lot of work. But, it’s one of those situations where hard work can really pay off in big ways. The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of winning. So, where do you find scholarships to apply for in the first place? You can find scholarships all around you. Scholarships are given by colleges, organizations, private donors, clubs – you name it. But, sometimes actually finding out about scholarships can be difficult. You can find scholarships in all sorts of spots.

Where can I find scholarships?

You can find scholarships in many different places, like: • Scholarship databases, like Fastweb • College financial aid offices • High school counselor offices • Federal agencies • Your state’s grant agency • Your local library’s reference section

• Foundations • Religious organizations • Community organizations • Local businesses • Professional associations • Organizations related to your field of study/major • Organizations related to your unique circumstances (Unique circumstances include examples like being adopted, affected by a disability, military children – even being left-handed or a twin!) • Organizations related to your unique hobbies and/or interests • Race, ethnicity & gender-based organizations • Your Employer • Parents’ Employers • Scholarship web sites (Note: Always take caution when searching online. Make sure the scholarships are legitimate. Here’s more about how you can avoid scholarship scams.)

Where is the Best Place to Find Scholarships?

Because there are so many different places you can find scholarships, one of the easiest ways to find a scholarship is through a robust online scholarship database, like Fastweb. It serves as a one-stop spot to access more than 1.5 million scholarships for students of all ages.

Fastweb is the Best Place to Find Scholarships!

Fastweb is a resource for students that matches them to scholarships online based on their profile content. When you sign up for Fastweb, you create a profile and we search millions of scholarships within our database. When we match you to scholarships, we let you know. From there, it's up to you whether you follow up and apply with the scholarship provider. When you’re matched to a scholarship, check out the scholarship details page. There you can click to see the specific scholarship’s details, application criteria and deadline. From there, you’ll be directed to the scholarship provider’s web site where you can get further instructions on the application process, as every scholarship provider’s scholarship application process is different. In addition to scholarships, internships and part-time jobs, Fastweb offers great tips on everything from creating your scholarship application essays and learning about financial aid to applying for your first job. Fastweb members of all ages should make sure to utilize the resources available to you!

Know Your Resources are Legitimate

Before you use any resource, especially online, know what constitutes a scholarship scam so you’re not affected by a dishonest organization. All of the scholarships within Fastweb’s scholarship database are monitored by a team to ensure legitimacy. You will never have to give out personal information or pay for a legitimate scholarship. You can learn more about safeguarding yourself against scholarship scams here.

How Can I Start to Find Scholarships?

Your best bet is to create a thorough profile on Fastweb, where you'll be matched to scholarships that specially fit your specifications. Your scholarship matches are sent via email and you can also view them when you log in under your Fastweb account. Note: In order to sign up for Fastweb, you must have a valid U.S. address. Some of the scholarships in our database can be won by an international student; however, that is entirely up to the individual scholarship provider. The scholarship providers, not us, determine whether or not you can use a scholarship to go to school internationally. Sometimes students already participating in exchange programs through another country’s college or already are enrolled in a U.S. school can apply awards from Fastweb to that experience. Once you’ve created a Fastweb profile, it’s time to make sure it’s robust. Remember, it’s important to fill out your profile as thoroughly and accurately as possible because it will maximize your scholarship matches. Make sure your student profile is thorough, not only on the day you create it, but continually throughout your scholarship search. We recommend that you go back and edit your student profile at least once per semester, if not more. Whenever you join new clubs, are granted new awards or anything else that may impact your scholarship search, make it your practice to include it in your student profile. Doing so can dramatically impact your scholarship search in terms of the scholarships you’ll be matched to since you will often qualify for new scholarships based on the changes to your student profile.

Update Your Fastweb Profile to Improve Your Scholarship Matches

You can access the spot by the following: • Once you log in to your Fastweb account, go to the “My Profile” link at the top right of the page
• Under your profile, there is a category called “Student Profile”
• Click edit (on the right side) to make changes to each section

Why am I not winning scholarships?

Unfortunately, it's difficult at times to win a scholarship, and not everyone is guaranteed to win one. However, people really do win scholarships through our site, and our Wall of Fame proves it. Most of these winners will tell you that it's vital that you never give up applying for scholarships - because then you're guaranteed to never win one. Our best advice would be to apply early and often - the process can take a while but, the more you apply for, the better your chances are of winning scholarships. Have more scholarship questions? Check out these frequently asked scholarship questions:
• How Can I Qualify for a Scholarship?
• Can You Use Scholarship Money for Anything?
• What are the Requirements for a Scholarship?