The Scholarship Search Should Start With Fit, Not Volume.
A longer scholarship list does not automatically create a better chance of winning money. Start with the opportunities that actually fit the student.
Merit Aid and Need-Based Aid Are Not the Same Thing
A scholarship and a need-based grant can both reduce the price of college, but they are not awarded for the same reasons. Understanding the difference can change how you build the college list.
The Sticker Price Is Not Your Price. Run the Net Price Calculator Before You Self-Reject.
A college with a higher sticker price can sometimes cost your family less than one with a lower published price. You do not know until you run the numbers.
FAFSA vs. CSS Profile: What’s the Difference, and Do You Need Both?
FAFSA and CSS Profile are not competing forms. Some families need one. Some need both. The key is knowing what each college requires.