Psst! Come here. I want to tell you a secret. Most scholarships are issued directly from educational institutions, not third-party, private funders. Although these scholarships are great options students should be strategic in their approach to finding funds that cover their entire college experience not just the first semester. 

Programs like QuestBridge and Posse recruit high-achieving students who are in turn admitted to top schools that offer them generous merit scholarships. 

Do you have apply to Posse or QuestBridge to be considered for a generous package? Nope!

Consider applying to schools where your GPA or test scores place you above the school's middle 50 range. If these schools offer merit money and your application is strong, you are very likely to receive a preferential financial aid award. This will not happen at an Ivy or Little Ivy because most applicants are applying with top grades and scores so there's little to distinguish among them. You will stand out in an applicant pool that is more diverse in grades. 

In short, if you're looking to lower the cost of attendance and maximize your scholarship options, apply where your grades will be appreciated.