Beyond financial aid applications, there are also loads of scholarships out there. Most counselors recommend looking into scholarships as early as junior year; the more you apply to over the next few months, the more likely you are to receive some funds. It's never too late to apply to scholarships - you can keep applying until you graduate from college!

Unfortunately, there are loads of false websites and inaccurate information out there. My two biggest pieces of advice:

1. The more work you have to do for a scholarship application, the more legit it might be.

You will see dozens of scholarships that say "Just type your name, click submit, and you could win $500!" Obviously the most interesting application to fill out, right? Every senior that looks at that application will be thinking the same thing - meaning that your chances are getting that scholarship is much lower. If an application asks you to write a 200-word essay on your favorite hobby, less students will be applying (#senioritis), but that makes it better for you!

2. If you get mail from a 'fantastic' or 'prestigious' opportunity or program, do research before committing.

Every year, organizations with fancy titles will reach out to students and ask them to join their community for the opportunity at loads of scholarships. Unfortunately, those clubs and societies invite lots of students, so the prestige is not as high. Plus, if something asks you to pay for access to scholarships, don't do it. Look up the name of the people and organizations that are emailing and add "legit" to the end of your search - that'll show you reviews and articles from people that might help you understand its reality better.