The cost of going to college goes up every year. For many high school students, getting a scholarship for college is the only way to afford a higher education. A scholarship is one of the best forms of financial aid because it does not require any repayment. Students must do some research and apply for a scholarship as early as possible.

There are basically two types of scholarship: talent- or merit-based and need-based. Talent- or merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who excel academically or have a specific talent. They may excel in sports, play a musical instrument well, or participate in community service. Students who did exceptionally well in their high school academics and/or SAT’s may receive merit scholarships for college.

Students in need of financial aid to go to college may apply for need-based scholarships. There are many colleges that offer this kind of scholarship.

Every year there are millions of scholarships given out to college students and totaling billions of dollars. Students who are interested in getting a scholarship should research and determine what scholarships are available. The easiest way to do this is through an internet search for college scholarships. In most high schools, the school counselor or career center coordinator may have a compilation of available scholarships.

Scholarship programs for college come in many forms. The money you get from a scholarship is free college money and does not have to be repaid. It may be awarded to you in the form of a check or paid directly to the school. Scholarships are provided by different organizations including government agencies, charitable foundations, schools, universities, businesses, and even groups or clubs within the school.

Once you have identified possible scholarships, you must prepare a resume documenting your qualifications and accomplishments. For athletic scholarships, it is best for the athlete to approach the college coach. Be ready with your resume detailing your sports background, sports awards and honors, statistics, NCAA eligibility, etc. The college coach can make a recommendation for a college athletic scholarship based on your athletic information.

Scholarship for college is very competitive, with thousands vying for a single grant. As such, you must be able to show that you are the best candidate for the scholarship. A candidate with strong academic abilities and commitment to community service has a good chance of being awarded a college scholarship.

A number of scholarships are able to cover all the costs of higher education while others may cover only part of it. Nevertheless, a scholarship for college will help defray the cost of earning a college degree.