If college is in your future, yet the ability to pay for it seems out of reach, one of the best options is to get a scholarship. However, applying for and receiving scholarships is not always as cut and dried as you may wish. Here are some tips you can use to help you land a winning scholarship and get the education you desire.

First, start looking for scholarships as soon as possible. Some programs require you to apply even before you are a senior, and many require you to apply early in your senior year. Even if it is too early to apply, knowing the application deadline ahead of time will ensure that you do not miss it.

When filling out the application, read the requirements in full before you begin. These applications take time, and if you do not qualify, you are wasting your time. Once you are sure that you qualify, read the instructions two times. Then, follow them exactly. Any mistakes could cost you a scholarship that you are absolutely qualified to receive. If you have a question, ask, rather than guessing and making a mistake. Talk to the financial aid officer at the college of your choice or the guidance counselor at your high school. Have them proofread the application if they are willing and make sure it is error free.

You want your scholarship application to stand out from the crowd. Make sure it is neat. Mail it neatly as well. Do not wad up the application and stuff it in a business-sized envelope. Keep the pages flat and send them in a large envelope. Consider springing for FedEx delivery or certified mail.

Remember to look in unlikely places for scholarships. Most schools have school-based awards, so talk to the financial aid office to see if you qualify for one of these. Also, there are many businesses and organizations in your local area that will offer scholarships for local kids. These have less competition, making them a great option for those who qualify.

There are also things you can do to put yourself in a good position for receiving a scholarship outside of the application process. The more active you are in your community, the better your chances to qualify for a scholarship. Also, you need to keep your grades up. Most of the best scholarships have some sort of merit component, which means your GPA will be a factor. The better your grades, the better your chances of receiving a scholarship will be.