Tips for Getting Financial Aid and Scholarships in College

With the rising costs of higher education, finding extra resources can be a daunting task. But take heart in the spirit and words of Confucius, "The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."

Here are a few tips for scoring the most financial aid you possibly can through scholarships, grants and beyond.

1. Get Organized - Start with a notebook to keep all your reference materials handy. Clear plastic sleeves and a three-ring binder will become your new lifesaver offering easy visibility and access to documents and brochures.
2. Don't Delay - If you're reading this article, it's probably not too early to start. Sophomore or junior year of high school is the average time to start applying for aid, but don't be discouraged if you've passed that mark. Just jump in.
3. Schedule the Research Time - It's going to take more than a few hours, so prioritize it by scheduling dedicated time (students and parents together if possible) to strategize.
4. Complete Your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - Many schools won't even look at a student's application for aid or scholarships (even merit-based ones) without a completed FAFSA on file, so make sure you fill it out.
5. List Out Your Activities - Consider school, community, sports, church, scouting and any other organizations. All can be important in identifying scholarship sources.