Get started early to pursue private scholarships.

Application Tips:

• Every week or so, check your high school scholarship bulletin board for flyers and announcements about scholarship opportunities.

• Use a reputable scholarship search service to help track down a wider variety of possible scholarship opportunities. Remember that many of these services charge a fee for searching their database.

• Counselors and administrators have application materials for many scholarships. You may need to call directly to some sources for applications and other information.

• Deadlines vary. Stay alert for opportunities and be ready to fill out applications or write essays as quickly as you need.