You can “use” as many scholarships as you can earn. The individual scholarships tell you how the money is paid-out.

Colleges often offer scholarships themselves, and that money counts against your tuition. Sometimes it is 100% and sometimes it is a smaller percentage. It usually depends on (a) your need, and (b) your grades.

Most universities also have endowed scholarships that are set-up by wealthy alumni. My daughter was just awarded a $600 scholarship funded by a local former-teacher. Only graduates from her high school were eligible. That money goes directly to her account at college – she can use it to pay for books, meals, etc. ($600 might not sound like a lot, but trust me — it ALL helps!)

There are also private scholarships out there – sponsored by clubs and businesses. Some private scholarships are cash awards — they will send you a check! Other private scholarships are sent to the school directly and deposited into your account.

The MAIN thing is to get busy NOW, and start rounding-up money for college. You school guidance counselor can point you in the right direction. Many/most states have a streamlined scholarship application process so that you can apply to many scholarships at once (beware of “services” that charge a fee for this.) If your high school counselor isn’t too helpful, talk to the financial aid department at the university you’d like to attend. They are usually VERY helpful.

Finally – don’t forget about things like work-study, on-campus employment, and college loans.

It’s very rare, but you can do it. My nephew got this (at North Eastern University), but he had a different background than most, could tell a good story showing how hard-working and determined to get an education he was (not easy for him, due to religious beliefs of family). Plus when he did get to public school he did great and had good (not great SATs). The scholarship (which included room and board) renews each year so long as he maintains a certain GPA. I think that essay you write is key. And make sure you do lots of extra stuff (volunteer work, a job, etc). So anyway – yes it is, but do NOT count on it. And don’t get your heart set on the ‘college of your dreams’. Not to be rude but, it’s VERY difficult to know which school would be best for you. Try a state school if you don’t get sufficient funds. But don’t not go to school because you are determined to be debt free. Try for a debt which makes sense based on the degree you are going to get … and the expected salary you should make. There is also financial aid – which will probably include loans. If you have done really well in school, I believe Princeton University might have financial aid which doesn’t include loans. Think I read that somewhere, but I might be wrong. Going somewhere like that could also increase your salary when you get out.

You can have as many scholarships as you can win. You’ll be surprised how many special grants are out there, even grants (money you don’t have to pay back) for being left-handed.

Don’t forget to apply for federal financial aid ASAP. Don’t worry that you’re undecided what school to go to, you can put multiple schools down and they’ll let you pick from there.

You won’t be able to get a student loan that doesn’t involve your parents assuming financial responsibility, though. Talk with your parents and see what kind of help they’re willing/able to offer you.

You may not want to hear this, but now’s the time to look for a part time after school and weekend job to help you pay for college. Don’t spend a single cent right now; bank your entire check for college. You’ll be surprised how much money you’ll be able to save in the next year.

Best of luck to you!

You can get free scholarship info here:

http://www.thebigwww.com/scholarship.html

get a scholorship- i wouldn’t know how many you need though