[USER]

We have a 12yo and 14yo. Their college funds will be a big part of our financial future. we started a college fund, but if they can get enough scholarships and don’t need to use our fund, it would be great.

They are submitting scholarship applications here and there. Although there aren’t that many for younger kids yet, there are some out there (for example, daughter’s volleyball club offered scholarships).

How can I find more? I heard there’s an app called Scholly that lists all available scholarships. Has anyone used it? Is it worth paying for the app?

[Charlotte]

The biggest scholarships are often merit scholarships from specific universities. Focus on the best grades possible in advanced classes, and taking the ACT/SAT several times with prep classes.

Also, look into dual enrollment, CLEP, and AP classes to reduce the classes they need in college.

Both of our kids graduated / are graduating in 3 years, but I know some kids do it in 2.

[Jenny]

I don’t know of anyone who started applying for and being selected for scholarships before their senior year of high school.

We are funding an account for our daughter but also encouraging her to start prepping her decisions on jobs, volunteering, hobbies, etc as she enters her freshman year this fall in hopes of scholarships.

The high school guidance counselor has already met with the 8th graders to start this process and making notes in their record of interests and possible scholarship opportunities.

[Leslie]

best ways to save money on college tuition is do a dual credit while in high school where they attend college classes and get college credit. then go to a state school where those credits are accepted and graduate in as little time as possible.

[Lisa]

Your best bet will be local scholarships their senior year. Otherwise, encourage them to get as high a GPA as possible and then apply to schools where they will be in the top 20% of applicants. That is where the money is… Merit money from the colleges themselves…which is basically money they offer your kid to attend.

[Elizabeth]

I would suggest joining the paying for college 101 fb page.

lots of great scholarship info and the page in general is fantastic for all things college related. it is a great resource!

[Author]

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