Here are a few useful recommendations

• Survey the range of scholarships available.
• Determine which scholarships are realistically available by consulting the application criteria and deadlines for each scholarship.
• Begin the application procedure early in the school year. The process of acquiring an application form, completing the form, gathering letters of reference and recommendations, and returning all relevant documents can take a considerable length of time.
• Apply for as many scholarships as possible.
• Prepare a letter of application early in the school year. Review and rewrite this document several times throughout the year to make it the best letter possible. In many cases, the initial screening of candidates will be based on the letter of application. Make sure you keep a copy of the letter for future reference.

Begin your search for scholarships at least one year before you intend to start school. For more information about available scholarships, contact the institution(s) you are thinking about attending. And remember to protect yourself! Before you do business with any scholarship search company, check out their reputation by contacting the Better Business Bureau or a state attorney general's office. Estimates show that families lose millions of dollars to scholarship fraud every year. Buyers beware!

How can I protect myself from scholarship scams

• If you have to pay money to get scholarship money, you should be wary.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• No one can guarantee you will win a scholarship.
• If you are suspicious of an offer, it is probably for good reason. Do more research.