When should you start applying for scholarships?

It's important to think about the costs of college early in your search process (and if you're reading this article, you probably already are).

Many young students don't have time to work and save up a sufficient amount of money, as their full-time "job" is usually going to school, doing homework, and being involved as a student. Federal student aid is also helpful, but it often comes in the form of loans that students will need to pay off, adding more stress to an already challenging experience. Scholarships, on the other hand, are essentially free money; scholarship awards never have to be repaid.