Applying for scholarships can feel like shouting into a void, but as the video highlights, the problem often isn’t the lack of money—it’s looking in the wrong places.
1. Fastweb
The Strategy: Don’t browse randomly; filter aggressively.
Fastweb is one of the oldest and largest scholarship databases, which means it can be overwhelming. Most students make the mistake of just scrolling through the “Featured” list.
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Why it works: The volume of scholarships is massive. If you use the filters correctly, you can find awards that fit very specific criteria (e.g., “left-handed,” “vegetarian,” “tall”).
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Video Pro-Tip: Set up a detailed profile. The more specific you are (ethnicity, religion, hobbies, parent’s employment), the better the matches. Check your dashboard daily because new matches appear constantly, and being an “early bird” applicant can sometimes be an advantage.
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Website: www.fastweb.com
2. ScholarshipOwl
The Strategy: Apply to multiple scholarships in one go.
ScholarshipOwl is designed for efficiency. Its main selling point is that it aggregates data so you don’t have to re-enter your name, address, and GPA a thousand times.
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Why it works: It acts as a “common app” for scholarships. You fill out one master profile, and it matches you with hundreds of opportunities.
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Video Pro-Tip: Use this site to save time on the repetitive parts of applications. It allows you to apply to similar scholarships in bulk, freeing up your time to focus on the essays for higher-value awards.
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Website: www.scholarshipowl.com
3. Cappex
The Strategy: Focus on your interests, not just your GPA.
Cappex is excellent for finding “niche” scholarships. While many sites focus on academic merit (Grades/SATs), Cappex digs deeper into who you are as a person.
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Why it works: This is where you find money for your hobbies. Do you knit? Do you play Minecraft? Are you an activist? Cappex’s algorithm weighs these “soft” factors heavily.
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Video Pro-Tip: This site is best for finding money based on your background and interests. If you have a unique hobby or a specific career goal (even a weird one), look here first.
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Website: www.cappex.com
4. Your State’s Higher Education Agency
The Strategy: Go local for less competition.
This is the “hidden gem” of the list. National scholarships (like the Coca-Cola Scholars) receive 100,000+ applications. State-based scholarships might only receive a few hundred.
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Why it works: These funds are restricted by residency. If you live in Ohio, you aren’t competing against students from California or New York. The pool is smaller, meaning your statistical chance of winning is significantly higher.
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How to find it: There isn’t one single URL for this. You must Google the following phrase:
“[Your State] higher education agency scholarships” Example: “New York State Higher Education Services Corporation” or “California Student Aid Commission”
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Video Pro-Tip: Look specifically for grants and scholarships available only to residents. These are often under-advertised.
5. Bold.org
The Strategy: The “Easy Apply” / No-Essay Option.
Bold.org is a newer platform that has gained massive popularity for its user interface and “gamified” scholarship search.
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Why it works: Many scholarships on Bold.org require “No Essay”—you simply click to apply. They also have very specific awards created by individuals (e.g., “The Sarah Jones Scholarship for Women in STEM”).
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Video Pro-Tip: Use this for volume. You can apply to many scholarships quickly.
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Crucial Warning: Because it is so easy to apply, competition on Bold.org can be fierce. Also, be aware that “No Essay” scholarships often function like sweepstakes; they are low-effort but also low-probability.
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Website: www.bold.org
💡 Bonus: 3 Rules for Scholarship Success
To actually get the $20,000, you need more than just links. You need a workflow:
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The “Recycle” Rule: Never write an essay from scratch more than once. Write one great “Core Essay” about a challenge you overcame, and then tweak it to fit 10 different prompts.
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Create a dedicated email: You will get spam. Do not use your primary personal email or your school email (which you might lose access to). Create an address like
[email protected]. -
Beware of Scams: You should never pay to apply for a scholarship. If a website asks for an “application fee” or “processing fee,” it is a scam. Walk away immediately.
