<p>Do we have to be accepted to colleges first to apply for the scholarships?</p>
<p>you do it simultaneously, apply for admission, apply for FinAid and apply for scholarships given by that college.</p>
<p>Of course, there are many scholarships offered by outside entities, not associated with any particular college. You apply for those according to their own deadlines. These monies can be used anywhere. Try the Fin Aid forum too?</p>
<p>[Financial</a> Aid & Scholarships - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/]Financial”>Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>My son’s experience last year was that his acceptance letter’s came with scholarship information, or the scholarship information followed very shortly after the acceptance letter.</p>
<p>After my son applied, he applied for scholarships. He did it at the same time he applied for Financial Aid. Make sure you check the individual colleges within the university. They often have their own scholarships. DS walked away with 2 scholarships.</p>
<p>So when do we file FAfSa?</p>
<p>FAFSA opens on January 1st</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>