Ok, this is likely dumb but do you just apply for scholarships and then the school may or may not give you a full ride OR do they accept you and are they oh by the way we’d like to give you a scholarship… I know I should know this but just thought I’d make sure
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Check the web site of the schools in which you are interested. Some require a separate application for the scholarship, many don’t.
Some also require applications to be in by a certain date to be considered for scholarships. Many of the schools S applied to required applications by November 1st to be considered. Some required a separate application for merit scholarship, others either automatically put you in the pool or invited after acceptance to apply for scholarships.
Full rides are rare, and many not only require additional forms but may also require interviews and attendance at on-campus events to determine the eventual recipients.
Also, if you’re not aware already, learn about the differences between merit and need based aid. When you look at schools, be sure to read the financial aid section to learn about what types of scholarships are available and what the criteria are.
It may sound dumb but I actually had the same question several years ago when I started this process. I didn’t know the steps. You already have your answer from the posts above but if I may summarize it.
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You apply to the college.
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The college accepts you. In their acceptance package or their website, they may say you will be automatically considered for a scholarship or they may say, go apply for it. You may have to file FAFSA so they know your financial status, how much you need vs how much you can afford.
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A month or 3, 4 months later, they will tell you how much scholarship you may get, how much aids you get…
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You accept their offer or not.
Sometimes you have to separately apply for a college’s scholarships before you find out you are accepted.
Are you a high school senior?
For example, if you qualify, SUNY University at Buffalo will invite you to apply for its Presidential Scholarships http://honors.buffalo.edu/prospective/scholarships.php
Get national merit and several full rides will materialize.
agree with @Nerdyparent. For some of the full rides, you need great grades and achievements.
It’s not always one big award to end up with a full ride. My D had awards from the school, national merit, departmental, alumni association, and a private foundation. It added up to a full ride at our in state flagship, but we had to be patient waiting for the awards to trickle in. She had very high stats.