<p>OK, so it's time to start applying to colleges soon, and I'm thinking about scholarships as well. I'm pretty much clueless about scholarships, how they work, and why people get them, so I started doing some research. It seems to me that almost all scholarships are given out for need-based people or through essay competitions. The problem is I am definetely not need-based (both parents make over $100,000 per year) and my essay writing skills are not awesome, and considering that I have to compete with people who can write great essays easily, I don't think I'll be winning any essay competitions. So my question is, are there any good scholarships out there for people with just good grades, or good test scores, or at least ones that don't require an essay? I need some ideas. Both my grandfather and father served in the military; are there any good scholarships out there for children of veterans maybe? Also I hear that you can apply for scholarships through the university you are attending, but how does this work, and would I even be able to get them considering that I'm not a need-based student? Any help would be appreciated.</p>
<p>bump............</p>
<p>Most students' best chance for scholarships, including merit aid, is through the colleges that they apply to. If you want $, make sure that you apply to colleges offering merit aid (just check their web sites) and where you are likely to get their merit aid. One qualifies for merit aid by being in the upper strata of the applicant pool of colleges offering such merit aid.</p>
<p>Anybody else?</p>
<p>Outside of the colleges/Universities themselves, you are more apt to get scholarships from your local city/town organizations. Keep an eye on your paper and thru your school GC. If you or your parents belong to any local organizations, you can look into what they offer as well.</p>