A college education is a real cause of financial worry for many students and parents as well because of its high cost. Although there are a number of options for you to get through college, you may have to sacrifice a huge chunk of your study hours to do some work. You may also apply for student loans. However, loans are loans, you will have to pay them later. To get a free ride to college, your best bet is to get a scholarship. Find out what you need to qualify for scholarships by following these tips to request for scholarship information:

Ask for information as early as possible.

You know how parents with athletic or science kids work them hard to get college scholarships through sports or Physics? They didn't wake up one day and said to themselves that they'll get a sports or science scholarship. They have been working for that scholarship for years by training and studying hard. If you're not one of these kids, you may have thought of college just now. Don't fret, junior year is the perfect time to start looking and scouting for scholarship opportunities. Inquire at universities, non-profit organizations, and even private companies if they offer scholarships; the earlier you knew their requirements, the better you will be prepared.

Go online and check out any information about schools and scholarships.

Unless a learning institution has been really, most colleges and universities have their own websites by now. You can make a virtual visit to the schools of your interest and know their scholarship offers via the Internet. You may e-mail them or check out if their sites have an FAQ section. You may post your scholarship queries on online academic forums.

Call the college admission office.

The website of the schools and universities most probably contain telephone numbers. The contact numbers may belong to the Office of the President, or to the Office of the Dean of College, or to the Registrar’s Office. Find out if the college or university has a college admission office or any department that serves as its equivalent. Call this office to get the scholarship information that you want. A separate office may handle scholarship matters but the admission office will lead you to it.

Prepare a letter of inquiry.

Online communication and telephone conversations may not be enough. Inject a formal tone by sending a letter of inquiry. This gives substance to your interest in applying for a scholarship in the very near future. You can send this letter by mail or personally deliver it to the right organization or academic institution.

Pay a visit to the school or organization offering scholarships.

Putting forth your inquiries and requests personally is probably one of the best ways to get straight answers. Treat this opportunity as a sort of interview. Even though your are not applying yet, it helps to put your best foot forward. Politely ask about scholarship requirements, screenings, interviews, and the like. In the end, ask for a brochure or pamphlet detailing the scholarship application process if they have any.

Prepare your school documents as early as possible

As much as asking for scholarship information is a practice of punctuality, it is also procedure of preparation. Think of scholarship grants as a treasure hunt. The most prepared and well-equipped bounty hunter has the highest chance of getting the pot or chest of scholarship gold. College scholarships mostly go with college admission application together. They usually have the same date for opening and deadline. You should take note of the dates, not just the deadline but the opening date, so that you can plan and prepare ahead. There are some things that have to be in your possession as part of your scholarship and application packet.

Prepare your study record from high school. Better school record may mean better chances of getting a scholarship. The college scholarship board usually takes into consideration your grades for every subject, your average, and your class rank in granting you a scholarship slot. Bring the test results of your ACT (American College Test) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). School awards and academic recognition must not be forgotten. Recommendation letters from one of your previous teachers or your headmaster may also be required. Most colleges also require a scholarship application essay to gauge your ideas, eloquence, writing skills, and personality and find out if you are qualified for a scholarship.

Follow these tips and you can get ahead of the competition. Being a step ahead doesn't hurt anybody but don't slack. Work towards the scholarship of your dreams by fulfilling its requirements.