How can Illinois students find scholarships for private colleges?

I'm an Illinois student looking to attend a private college, and I'm really worried about the cost. Are there specific scholarships for Illinois students going to private institutions, and how can I find and apply for them?

Absolutely, there are definitely scholarships for Illinois students planning to attend private colleges. Here are a few steps on how to find and apply for them:

1. Start with your school of choice: Check out the financial aid pages of the schools you're interested in. Most often, private schools offer generous merit-based scholarships, which do not require an additional application. For need-based aid, you'll generally need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and sometimes the CSS Profile. Remember, these forms become available starting October 1st each year.

2. Explore state-specific scholarships: Many states, including Illinois, offer a variety of scholarships to residents. In fact, Illinois has its own set of scholarships and grants like the Illinois Commitment program, the MAP grant, and the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois among others. Not all will be applicable to private schools but it's worth looking into.

3. Utilize scholarship search platforms: Online platforms can be quite useful in finding scholarships tailored to your needs, such as Appily. Some scholarship search platforms allow you to customize your search criteria to match your exact needs and can help you find awards based on your academic strengths, interests, and career goals.

4. Check with local organizations and businesses: Often, there are local businesses, community organizations, foundations, and clubs that offer scholarships for students in certain areas. Check in with your school counselor, who should have more detailed and local information.

5. Inquire about major-specific scholarships: If you have a specific major in mind, look for scholarships that are associated with that field of study. Professional organizations and corporations often have scholarships available for students studying within a particular field.

Remember, while scholarships can significantly help offset the cost, you should also consider other forms of financial aid like federal work-study programs, educational loans, or even exchange programs where you work on campus in return for reduced tuition. Scholarship applications can be extensive and they often require essays, recommendations, and transcripts, so make sure to start your search early and meet all the deadlines. Hope this helps and best of luck!