When you are ready to apply to college one of the first steps you should take is to figure out how you are going to pay for it. Financial aid is available in many different formats.

Any money you get from somewhere else to pay for college tuition can be considered financial aid. This includes government loans, private student loans from a bank like Citibank, scholarships based on merit, or grants.

There are generally two types of financial aid. The type that you have to pay back, and the type that you do not have to pay back. Because college is expensive and critically important, there are a lot of opportunities to get money that you do not have to pay back for college. Generally these are referred to as scholarships. Athletes often receive what is referred to as a "full ride" which means their tuition is paid for through an athletic scholarship. A "full ride" is also available to academic students through academic scholarships.

However, a "full ride" is rare to receive. You can achieve a "full ride" through a combination of scholarships. Usually scholarships have an application process and requirements for the applicant to meet to submit the application. There is no limit to the number of scholarships you can be awarded, you are only limited by the amount of time you have to fill out the applications.

Here is a checklist to help guide you through the process of receiving academic scholarships to help fund your education:

1. Most high school programs have a college counselor to help you identify which scholarships you might qualify for. Make sure you ask for any scholarship booklets that the school can provide or that colleges have sent you your high school.

2. If you have a short list of colleges that you wish to attend, call each of them. Every university has a general number with someone on the other end to direct your call. Tell them you are a prospective student and you would like information on financial aid. Every university has individuals dedicated to helping students fund their education. Request any sort of scholarship booklet they have.

3. There are very few online resources for scholarships. Most of them are just trying to get you to fill out information so that they can make money off of you. They do not provide any valuable information to you without there being a catch. The government website students.gov is a great place to start.

4. Scholarships are competitive. But they are also extremely beneficial and rewarding. Many of them have you competing in some form against other applications. There are a number of essay type scholarships. Make sure to research how to compete properly for any given essay.

5. Some essays are very challenging and may take a lot of time to complete, don't let this discourage you. Some of the toughest scholarships to apply for may also be some with the fewest applications.

6. You're not the first one to apply for a scholarship. Utilize resources that are available to you. Each university has entire departments filled with dozens of people that specifically help prospective students attend their university. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

7. Most scholarship applications are looking for information from people who know you. They often request letters of recommendation. You should get these in order as you complete jobs or are about to leave an internship. When people have you fresh in their minds they will usually be able to write something quickly so you can get all of your applications in on time.

8. It is very important to start the scholarship application as soon as possible. Don't wait until you need the money as most of the applications are due long before the money is granted, in some cases a year or more in advance.

Getting money to pay for school can often be one of the most stressful parts of the college application process. If you follow the tips above you will have a better likelihood of succeeding and getting the money you need.

Good luck on getting money for college and enjoy your college experience!