They work by compiling data bases of scholarships based on categories: heritage, ethnicity, year of school, career fields, religion, being a multiple child (twins/triplets, etc.), military service, sports, etc.
By filling out an application the search engines work at searching for scholarships that match your personal profile.
ARE ALL SSE's OK TO USE?
NO, some will just create a lot of SPAM, direct you to other pages or end up being spyware on your computer.
The ones listed here are legit and used the most by high school and college counselors.
It is OK to look for your own, just make sure you research the SSE before filling out the profile application.
THE APPLICATION IS ASKING SOME VERY PERSONAL QUESTIONS...IS THIS NORMAL?
YES, in order for the SSE's to find scholarships that match your criteria, they must ask questions that are pretty detailed and personal. There are scholarships for left handed people, short people, tall people, union membership, hearing impaired, military service, memberships in certain clubs....the types of scholarships are endless.
CAN I USE MORE THAN ONE SSE?
YES,
not every SSE has the same scholarships in it's database (however many
overlap), so making use of 2-3 is probably a good idea.
SKIM, SCAN AND MOVE ON
While SSE's can help you in locating scholarships, remember those webpages have to make money somehow!
Do not become overwhelmed or distracted by all of the banners, ads and other information.
Stay focused, SKIM, SCAN and MOVE ON....the same holds true for reading scholarship details....take a QUICK read, if it does not fit you.....MOVE ON!