9th - 11th grades:

• Check out Going Merry and other Scholarship Search Engines
• Practice writing! Scholarships and grants often require essays from applicants. Make sure your writing has been edited and proofread. 
• Keep up with your academics. While some financial aid is based on student need, there are plenty of merit-based scholarships available for good students.
• Make sure you have at least one adult (unrelated to you) who can speak positively about you. Some financial aid opportunities require a letter of recommendation. 

12th grade: 

• Continue applying for scholarships through Going Merry and other Scholarship Search Engines
• Apply for FAFSA beginning on October 1st. (The earlier, the better!)
• Apply for Bright Futures and other scholarships through Florida Financial Aid Application
• Check out the Financial Aid pages of the colleges you are applying to for college-specific scholarships
• Apply for Alachua County Education Foundation Senior Scholarships in January of senior year