There is plenty of scholarship money out there. Some sources estimate there is between $60 and $70 billion available in college and university scholarships, grants, fellowships and federal funding. All it takes is knowing where the money is and how to get it. You can have your share if you just follow these five steps.

1. Don't Be Negative
The very first thing that needs to be done is a check on your attitude. If you don't believe that you will get a college scholarship than chances are pretty good that you won't. I would tell you to don't ever give up when trying to apply but the problem is that many students don't even give themselves a chance in the first place. Be positive about getting money for college and don't believe that just because you didn't graduate in the top 10 percent of your class that you won't be able to get some much needed money for your college education.

2. Start early
Future college students would be wise to begin the long search for college money when they are about 16. Before the end of the 10th grade year, Both the student and his/her parents need to be finding out what kind of financial aid programs that the college of the student's choice has to offer. Students should never forget that is it vital to write a school asking for special information on admissions and scholarships. This lets the college know that they are serious about finding money for college. Something that most students forget is that their local level scholarships are much more easy to receive than other scholarships. One of the best places to spot local scholarship organizations are professional organizations.

3. Get The Loved Ones Involved
It isn't anything new that parents feel the pressure to get their finances in order long before their kid moves out of the house. Whether they like it or not, parents do have the responsibility of helping their child in the long process of college admissions and scholarships. Whether it is direct financial help or direct help with all the admissions and scholarship applications, parents need to feel the pressure of helping their child get a jumpstart on life. Parents should look at it this way: "If I don't help my child find money for college, the money might just be coming out of my pocket."

4. Lead the Rest
Just like the 8 lap, 2 mile race, there is alot of benefit to getting a large lead on your competitors. First, students have a much better chance of receiving federal aid when they fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is a funding requirement for many universities. Second, it is not only wise but almost obligatory for students who want to find the best scholarships to take the PSAT or ACT during their junior year in order to be able to apply for scholarships early. Not only does this allow for students to apply early on for college money but if a student is not satisfied with his/her test score, he/she still has time to retake the test another time to raise his/her score. Students shouldn't put off taking the test, take it early and take it again later if needed..

5. Do Service
For many college admission committees, a well-rounded student who gives back to the community is just as impressive as a straight A scholar. Activities outside the classroom are actually more important than high grades and SAT scores to many college scholarship and college admission committees because they want to know how you will impact a community or a college once you get there. If your grades are not great, this may be the loophole you've been hoping for.