Every student wants scholarship. The reality is only a few reach them. Every year millions view for scholarships and the other shocking fact is even many of them go unused year after year. They are entirely different from loans. Though it is difficult to get one, it is a pride to have that simple and lovely gadget on you resume. They are thousands of numbers of scholarships that are available according to the ranges, amounts and countries. Some students can avail them even before attending college. Many schools, colleges and universities have their scholarships listed on their internet site. You have to make it clear that securing a scholarship is really hard and you have to be lucky. Some types of Scholarships: Merit-based: People with brilliant academic achievements are lauded with these scholarships. The academic excellence might be in the form of GPA, SAT scores and etc. These are very highly competitive. Need-based: These are devised to fund students with normal academic careers. They are based on finance. The scholarship committees and groups take many things into consideration like parents income, cost of living expenses, and number of dependants in a family etc. Athletic-based: Universities award top-athletes with these. Education fee is completely waived for many athletes and even paid for athletics. Whilst in high school, scouts are given full-scholarship athletes. This is awarded by the universities. School-based for individuals: Various schools offer various scholarships relevant to department and majors. They are donor based, individual name, personal scholarships etc.For a few scholarships, you have to apply; for a few, you are automatically assumed. Full/Partial covers: Scholarships do not handle everything all time. Many are partial; only cover a few things like scripts and living or a part of tuition-fees. Receiving a full scholarship is lucky and gratifying. Whether, it is partial or full that you get; just take it. It is really a great gift that boosts your career. For international students: Many universities award these scholarships for international students. Very few cover entire tuition fees and many of them waive a part of tuition fees. Another departments, different states exclusively offer for international students. University web sites provide more details on this.