Do your homework on college scholarships

"There are several good Web sites where parents and their children can find out about potential scholarship matches, without fees.

www.collegeboard.com, click on "For Parents" and then "Pay For College." A free database of more than 230 scholarships. The site also helps to develop a strategy, including a scholarship search database, month-by-month to-do calendar and application tips.

www.fastweb.com. Operated by Monster, the job-search Web site, more than 600,000 scholarships are listed. Comprehensive application includes career objective with 170-plus options, hobbies, sports, religion, memberships, skills, disabilities -- even parents' employers.

www.theoldschool.org, click on "Scholarship Searches." The directory of free services and advice offers this tip on its Web page: "The best place to start is with your high school guidance counselor. ... Be sure to meet deadlines and to complete applications completely and accurately.""