You want to go to college, but you don't have the funds. Your next option — a scholarship. The Royal Gazette met with the executive director of the Bermuda Careers Centre, Derek Smith, to ask some of the questions you might have about scholarship aid.

Q: How can I find out about what scholarships are out there?

A: Your best scholarship research resources include the Internet. You can try a free scholarship search engine such as the one at www.bdacareers.bm. or www.scholarships.bm (launched this week by the Careers Centre). You can also find out from the local community, the local newspapers, and your school guidance counsellor will also be able to help you.

Q: Can I apply for a scholarship if I don't know what college I'm going to attend?

A: In many cases, yes. Unless the scholarship criteria states otherwise, if you win a scholarship before you know which college you will attend, the scholarship organisation will either write you a check if you promise to use the money for college, or give you the money when you decide where you want to go.

Q: Should I have to pay a fee to apply for a scholarship?

A: In most cases, no. Since scholarships are meant to support students who need funds to pay for college, they usually don't require those same students to shell out money. In most cases, scholarships that require a fee are scams.

Q: If I didn't win a scholarship, can I apply again next year?

A: Yes. Unless you no longer qualify, you can apply for a scholarship again. However, consider if your application will be dramatically stronger the next time around. If you plan to submit the same application, you probably will be better off spending your time applying to a different competition.

Q: Can I lose my scholarship once it's been awarded?

A: Yes. Most scholarships that are renewable, which means that you win them for more than one year, have requirements for you to keep the award. These can be requirements that you continue to attend the same college, maintain a certain GPA or keep the same major.

Q: Can I apply for a scholarship if I'm already in college?

A: Yes. One of the biggest mistakes many students make is that they stop applying for scholarships once they graduate from high school. There are several scholarships for students in college and even graduate students. Some of these awards are only open to students who are already in college. Ask you current school (college) about academic scholarships and other types of financial aid. Many colleges and universities offer financial assistance to attract and keep talented students.

Q: If I win a scholarship, will my college take away some of my other financial aid?

A: Maybe. Many colleges require you to report the scholarships that you win and then adjust your financial aid package. For example, if you win a $1,000 scholarship, the college may decrease your financial aid package by $1,000. If your college has this kind of policy, you can ask them to decrease your loan amount instead of grants. it's better to receive more in scholarships that you don't have to pay back, than in loans which you do.