You’ve made the big decision to go to college, but now you have to figure out a way to pay for it. Even if you and your parents have been saving and putting money away for years, it still might not be enough to cover all of your expenses. When you think about the thousands of dollars you might need, it can seem overwhelming. You may need some kind of financial aid.

Recognizing that you need help is only the first step in paving a smooth financial road to college. The next thing you need to figure out is which program is right for you. There are thousands of programs to choose from and they’re not all going to be right for you or your family. The good news is that most students qualify for some type of aid; it’s a question of figuring out the program that best suits your needs. There are five important things to consider when you’re looking for financial aid, whether it’s a grant, a scholarship, or even a student loan.

First of all, take a good look in the mirror. Make a list of talents or skills that set you apart from the crowd. Do you love to sing, can you write poetry, or are you a great dancer whose name is bound to be in lights on Broadway? Anything that distinguishes you from your peers is something to use as a basis for aid. Search out grants or scholarships that are specific to your particular talent. Be ready to provide verification of your talent and a history of accomplishments that relate to it.

Have you already decided on the school you want to attend, or perhaps you’ve already been accepted? If so, a good place to look is in the school’s Alumni Office. Many Alumni groups offer scholarships for new students as a way to develop loyalty and to increase their alumni base.

Utilize your family’s networking resources. Check your parent’s (or your) workplace for grant or scholarship opportunities that are available either to employees or the children of employees. Also, make sure to check with close family friends who know you well. They may know of opportunities available through their community involvement, workplace, or on boards of charities or other organizations on which they serve.

There are hundreds of government entities that offer all types of grants or scholarships. If you or a family member has served in the military, there may be a scholarship available through the branch of service to which you or your family member is connected. If you or a parent served on active duty for more than 90 days after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for GI Bill benefits. The city or town in which you live may offer some type of grant or scholarship benefit for its citizens. If you have participated in community service, check with the organization that you volunteered with. They may also offer financial aid of some type to people who invest in their community.

Finally, be sure to consider your own level of uniqueness that may have a benefit. For example, scholarship opportunities are available based on a person’s own life characteristics, such as ethnicity, cultural background, disability, financial need, or some other consideration. Examine all aspects of your life that may apply to receiving financial aid. You may be surprised at how many opportunities for which you may be eligible.

When seeking out financial aid, it’s important to remember that the best type of financial aid is aid that relates to your own life. You can even attend a course at an online college for free to see if distance learning works for you. Making a list of things that interest you, that you have participated in, or that you hope to accomplish in the future is a great way to start. Taking a look inside and bringing out the details of your life that make you unique is the best way to find grants or scholarships online that are just right for YOU.

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