Every year, hundreds of thousands of college-bound high school seniors from all over the country scramble to complete college applications, visit university campuses, and write endless essays for something that may determine their financial situation for years to come — scholarships.

The FAFSA comes out on Oct. 1 for federal need-based student aid, but the form is also used for many scholarship programs all over the nation. Beyond the FAFSA, here are five national scholarships that could greatly assist a student in paying for their postsecondary education.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship

This $20,000 scholarship rewards 150 finalists all across the country based on academic achievement and leadership. If you have a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA, you can complete the initial application that is due on Oct. 31. Sequential rounds may require letters of recommendation and an interview.

The Gates Scholarship

New to 2018, this highly competitive, full tuition scholarship will go to 300 Pell-eligible, minority high school seniors who have a minimum 3.3/4.0 GPA. While not required, the ideal candidate will rank in the top 10 percent of the senior class, show participation in extracurriculars and in civic activities, and will possess exceptional personal success skills, such as maturity and perseverance. The deadline for the initial application is Sept.18 followed by a semifinalist phase and finalist interviews.

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Award

This $25,000 scholarship is awarded to 106 bachelor’s degree-seeking high school seniors who demonstrate critical financial need (adjusted gross family income of $55,000 or lower), involvement in extracurriculars and civic activities, integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and a minimum 2.0/4.0 GPA. The deadline is Oct. 25.

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

This scholarship, ranging from $4,000-$50,000, is awarded to 500 seniors who will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need and is due on Nov. 15. Males and females will have separate competitions.

Davidson Fellows Scholarship

Have you completed a significant piece of work in the categories of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature, music, philosophy and/or outside the box? If so, you can apply for a $50,000, $25,000 or $10,000 scholarship for students ages 18 and under by Feb. 14.

These scholarships will make great steps in making a college education affordable for everyone. Further scholarships can be found on websites such as Scholarships.com or Fastweb.com or in the College and Career Readiness Center on campus.