BC was implementing this new loan processing system, which meant that I didn't even apply for loans until like 3 weeks before school started. Its real easy, don't worry about loans. If you're talking about independent scholarships, then it is up to you to look for these things ... a lot of groups give general post-graduate scholarships but they are usually in smaller amounts and a pain in the ass to apply for. Once you narrow down your school choices, take a look to see if there are any special application-only scholarship programs that the school provides (for instance BC has public interest scholars, has a few special scholarships for certain underrepresented groups, has a scholarship for a jewish student, etc.) Sometimes these scholarships are things you apply for later in school (pay for your 3rd year or something). In general, though, count on your fin aid package being mostly loans at your top choices, or some scholarships at your safeties.