The federal government usually offers financial aid for college based on need, but there are a few scholarships where need is not a requirement.

These include the National Science Scholarship and the National Community Service or Americorp, for National and Community Service, 1100 Vermont Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20525.

But the one likely to get the most attention from your child is the National Merit Scholarship. It applies to students planning to go to local and state schools. Toward the end of your student's junior year of high school, you will hear a great deal about National Merit Scholarships. The scholarships are awarded mainly on the results of a competitive examination given by the federal government in the student's junior year. Service to the school, recommendation by the school principal and financial need are also considered.

Applications to take the test are available through the high school. Seven thousand students each year win the grants, which ranges from $1,000 to $8,000. For more information, inquire at your child's high school guidance office.

An Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship can provide as much as $50,000 over four years.

To qualify, students must be at least 17, high school graduates and U.S. citizens. Although ROTC is usually a four-year program, scholarships for two-year programs are available for junior and community college students.

Scholarships also are available for those who agree to enlist after college for four years of active duty and two years of reserve duty. With these, the military pays full tuition, books, college fees and a small stipend for pocket money.

ROTC scholarships are based on merit. Students must score well on scholastic aptitude tests, show leadership ability in extracurricular and school activities and do well in personal interviews. Application forms may be requested starting April 1 of the student's junior year through November 15, and from January 15 to April 15 of his or her senior year.

For more information, check out the Army ROTC Web site or write to Army ROTC Scholarships, P.O. Box 12703, Philadelphia, PA 19134. If your child is already enlisted, write to Army ROTC Scholarships, Fort Monroe, VA 23651.