November is National Scholarship Month, but while in search of help paying for college, there are some dos and don’ts to follow.

The average tuition at a private college was more than $33,000 last year, making scholarships more important than ever – and the competition for them even tougher.

Here are some tips to increase the odds of getting a scholarship:

The competition for scholarships has also led to a rise in fake scholarship offers. 

Experts say to be wary of unsolicited offers, especially if the scholarships seem unusually easy to qualify for.

“If there were unlimited money and unlimited resources, college would be free for everyone. We would all go take advantage of this money that’s out there, and you wouldn’t have to apply for it,” said Melissa Companick, of the Better Business Bureau.