What are the most sought after college scholarships?

Trying to keep the student loans to a minimum! Does anyone know about the most sought after scholarships that I should try applying for?

There's an array of coveted scholarships that gifted students pursue, encompassing a large variety of criteria and fields of interest. Here are some notable ones:

1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This program provides 150 college scholarships of $20,000 to high school seniors throughout the U.S. who exemplify superior leadership, service, and academic abilities.

2. The Gates Scholarship: This is a highly selective scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to 300 top student leaders, covering the full cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid.

3. National Merit Scholarship Corporation: This is a very well-known scholarship program based on PSAT scores. While the number and types of scholarships distributed vary every year, the prestige of being a National Merit Scholar can be tremendously beneficial.

4. The Regeneron Science Talent Search (formerly Intel): Regeneron STS is often considered the most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors in the U.S. The top three finalists receive $150,000 each.

5. Flinn Foundation Scholarships: Restricted to Arizona high school seniors, these scholarships, valued at over $115,000, cover tuition, fees, housing, and meals for any in-state college.

6. United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholarships: UNCF offers a variety of scholarships for African-American students with requirements ranging from financial need to specific areas of study or institutions.

Remember to also explore less competitive and locally offered scholarships (like those from local businesses, Rotary Clubs, etc.). They may offer smaller amounts, but the chances of receiving them can be significantly higher. Furthermore, depending on your background and personal circumstances, many niche scholarships may also be worth looking into.

Overall, it's a good idea to have a mix of national, regional, and local scholarships in your application plan. Don’t forget that many colleges and universities offer sizable merit-based scholarships, so make sure to check individual school websites for such opportunities too.