Which scholarships are available for incoming high school seniors?

I'm currently a high school junior starting to think about how I'm going to pay for college. I've heard that there are a ton of scholarships out there specifically for incoming seniors. What are some good scholarships to apply for, and how do I increase my chances of getting them? Any personal experiences or tips would be super helpful!

There are indeed a multitude of scholarships available to incoming high school seniors. I'll mention some that you might find particularly useful:

1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This is a highly competitive scholarship that awards 150 students with $20,000 each. To potentially boost your chances, be sure to demonstrate leadership and service in your application.

2. Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology: If you're into STEM fields, consider checking this one out. It's a research-based scholarship where students have the opportunity to win up to $100,000.

3. Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships: If you have a connection to the RMHC, this could be a good fit for you, as they offer several scholarships for high school seniors.

4. AXA Achievement Scholarship: Over 300 students receive $2,500, 42 students get $10,000, and 10 students earn $25,000.

Boosting your chances for these scholarships generally involves focusing on showcasing your unique personality, passions, and achievements, plus keeping your GPA up. Many scholarships value leadership, community involvement, and commitment to certain academic fields. Make sure your application highlights these qualities. Tailor each application to the specific organization awarding the scholarship – if they fund students interested in the arts, or those committed to social change, for example, make sure your passion for the particular field shines through in your application.

Also, don't disregard smaller, local scholarships. They might be less competitive, and even smaller awards can add up and help with college expenses. Check with local businesses, community organizations, and your school's college counseling office for resources.

Finally, when you are looking for scholarships, ensure that you start as early as possible. Some applications will require essays or other materials that could take time to prepare, and you don't want to miss the deadlines.