Where can I find scholarships for incoming freshmen?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior in high school and planning to head to college right after graduation. I've been hearing a lot about scholarships for incoming freshmen, and I'm trying to get a head start on finding some. Does anyone know the best places to search or perhaps has a list of scholarships that specifically cater to first-year college students? Any advice or previous experiences would really help out, thanks!

Hi there!

Securing scholarships may seem daunting initially, but several resources can facilitate your search. Keep your high school's counseling office on your radar as they often have comprehensive details on local scholarships, and many local businesses, organizations, or foundations offer college scholarships to high school students in the area. You may be surprised at what's available in your own backyard!

Next, you can consider exploring national databases like Fastweb, Chegg scholarships, or Scholarship.com. These have vast listings and can match you to scholarships based on your profile. Don't discount smaller dollar scholarships either. They often have less competition, and they add up!

Also, check the websites of the colleges you're interested in applying to as many offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for incoming freshmen. For example, academic scholarships, leadership scholarships, departmental Scholarships, and more, are typically outlined right on the college's financial aid page or the Admissions page. Remember, some automatically consider you based on your application, but others may need additional steps, like a separate application or essay.

Lastly, don't forget about less conventional sources such as your (or your parents') workplace, local clubs, religious institutions, and the like. They can also be an excellent source of scholarship information and potential sponsorship.

Just ensure to stay organized, meet all the deadlines, follow the guidelines, and give every application your best shot. Good luck!