What are some good scholarships to apply for?

Hi! As a high school junior, I'm diving into the whole scholarship hunt. There are just so many out there, and it can get overwhelming. Could anyone share some scholarships that are definitely worth applying for? Maybe ones with good chances or less obvious ones that aren’t as competitive. I would really appreciate any leads or personal experiences with specific scholarships. Thank you!

Hi there! Finding the right scholarships can indeed be a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. I'm glad you're starting your search early! Here are a few scholarships you might consider.

First, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a great scholarship that gives 150 awards each year worth $20,000 each. It is quite comprehensive, as it doesn't just look at grades, but also at your service and leadership activities.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is another notable one which you could qualify for through your PSAT/NMSQT scores. Around 7,600 students become National Merit Scholars each year, receiving scholarships funded by colleges, corporations, and the program itself. Some colleges even offer full tuition scholarships to National Merit Scholars, making this one potentially very valuable.

Next, the Gates Scholarship. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, it covers the full cost of attendance (not covered by other financial aid and the Expected Family Contribution) for four years of college. It's geared towards minority students, so if you come from an underrepresented background, it's definitely worth applying.

Then, there's the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student competition. It awards 500 scholarships each year, with values ranging from $4,000 to $50,000 (over the course of four years).

Lastly, there's the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's scholarship, which is one of the largest scholarship programs and is available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. They support students through their undergraduate years, and the amount can be up to $40,000 per year.

In terms of less competitive ones, check with your local civic organizations, nonprofits, and businesses, as they often have scholarships that attract fewer applicants, giving you a better shot. Also, your school's guidance office should have information about local scholarships.

Keep in mind that these are national-level scholarships and tend to be highly competitive. Don't overlook local and state scholarships as they usually receive fewer applications, which might increase your chances. Good luck with your search!