How do you find and get a scholarship in high school?

I'm a high school junior trying to figure out how to secure a scholarship. There are so many out there that it feels a bit overwhelming. Can anyone recommend good strategies or resources for finding scholarships that suit my skills and interests? Also, are there specific requirements or common elements in the application process I should prepare for?

Finding scholarships can certainly seem like a daunting task due to the sheer number of opportunities out there. Here's a step by step strategy:

1. Start Early & Organize Your Search: Starting early gives you ample time to find scholarships that align with your skills, career preferences, and extracurricular strengths. Use a spreadsheet to organize scholarships by deadlines, requirements, and the amount they offer.

2. Explore Various Resources: Don’t limit your search to a single platform. Utilize various online scholarship search platforms, look into local businesses or organizations that offer scholarships, check out your school's guidance office, and don't forget to ask your prospective colleges about scholarships they offer.

3. Align with Your Profile: Focus on scholarships that match your academic profile, extracurricular achievements, and personal interests. Some scholarships might be based on factors like ethnicity, field of study, or extracurricular activities. Those scholarships tend to have less competition since they cater to a more specific demographic.

4. Look at Small & Local Scholarships: While national scholarships get more attention, local and smaller scholarships tend to have less competition and can add up to cover a significant amount of your college expenses.

As for the application requirements, they vary widely depending on the scholarship. Some common elements you may encounter include a completed application form, a high school transcript, letters of recommendation, and essays pertaining to specific prompts. Some scholarships might require an interview or a submitted portfolio of work, especially for those related to specific talents or interests.

Lastly, remember that it's important to proofread any material you submit for a scholarship application. You want to present your best self, highlighting your achievements and ambitions. Consistently applying to potential opportunities increases your chances, so don’t get discouraged if you do not immediately receive a scholarship. Persistence pays off in the scholarship search. Good luck!