As a high school junior, I'm starting to think about applying for scholarships as a 2024 graduate. I'm feeling a bit lost on where to begin and what to focus on. There seems to be a lot of information out there, but I'm not sure which ones are most applicable to my situation or the timeline I should be following. Could anyone offer advice on how to find and apply for scholarships specific to 2024 graduates? Any insight into the types of scholarships and their application deadlines would be amazing.
Finding and applying for scholarships can feel a bit overwhelming, but with a good strategy, it becomes a manageable task.
Firstly, you can start by looking at local scholarships. These are usually provided by businesses, nonprofits, or community organizations in your area. Since they're local, you'll have a smaller applicant pool competing for them, increasing your chances of winning.
Next, consider your unique attributes or circumstances. Are you a first-generation college student? Do you have a specific major in mind? Are you involved in certain community service projects or organizations? Scholarships often are based not just on academic achievement, but also on factors like socio-economic background, intended major, community involvement, and even hobbies or skills.
Look for scholarships offered by the colleges you're applying to. These are typically based on merit, meaning your academic performance and extracurricular involvement can make you eligible. Some colleges automatically consider you for these scholarships when you apply, so remember to check each college's policy.
Companies, foundations, and other organizations offer scholarships too, often with specific fields, students, or goals in mind (eg. women in STEM, students of color, first-generation college students, etc).
One timely platform students use to search for scholarships is Appily. Appily allows you to create a profile and match you with scholarships you qualify for, saving you time from sifting through lists.
As for deadlines, they vary greatly. Some might come as early as a year before you start college, while others might not be due until right before the start of the school year, in the fall of 2024. Start to compile a list of potential scholarships and note the deadlines to stay organized and ensure you don’t miss any.
Always keep in mind, while the scholarship application process might seem time-consuming and sometimes competitive, every little bit of money you can earn helps reduce student loans. It's definitely worth your time to apply. Good luck with your search!
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