What are the requirements to get a scholarship in high school?

I'm a high school junior starting to think seriously about college, and scholarships are definitely a big deal for me since I'd like to avoid taking on too much student debt. I'm trying to understand what exactly colleges look for when they're awarding scholarships. Is it mainly about having a high GPA, or do things like extracurricular activities and leadership roles also play a big role? Also, are there any lesser-known requirements I should be aware of?

Scholarship requirements can vary significantly based on the type of scholarship, the organization providing the scholarship, and what they're looking to support or foster. Scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both.

1. Merit-based Scholarships: These scholarships look at academic achievement, including GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. Merit-based scholarships might also look at specific talents in areas like art, athletics, or music. They might require an audition or tryout. For example, many top-tier schools offer merit-based scholarships, where they look for students in the top 5-10% of their class.

2. Need-based Scholarships: These are awarded based on a family’s financial need. They may require forms showing financial income and need, like the FAFSA, to ensure that the scholarship money is going to assist those who need it most.

3. Extracurricular and Leadership Scholarships: Scholarships might be provided based on a student's engagement in certain activities, like community service, or holding leadership roles in clubs or groups.

4. Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are very particular and might be targeted towards students with certain ethnic backgrounds, or even people with certain last names. These are not as common, but can be found with some research.

While GPA is typically one of the factors, so are other elements of your academic and personal profile. For example, a scholarship committee might also be interested in your course rigor, class rank, and standardized test scores.

Extracurricular activities and leadership roles can certainly play a big role in scholarship decisions, especially for scholarships that are aimed at fostering leadership or community involvement. If you've taken on leadership positions in high school or been deeply involved in a few clubs or activities, this will certainly be to your advantage.

Lastly, always read the fine print. Some scholarships have very unique requirements, such as being from a certain county, planning to study a specific field, etc. And remember, start your search early, keep track of deadlines, and be thorough in your applications, including any required essays. Every little detail counts in the competitive world of scholarships.