Scholarships for College Freshmen: Advice?

I know that some scholarships are specifically targeted toward freshmen in college. As I'm starting to plan for college, I'm wondering what I should be doing now to prepare for those opportunities.

Do they typically require things like specific GPA scores or are they more about extracurricular activities? Also, any recommendations on where to search for these types of scholarships would be fantastic. I'm hoping to get a head start on applications!

You're definitely on the right track by planning ahead. Preparation is key when it comes to landing scholarships.

In terms of requirements, it tends to vary significantly. Some scholarships will primarily focus on academic achievement, requiring certain GPA scores, taking challenging coursework, or scoring well on standardized tests. Others may prioritize extracurricular involvement, leadership qualities, or community service, looking for applicants who've made a significant impact in those areas. Others may be based on personal circumstances or background. In general, a strong GPA and meaningful extra-curricular involvement can only strengthen your application and enhance your chances of winning.

As for where to start your scholarship search, consider using search tools like Appily, Fastweb, or Scholarships.com. Once you've created an account and fill out a profile detailing your academic interests, achievements, and hobbies, these sites can generate a list of scholarships that may be a good fit for you.

To get a good head start on applications, you might want to keep an eye on the application open/close dates, gather needed documents (like copies of your high school transcript or a resume detailing your extracurricular involvement), and potentially start brainstorming and drafting essays for scholarships that require them. That way, you'll be ready to jump in and start submitting strong applications as soon as the scholarship application period opens. Good luck!