Psychology scholarships for high school seniors: Where to start?

I'm a high school junior with a keen interest in pursuing psychology in college. I've heard there are scholarships available specifically for students planning to major in psychology. Could anyone recommend where to look for psychology scholarships targeted at high school seniors? Also, any tips on the application process or what committees might be looking for would be super helpful. Thanks!

Applying for scholarships is a fantastic way to offset the cost of college, and kudos on taking the initiative to inquire about the psychology-centric ones.

First, many universities offer department scholarships in psychology, so you should check directly on the schools' financial aid or psychology department webpages for these opportunities. Usually, these are merit-based and will automatically consider you when you apply to the school, or they may have a separate application process.

Second, look to national or regional psychology organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA provides various scholarships for undergraduate students aspiring to major in psychology. There's the APA Summer Science Fellowship, for example, which provides funding for a summer research project, or the APF/COGDOP Graduate Research Scholarships, which can fund grad students conducting psychological research.

Additionally, there are general scholarship databases, such as FastWeb or Scholarship.com, which allow you to specify your intended major and other details about yourself to find scholarships that match your profile.

The application process for each scholarship can vary. However, typically, you may need to provide an academic transcript, letters of recommendation, and in many cases, a personal statement or essay explaining your interest in psychology and how the scholarship will be beneficial for your academic journey. Remember, specifics are crucial when writing essays. Sharing personal stories can resonate with the selection committee and make you stand out.

Committees often look for students who are deeply committed to the field of psychology and have demonstrated this commitment in tangible ways, such as by doing internships, participating in research, or leading psychology-related extracurricular or community activities. They also value students who can elucidate the impact of their intended research and showcase how their studies can contribute to the field of psychology in the future.

Just remember to be vigilant about application deadlines and put in the time to craft thoughtful, professional applications. Good luck!