How Can High School Students Find Scholarships?

I'm currently a high school junior and looking into ways to fund my college education. I've heard a lot about scholarships as a great option, but I'm not entirely sure where to begin. Are there specific scholarships available just for high school students?

I'm interested in tips on how to find these opportunities, what the usual requirements are, and any advice on applying for them. Any guidance would be super helpful, especially if you have experience applying for scholarships while still in high school!

Sure, finding scholarships as a high school student can seem overwhelming at first, but it can be broken down into manageable steps. One of the most effective ways of finding scholarships is by starting early, like you are now in your junior year. Once you've started looking, the process can be quite rewarding as scholarships can help cover a significant portion of your college expenses.

There are indeed many scholarships specifically aimed at high school students. Some are even geared towards specific high school grade levels. For instance, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program awards high school seniors based on their academic achievement, leadership, and service, not their financial need.

To find these scholarships, you may want to start by using scholarship search engines such as Fastweb, Scholarship.com, Chegg, or Appily (formerly known as Cappex). These sites will match you with applicable scholarships based on your personal and academic information. Make sure to check each scholarship's eligibility requirements before applying.

Local and community-based scholarships are also a great source, so don't forget to inquire at local businesses, community groups, or civic organizations for scholarship opportunities. They usually have less competition as they're only open to students in the local area. You might also want to take a look at the financial aid page of prospective colleges to see what scholarships they offer.

As for requirements, they vary widely. Some scholarships may require a certain GPA or standardized test scores, while others may be more focused on your personal experiences or extracurricular activities. There are even unique scholarships out there that require you to design a prom dress out of duct tape or make a video about safety procedures!

As for tips on applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements and pay extra attention to the application instructions. A neat, organized, and well-put-together application can set you apart. You'll likely need to write a compelling essay or personal statement, so highlight your unique experiences and perspectives. It might be beneficial to focus on a few bigger scholarships that really align with your profile instead of applying for a broad range of scholarships.

Remember, the more effort you put into your scholarship search and application process, the more likely you are to receive these awards. Good luck!