How to Find Scholarships for Seniors in High School?

I'm a junior trying to get ahead in my search for scholarships. What are some good places to start looking for scholarships specifically for seniors in high school? Are there any tips for making my applications stand out?

Absolutely, getting a head start on the scholarship search can be an excellent way to spread out the load of your senior year. First, it's essential to check with your own school's guidance counselor or college counselor. They can often provide local scholarships that might have less competition than national ones.

Broadly speaking, I'd recommend starting with the federal government's database at the U.S. Department of Labor's scholarship search tool. You can filter by various criteria, like study level or study interest. There's also Appily, which matches you with scholarships based on your profile.

In addition, you might also want to check with non-profit organizations, foundations, or companies that offer scholarships for high school students. Start with any organizations you're already involved in or that align with your career interests.

As for standing out, consider what makes you unique. Are you aligned with the mission of the scholarship organization? If so, express that in your application. Perhaps you could talk about how you have taken action in your community to further a cause the scholarship supports, or how earning the scholarship would assist you in continuing to make meaningful contributions. Reinforce your achievements, passions, and potential by including concrete examples, whether it's leadership in extracurricular activities, accomplishments in your chosen field of study, or handling challenging circumstances.

Lastly, tailoring your application to match the specific scholarship criteria can also increase your chances of success. For example, if a scholarship values community service, make sure to emphasize your service experiences in your application. Having a well-edited and proofread application is also crucial, and don't forget to adhere to all the guidelines and deadlines. Good luck with your scholarship hunt!