How can I find easy scholarships for high school seniors?

I'm a high school junior, and I want to make sure I'm prepared to apply for scholarships when I'm a senior. I've heard there are 'easy' scholarships out there that require less effort or have fewer applicants. What are some tips for finding these scholarships, and is it worth my time to apply for them? Also, what does 'easy' really mean when it comes to scholarships?

When you're thinking about 'easy' scholarships, it generally means those scholarships with simpler application processes or broader eligibility criteria, which many high school seniors can qualify for. Some scholarships require only an essay or a creative project, and others might focus more on personal characteristics, like left-handedness or being a twin, rather than achievements or skillsets.

One way to find these types of scholarships is to use scholarship search platforms, which allow you to filter scholarships based on your unique profile and criteria. Appily is a good option, as it lets you filter a comprehensive database of scholarships and save the ones that are relevant to you. Also, make sure to check out options on Fastweb and Scholly.

Don't discount local scholarships either. These can sometimes be easier to win since you're competing with fewer students. Check with your high school counseling office, local businesses, community organizations, and local foundations to see if they offer scholarships.

While it's true that some 'easy' scholarships might offer smaller awards, it's worth noting that these can add up. An extra $500 or $1,000 can go a long way in covering costs like textbooks. However, I would caution against relying on 'easy' scholarships as your primary funding strategy. They should be a part of a larger scholarship search that also includes more competitive awards, which may require more effort but also offer larger amounts.

Finally, remember to start early. Many scholarships have deadlines early in the fall of your senior year. You can use the summer before your senior year to complete your scholarship applications and get a jump on the process. Good luck!