I'm really curious about how college scholarships work differently depending on whether you're a high school student or already in college. Looking into the 2025 school year, I'm trying to figure out what options might be available for me as I transition into college. Are there specific scholarships that I should be aware of as a high school senior, or do most scholarships focus on current college students? Any insights on how to find these scholarships would be super helpful!
The world of scholarships can certainly be varied and complex, as different scholarships have different eligibility criteria.
For high school students, there are a large number of scholarships available, often based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, community service and more. Many of these scholarships are geared towards helping students transition into college, and may require an essay or other demonstration of aptitude. They often come from foundations, organizations, corporations, religious groups, and even colleges and universities themselves. So it can be very beneficial for you to start applying as early as possible. An example is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, a highly competitive scholarship for high school seniors that focuses on students with remarkable leadership potential.
On the other hand, for current college students, scholarships may be slightly different in the sense that they may concentrate more on the student's college academic performance, potential for post-graduate work, or specific majors. Some scholarships are given by the college or university itself, either to entice high-performing high school students to attend or to reward current students for their achievements. Others may come from external organizations or foundations, intended to support students in specific fields or who have specific career goals. An example of a scholarship for current college students is the Goldwater Scholarship, targeted towards college sophomore or junior students studying natural sciences, mathematics or engineering.
There are also scholarships that are available to both high school and college students. These typically focus on broader factors such as community service, essays on specific topics, or creative contests.
To search for scholarships, consider using scholarship databases such as FastWeb or Appily. You can enter specific criteria to find the scholarships that will be the best fits for you. Your school counselor may also be a good resource, as they might be aware of local scholarships or those that past students have had success with.
In conclusion, whether you're a high school student or already in college, there are many scholarships out there for you. The important thing is to start your search early, apply to as many as possible, and ensure that you carefully meet all the application requirements.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.