Best scholarship opportunities for high school juniors?

I'm a junior in high school and just beginning to seriously think about college and how to finance it. I know senior year is when most students start applying, but I figured why not start early and see what scholarships are available now for juniors. Could anyone recommend any good scholarships that I should be aware of? Any advice on how to strengthen my application would also be really appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help!

As a high school junior, you're actually in a great position to start applying for a wide variety of scholarships. It's great to see you thinking ahead!

For general scholarships, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers the Cooke College Scholarship Program which juniors can apply for. Similarly, there's the Coolidge Scholarship that provides full-ride scholarships for four years, including room, board, and expenses, but it's highly competitive.

If you have a career focus in mind, there might be scholarships dedicated to that. For instance, juniors interested in journalism can apply for the Journalism Education Association contests which offer scholarships for winners.

For strengthening your application, make sure to tailor your application for each scholarship. Understand what the scholarship providers are looking for - this could be academic achievement, leadership qualities, community service, etc. Cater your essays and application to highlight those specific elements they value.

Referencing your extra-curricular activities is also a good way to demonstrate drive and dedication, especially if these activities fall under Tier 1 or Tier 2. Remember, quality over quantity, so be prepared to talk in-depth about a few key experiences rather than a long list of activities.

Also, consider having a teacher, guidance counselor, or another mentor review your application. They can provide valuable feedback and help you polish your application before submission.

Best of luck with your scholarship search and applications!