Is it possible to apply for scholarships out of high school for college?

I'm a junior trying to get a head start on planning my next steps. Can I apply for college scholarships while still in high school, or do I need to wait until I graduate?

Absolutely, you can and should start applying for scholarships while still in high school! In fact, many scholarships are even specifically designed for high school students. The key is to begin your search and application process early. Scholarships have varying deadlines throughout year, and many fall between January and March, so starting early can give you a leg up.

Scholarships can range from merit-based to needs-based to those aiming to support certain groups (ex: first-generation college students, specific ethnic or cultural groups, or students planning to study a specific major). There are thousands of scholarships out there, each with its own unique criteria and application process. Winning a scholarship could be based on your grades, extracurricular activities, community service, or based on essay contests or other forms of competition.

One tactic you might use is to find out if the colleges you're interested in offer scholarships - sometimes, you're automatically considered when you apply, while other times you might need to fill out a separate application. Additionally, many corporations, non-profits, and other entities offer national scholarships. Don't forget to also look locally - businesses or community organizations in your area might offer scholarships that have fewer applicants.

Remember, every bit helps, so don't ignore the smaller scholarships - they can add up. Lastly, be cautious of scholarship scams. If an application is asking you to pay a fee to apply or guarantees you'll win, it's likely a scam. Good luck with your scholarship search!