I'm just starting high school and heard that there are scholarships even for freshmen. Is it really possible to start that early? If so, what should I be doing now to prepare?
Absolutely, there are indeed scholarships that high school freshmen can apply for! Scholarship sponsors recognize the value of supporting students throughout their high school journey, not just in the senior year. For example, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is open to students in grades 5 through 12 who have participated in volunteer work in the past year. And the Junior Duck Stamp Contest offers awards to students from kindergarten through grade 12 who create an art piece featuring a species of North American waterfowl.
In terms of preparation, start working on strengthening your extracurricular activities. Many scholarships, like the aforementioned Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, look at students' community service, leadership skills, or achievements in certain areas, so finding something you're passionate about and dedicating time to it would be beneficial.
Certainly, keep your grades steady, as there are scholarships which take academic performance into account, but even if you're not a straight-A student, there are many scholarships based on other factors like service, character, or artistry.
Don't limit yourself to national or state scholarships - sometimes, local organizations, clubs, or businesses in your community may offer scholarships to students as well.
Lastly, get organized. Keep track of scholarships you're interested in and their deadlines so you don't miss out on any opportunities. Try using a tool like a spreadsheet or an app like Appily to manage your scholarship applications.
Good luck! Early preparation can indeed open up opportunities.
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