How can high school juniors find scholarships?

As a high school junior, I'm eager to start applying for scholarships. Could you share some strategies or resources to begin this journey now, so I'm ready when it's time to apply?

Absolutely, and it's a great idea to start now as there are quite a few scholarships open to juniors. Here are some strategies and resources to get you started:

1. Start with a scholarship database: For an organized way to start your search, you can use scholarship search engines like Appily, Fastweb, or Chegg Scholarships. These platforms allow you to create a profile with your academic details, interests, and extracurricular activities, and then they provide you with a list of scholarships that match your criteria.

2. Look local: Don't ignore local scholarships. Oftentimes, the pool of applicants for these scholarships is smaller, which can increase your chances of being selected. You can find these opportunities through local businesses, community organizations, or your school's counseling office.

3. Leverage your unique background: Search for scholarships that are dedicated to students with similar backgrounds, interests, or identities as yourself. These can include scholarships for first-generation students, students interested in a specific field of study, or students of a particular ethnic or cultural background.

4. Apply to merit-based scholarships: Some colleges and organizations offer merit scholarships based on academic or extracurricular achievement. Start researching universities you're interested in and look for any available merit scholarships they might offer to admitted students.

5. Use your CollegeBoard account: The College Board offers a scholarship search tool where you can search for scholarships based on your test scores and personal information.

Remember, when it comes to scholarship applications, make sure you're staying organized and mindful of deadlines. It also helps to customize each application with tailored, thoughtful responses—it shows that you’re truly engaged and interested in that specific opportunity. Good luck with your scholarship search!