Searching College Scholarships for High School Seniors

As a high school senior, I need to find scholarships and grants for college. What’s the best way to search and apply for them? Any tips on how to make my applications stand out?

Sure, here are a few strategies I've found helpful.

1. Start Early: The sooner you start the search, the better are your chances to secure them as some scholarships have specific deadlines. The peak season for scholarship applications is usually between August and December, so ideally, you should start towards the end of your junior year itself.

2. Research Widely: There are plenty of scholarships available, but the key is to research diligently and widely. Don't just rely on a single scholarship website; instead, make sure to investigate a variety of sources, including local organizations, companies, religious/cultural organizations, etc. Don't forget less-traveled paths like unions or trade associations related to your field of study as well.

3. Organizing & Prioritizing: You'll likely come across a number of scholarships and it's important to keep track of their application dates, requirements, and other details. Consider making a spreadsheet with necessary details and deadlines of each scholarship that you're interested in, and prioritize them accordingly.

4. Tailoring Application: Just like college essays, the best scholarship applications are tailored to the scholarship provider's expectations. Thoroughly read the instructions and requirements and tailor your application to meet those expectations. If the scholarship provider values community service, for instance, highlight your volunteering experiences and their impact on you and your surroundings.

5. Proofread: Just as with any other written application, you’ll need to make sure your scholarship essay is polished. Proofread it a couple of times, have someone else look over it as well. Small mistakes can sometimes detract from the overall message you’re trying to convey.

In terms of making your applications stand out, a popular approach is to cultivate a well-defined "spike," or deep specialism. If there's a subject, sport, or hobby that you're very into and have made accomplishments in, make sure to highlight those in your applications. This approach of going deep into your passions can often create a strong impression. Another way to stand out is by demonstrating genuine need or making a personal appeal in the correct context to the awarding committee.

Applying for scholarships can be time consuming, but it's definitely worth the effort as it can significantly decrease your financial burden. Keep faith and persist, you will eventually end up with a plan that will help fund your college education!