What are the most prestigious senior scholarships for high school students?

I'm a high school junior starting to think about scholarship opportunities for senior year. Are there certain scholarships considered more prestigious than others? Any insights on which ones are the most competitive would be appreciated!

There are indeed several prestigious scholarships that are recognized nationally, many of which are geared towards outstanding high school seniors. These scholarships are often competitive due to their substantial awards and recognition value. Here are a few examples:

1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This program awards 150 scholarships of $20,000 each annually to high school seniors who have made significant leadership contributions.

2. Gates Scholarship: Formerly the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, this initiative awards scholarships to 300 minority students annually. The Gates Scholarship covers the full cost of attending college, less other financial aid awarded.

3. Regeneron Science Talent Search: Also known as the nation's oldest science research competition, this scholarship is highly respected in academic circles. Top 40 finalists are recognized with significant awards, with the first place winner receiving $250,000.

4. Presidential Scholars Program: This is not a traditional scholarship with a financial award, but being named a Presidential Scholar is one of the highest honors a high school student can receive. Up to 161 students are recognized annually based on exceptional academic achievement, the arts, or career and technical education fields.

5. Davidson Fellows Scholarship: This program awards $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000 scholarships to students under 18 who have accomplished a significant piece of work in STEM fields, music, literature, philosophy, or 'outside the box.'

6. Flinn Foundation Scholarship: If you live in Arizona, you should consider the Flinn Foundation Scholarship. It covers tuition, room and board, and at least two study-abroad experiences. The Foundation awards the scholarship to 20 high-achieving Arizona high school seniors each year.

When considering such scholarships, remember that the competition can be incredibly stiff as they draw the most high-achieving students from across the country. However, the financial rewards and the prestige associated with these scholarships can make the hard work quite worthwhile. Make sure to start preparing for these scholarships early, as many require exhaustive applications with essays, recommendations, and sometimes interviews. Best of luck in your scholarship search!