What are the 10 most prestigious scholarships?

I'm trying to shoot for some of the most prestigious scholarships out there. It'd be great to know which ones are considered top-tier. Any guidance on where to aim for these well-regarded financial aids would be fantastic!

It's commendable that you're aiming for highly prestigious scholarships. They can significantly reduce the financial burden of college costs and often come with additional benefits and opportunities. Let's take a look at what is generally considered to be among the top-tier scholarships:

1. Gates Millennium Scholars Program: This program was established by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and offers scholarships to 1,000 outstanding minority undergraduates with significant financial need each year.

2. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors each year.

3. Regeneron Science Talent Search: This competition, often regarded as the nation's oldest and most prestigious, seeks to identify the best and brightest young scientists.

4. Davidson Fellows Scholarships: These scholarships award up to $50,000 to extraordinary students, 18 and under, who have completed a significant piece of work in the categories of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, or "Outside the Box".

5. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program: This competitive undergraduate scholarship provides high-achieving high school seniors with the financial need to pursue their dreams in college.

6. Truman Scholarships: These reward junior-level students with outstanding leadership potential who are committed to careers in public service.

7. Lilly Endowment Scholarship: This scholarship aims to increase the level of educational attainment in Indiana and to leverage further the ability of Indiana's community foundations to enhance the quality of life of the state's residents.

8. Burger King Scholars Program: This program awards scholarships to high school seniors, Burger King employees, their dependent children, spouses, or domestic partners.

9. Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition: The Elks National Foundation awards $2.44 million in college scholarships to a total of 500 high school seniors nationwide through its Most Valuable Student scholarship program.

10. Boettcher Foundation Scholarship: This is a merit-based scholarship for Colorado high school students that covers the cost of tuition, fees, and books for eight semesters/12 quarters at approved Colorado colleges or universities, plus a living stipend.

Remember that each of these scholarships will have its own set of eligibility criteria and application requirements. In some cases, you might need a nomination from your school. Also, deadlines can vary, so be sure to plan out your scholarship application timeline well in advance. Good luck!