What are the most common types of scholarships high schoolers should know about?

I'm a high school junior and am starting to look into scholarships. Can anyone tell me about the most common types of scholarships I should be researching?

Absolutely, a proactive approach to finding scholarships is always a smart move. There are several types of scholarships you're likely to come across:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: These can be academic, artistic, or based on a specific talent. They are usually awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional skill or academic prowess. For instance, if you had a high GPA or excellent standardized test scores, you might qualify for academic scholarships. On the other hand, if you excel in piano, violin, or some other instrument, you could qualify for music scholarships.

2. Need-Based Scholarships: These financial aid awards are provided based on your family's financial situation. Colleges and various foundations provide need-based scholarships to bridge the gap between college costs and what a family can afford.

3. Athletic Scholarships: If you excel in a sport, you might qualify for an athletic scholarship. These are quite competitive and typically available at NCAA Division I and II schools. You might need to actively market your abilities to college coaches and participate in their camps or clinics.

4. Military Scholarships: These are awarded to students who are considering a career in the military or whose parents were military members. ROTC scholarships can cover large amounts of college costs.

5. Minority Scholarships: These are available to students from underrepresented groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ students, etc. They aim to provide equal opportunities for these communities.

6. Community Service Scholarships: Students with a significant history of community service may qualify for these scholarships.

7. Career-Specific Scholarships: These are awarded to students pursuing a specific career path, like teaching or nursing.

8. Company-Sponsored Scholarships: Many businesses offer scholarships, usually to children of employees, but some offer them to students in the local community or to the general public.

As you do your research, just be aware of scholarship scams. Legitimate scholarship programs should never ask you for money. Also, use resources like Appily's scholarship tool or other similar scholarship search databases to find options that suit your qualification and needs. Best of luck!