I'm a high school junior starting to look at college scholarship applications. What are some good scholarships for current high school students? Do you have any tips on how to stand out in applications?
There are a myriad of scholarships available to high school students at the local, state, and national levels. Some are merit-based, others are need-based, and many are both. Here are some notable ones:
- The Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This scholarship is for high school seniors and offers 150 awards annually, each $20,000. It's academically focused, so maintain a strong GPA.
- The Burger King Scholars Program: This offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $60,000 for high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- The Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program: Provides up to $40,000 in scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, drive, and citizenship.
- The Doodle for Google Contest: A creative outlet with a sizable $50,000 scholarship up for grabs. Students create a "doodle" for Google's homepage and the winner is selected based on creativity and theme connection.
- The Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology: Perfect for high school students interested in STEM. There are sizable scholarships for individual and team research projects.
Applications often look for students who can articulate their future goals, describe how the scholarship will assist in achieving them, and share personal anecdotes to showcase determination and resilience.
Keep these tips in mind:
1. Tailor your application: Make sure to address the specific prompt or criteria the scholarship is looking for. Everything in your application should serve to answer the question or theme at hand.
2. Proofread: Make sure your application is free of spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. An extra pair of eyes on your application before submission can be invaluable.
3. Highlight your uniqueness: Use examples and anecdotes to illustrate what makes you special. This could be anything from a unique hobby, an impactful experience, or a distinctive perspective you hold.
4. Demonstrate passion and commitment: Scholarships favor candidates who display a deep commitment to their interests or causes. The longer and more involved you've been in a particular endeavor, the more it speaks to your dedication.
Lastly, use scholarship search tools like Appily, Fastweb, and Chegg Scholarships to find opportunities that align with your background and interests. Take note, however, that many scholarships have deadlines in the fall, so it's great that you're starting early!
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