How can I stay on top of merit scholarship deadlines for colleges?

Merit scholarships sound like a great option for me, but I'm scared I'll miss important deadlines. What are some effective ways to keep track of different college's merit scholarship deadlines? Do most colleges announce them far in advance?

Absolutely, merit scholarships can offer significant financial support for college, and it's important to stay organized so you don't miss any deadlines. Here's a strategy that might help you stay on track:

1. Research: Start your process by compiling a list of the colleges you're interested in. Then, navigate to the financial aid or scholarship sections of each school's website to find information about merit scholarship opportunities. You'll often find that deadlines for these scholarships may differ from general application deadlines. Some schools have separate applications for scholarships, while others consider you automatically upon submission of your college application.

2. Organization: Use a spreadsheet or a similar tool to note down each scholarship's deadlines along with any special requirements or separate applications. Any digital tool that works for you, such as Google Sheets or Excel, will suffice.

3. Alerts: Set up reminders on your phone or computer a few weeks in advance of each deadline. This will give you ample time to double-check any final requirements and make sure your application is complete.

In terms of lead time, colleges usually announce the deadlines for their scholarships well in advance, often at the same time as they announce their admission deadlines. You can generally find this information on their websites at any time of the year.

Lastly, consider using college planning resources like Appily. These platforms often provide information on scholarship deadlines as part of their college profiles.

Remember, meticulous research and organized tracking are key to successfully navigating merit scholarship deadlines. Best of luck!