I'm planning to start college this year, and I'm trying to get a head start on finding scholarships. Are there any specific scholarships for incoming freshmen that I should be aware of? Any tips for applying would also be great!
Sure, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities specifically for incoming college freshmen! Here are a few to get you started:
1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This program offers $20,000 scholarships to 150 high school seniors each year. It focuses on individuals with outstanding leadership, service, and academic prowess.
2. Burger King Scholars Program: This scholarship gives awards ranging from $1,000 to $60,000 based on GPA, work experience, and community service.
3. Elk National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition: This competition offers 500 four-year scholarships, ranging from $4,000 to $30,000 in total. It is open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens.
4. Regeneron Science Talent Search: This program is specifically for seniors who've created original science research projects. Awards range from $25,000 to $250,000!
Tips for applying:
- Start early and stay organized. Create a spreadsheet that includes the name of the scholarship, due date, requirements, and all necessary documents.
- Tailor your applications. Customizing your application to match the goals and values of the scholarship can help you stand out from the crowd.
- Polish your essays. Strong, well-written essays can greatly improve your chances. Make sure to give yourself enough time to draft, revise, and proofread for any errors.
- Letters of recommendation. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to the qualities the scholarship prizes. Provide them with enough time and context to write a quality recommendation.
- Submit on time. Mishaps can happen so be sure to submit your application ahead of time!
Remember to look locally too. Often, regional or school-based scholarships have less competition than national ones. Good luck on your scholarship hunt!
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