As a high school junior, I'm looking ahead to the 2024-25 school year and curious about scholarships I can apply for now. Any advice on where to find opportunities or how to start preparing?
That's fantastic that you're already thinking about scholarships, as getting an early start can certainly maximize your opportunities. Here are some strategies you can utilize now:
1. Start locally: Check with your high school guidance counselor about local scholarships, as these are often less competitive than national ones. Additionally, consider any community organizations, clubs, or employers (yours or your parents') that may offer scholarships.
2. National and School-Specific Scholarships: Some national scholarships you can look at include the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the Gates Scholarship, and the AXA Achievement Scholarship. You should also review the scholarship programs offered by the colleges you're considering as they often have lucrative offerings for incoming students.
3. Online Search: Use online scholarship search platforms. A reputable one is Appily. Appily allows you to create a profile and connect with thousands of scholarship opportunities tailored to your academic, extracurricular, and personal attributes.
4. Start Early: Some scholarships have deadlines in the fall, so starting your search early in your junior year is a good idea. Also, scholarships often require essays, and starting early gives you plenty of time to craft strong applications.
5. Look for scholarships that match your interests and experiences: There are scholarships for a wide range of interests, activities, and characteristics - everything from aspiring engineers to lovers of "Star Trek." The more specific the scholarship, the fewer applicants it will typically have, increasing your chances.
To prepare, focus on maintaining a strong GPA and taking challenging classes to show scholarship committees your academic dedication. If the scholarships you're eyeing require essays, start brainstorming ideas and writing drafts. Lastly, keep an organized list of scholarships you're interested in, including deadlines, requirements, and any unique details to remember.
Remember, every bit of scholarship money you earn reduces what you or your parents will have to pay out of pocket or borrow for college, so it's well worth the effort. Good luck!
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