When do most scholarships close?

For scholarships I'm planning to apply to, I'm trying to get a sense of their closing dates. Is there a general period when most scholarships close? Just trying to plan ahead for my apps.

There isn't an overarching deadline for all scholarships since they're hosted by a variety of organizations, each with its unique timelines. However, you'll likely notice a significant number of scholarship deadlines in the fall and spring, since these align with typical university application and enrollment deadlines.

To paint a clearer picture, many scholarships have application periods in the fall, between September and December, to help students prepare for the upcoming academic year. This is especially true for scholarships offered by colleges themselves. Additionally, you'll find a healthy amount of scholarships with deadlines in the spring, often between January and April.

Generally, it's wise to start researching and applying for scholarships about a year before you'll need the funds. That way, if a scholarship requires an essay or other application materials, you'll have ample time to put together a strong application.

Regardless, it's key to keep an active calendar or use an organizational tool like Appily to help track scholarship deadlines. Populating this tool with a variety of scholarship opportunities throughout the year will ensure that you're always aware of upcoming deadlines and have a steady stream of applications to work on.

Always remember this: early planning and application are the key to nabbing those scholarships. Good luck with your applications!