I want to get a head start on applying for scholarships. When do most of them usually open for applications? Would love to know the best time to start preparing everything so I don't miss out.
Each scholarship has its timeline, but the majority of scholarships open for applications in the fall, specifically in August or September. This corresponds to the beginning of the academic year and leads up to the college admissions period.
However, it's essential to note that some scholarships also open in the spring, and a few have rolling deadlines throughout the year. For example, some local or community-based scholarships may align their application timelines with local school calendars.
Given the variety in scholarship timelines, the important thing is to start researching scholarships as early as possible. Preparing in the summer before your senior year can be beneficial. Set a schedule for when to prepare and submit each application. Using a tool like Appily can help you keep track of deadlines. If you stay organized, you're less likely to miss out on opportunities. Additionally, remember that applying for scholarships isn’t just a one-time event—there are scholarships available for current college students too, not just incoming freshmen.
If you're diligent in your search and organized in your approach, you'll put yourself in a solid position to take advantage of as many scholarship opportunities as possible.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.