What are college scholarships available for high school athletes?

I'm a student-athlete hoping to get some scholarship funds for college. How can I find scholarships for high school athletes, and are there specific ones I should know about? Any advice on balancing sports and academics when applying?

Indeed, there are quite a few athletic scholarships for high school students that you can apply for, and a number of these are specific to the type of sport you participate in. To name a few: the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program, the Wendy's High School Heisman, and the NFHS Spirit of Sport Award. Each has its own specific guidelines, so do some research to see which ones align with your sports interest and academic achievements.

To find these scholarships, you can use scholarship search platforms like Fastweb, Peterson's, and Appily. Keep an open mind when searching as some might not be explicitly labeled as 'sports' scholarships but may have an athletic component or look favorably upon athletic achievements.

When it comes to balancing sports and academics, one common approach among student-athletes is to be mindful of how they manage their time. This could mean setting a strict schedule, prioritizing key activities, making sure to allot time for both sports practices and academic responsibilities. It's also equally important to leave some time for rest and relaxation.

Another helpful strategy is to intertwine academia and sports. For instance, perhaps you can write your college essay about a defining moment in your athletic career, or discuss what being part of a team taught you about leadership, commitment, or overcoming adversity.

Finally, remember to communicate your athletic engagements to your colleges of interest as they can contribute to presenting a holistic picture of who you are as a student.

Overall, make sure to start your scholarship search and applications as early as possible and don't forget to consider the balance of academics and athletics when selecting a college. Good luck!