How can juniors get a head start on college scholarships?

I'm entering my junior year and want to start applying for scholarships as soon as possible. What steps should I take now to prepare and get a head start on applications?

First off, congratulations on being so proactive about your college finances! There are a few steps you can take now to get organized and start applying for scholarships.

Start by identifying your interests, skills, and strengths. Some scholarships are activity-based, such as those granted for musical talent or athletic ability. Others are more academically focused, or even oriented towards specific career paths like engineering or nursing. Reflect on what makes you unique and how you can build a list of scholarships that align with those qualities.

Service is another key area to pay attention to. Find opportunities to volunteer in your community. There are many scholarships that reward students who demonstrate a strong commitment to serving others.

Then, compile a substantial list of scholarships that you're eligible for. You should look for scholarships at three levels - national, state, and local. National scholarships might be more competitive, but they often offer larger award amounts. Conversely, state and local scholarships might not offer as much money, but your chances of getting them can be higher due to smaller applicant pools. Appily might be a helpful tool for you to use in this process, as it allows you to search for scholarships based on different criteria.

Next, create a timeline for application deadlines, and develop a system for tracking your progress. Spreadsheets can be a great tool for this, so you know what you need to submit and when.

Some scholarships may require essays or projects. You can get a head start by identifying common themes among required essays, such as leadership or overcoming adversity, and then start brainstorming ideas for these.

Finally, don't underestimate the value of your school counselor as a resource. They likely have a wealth of information about scholarships offered by local organizations or businesses, some of which may not be largely advertised.

Remember, it's important to start early, remain organized, and consistently apply, so you've already got a great head start. Best of luck to you in your scholarship search!