I'm looking to apply for scholarships and I'm wondering which programs students tend to apply for the most. Are there a few out there that are particularly well-known or popular among high school students?
There are definitely several popular and highly sought-after scholarship programs among high school students. These tend to draw significant interest due to their financial offerings, but also due to their prestige and the opportunities they afford.
One of the most well-known is the National Merit Scholarship program, which awards scholarships based on PSAT/NMSQT scores. It's popular not just because of its prestige and the financial aid, but also because many students already take the PSAT, making it relatively easy to enter.
Another popular one is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, which provides $20,000 scholarships to 150 students who show strong leadership skills, as well as an aspiration to make their community a better place.
The Ron Brown Scholarship is a prominent one among African American students. Besides providing several financial awards, it includes mentorship and leadership opportunities.
The Gates Scholarship, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is particularly popular among students from minority backgrounds, as it offers scholarships that can cover the full cost of attending college.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is one of the most prestigious science competitions in the U.S and attracts students interested in STEM.
These are just a sampling of some of the most popular scholarships, but there are many others out there. Be sure to also look at scholarships local to your area, as well as scholarships offered directly by the colleges you're applying to!
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