Where to Find National Scholarships for College Students?

I'm a junior in high school starting my scholarship search for college. What are some national scholarships that are available for students? Any key programs I should be aware of or advice on standing out in the application process?

There are several national scholarships available to high school students. These are some of the well-known ones:

1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This is a highly competitive scholarship that rewards students who are involved in their communities and demonstrate leadership potential.

2. The Regeneron Science Talent Search: This scholarship is targeted at students who excel in scientific research. If you've completed a science research project, this could be a great fit.

3. The Gates Scholarship: This scholarship program selects 300 high school seniors every year to receive funding to meet the full cost of attendance at the college or university of their choice.

4. Dell Scholars Program: This program rewards students who have overcome significant personal challenges to pursue their educations.

5. Buick Achievers Scholarship Program: This program offers scholarships to students interested in engineering, design, or business-related fields in the automotive industry.

In terms of standing out in the application process, it's important to remember a few things. First, deeply understand the mission and goals of the scholarship you're applying for and make sure your application aligns with these. Second, make sure your application is thorough and well-written. Good writing and thoroughness can show you're serious about the opportunity. Always have someone else proofread your application before you send it. Third, try to emphasize your distinct qualities, experiences, and accomplishments. Many scholarships value leadership, community service, and resilience, so if you excel in those areas, include those in your application.

Remember, these are competitive scholarships, it's also worth spending some time on local and smaller scholarships that might be less competitive. Every little bit helps! Best of luck in your scholarship search!