Scholarships for freshmen entering college?

I'm entering college as a freshman soon and am looking to apply for scholarships to ease the cost. What are some good scholarships for incoming college freshmen that are worth applying for? Any tips on requirements or application strategies?

There are many scholarships applicable to incoming college freshmen. Here are a few notable ones:

1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: This scholarship is highly competitive, offering $20,000 to 150 deserving students each year. It focuses on leadership, service, and action that positively affects others.

2. Horatio Alger Scholarship: This one is for students who've faced significant challenges. It awards up to $25,000 to students who've demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.

3. Dell Scholars Program: This program awards $20,000 to eligible students, along with a laptop and textbook credits. It's interested in students with potential, and looks at more than just GPA.

4. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program: This program offers up to $40,000 per year for students with exceptional academic ability and achievement.

As for application strategies, it's important to start early. Many scholarships have deadlines in the fall or winter, months before the college application process is finalized. Be sure to meet all application requirements and follow instructions carefully—many applications are discarded simply due to incompleteness or missed directions.

Personalize your applications as much as possible. Judges read thousands of applications, so make sure to share your unique story and standpoint, which can help you to stand out. Lastly, apply for as many scholarships as you meet the criteria for. It's a numbers game, so the more you apply to, the better your chances of receiving an award.

Remember, scholarship deadlines can sneak up on you, so make sure to set reminders for yourself and start your application well in advance of the deadline. Start working on your essays early as well, and seek out a teacher or mentor who can help you review your application before you submit it. Good luck!