Can I apply for scholarships before applying to college?

I'm trying to get a head start on funding my education. Is it possible or even advisable to start applying for scholarships before submitting college applications? What are the pros and cons of this approach?

Absolutely, it is both possible and advisable to start applying for scholarships before submitting your college applications. Let's go over the pros and cons.

Pros:

1. Financial Planning: It gives you a better sense of how much external funding you might have for college, which can be useful for financial planning.

2. Time Management: Many scholarships have application processes as demanding as college applications. Starting early ensures you're not overwhelmed balancing both.

3. Reduced Pressure: Knowing you have some scholarship money to fall back on can reduce the pressure and stress when applying to colleges.

Cons:

1. Potential Limits: Some scholarships might be limited to students who have already been accepted into a college or university.

2. Time Investment: The time you spend on scholarship applications is time you're not spending on college applications, schoolwork, or extracurricular activities.

Overall, if you manage your time well, there are several advantages to applying for scholarships early. Before applying for a scholarship, always check its criteria to ensure you're eligible. Good luck!