What are typical scholarship deadlines for college applications?

I'm trying to make sure I don't miss out on any scholarship opportunities for college. Does anyone have advice on when most scholarship applications are due and how I can stay organized with deadlines?

Scholarship deadlines can vary widely, much like college application deadlines themselves. Here are some general windows you might consider:

1. Early-Academic Year Deadlines: Some scholarships have their deadlines early in the school year, typically between August and November. These scholarships are sometimes designed for students who are on top of their game. An example of this is the National Merit Scholarship Program, which bases eligibility on the PSAT, typically administered in October.

2. End of Calendar Year Deadlines: Other scholarships will have deadlines toward the end of the calendar year, ranging from November to December. These scholarships are great to apply to during your winter break.

3. Spring Semester Deadlines: Many scholarships have deadlines that fall in the spring semester, typically between January and May. This gives students even more time to apply, but it's worth keeping in mind that the later the deadline, the more competition there may be.

4. Rolling Scholarships: Some scholarships are offered on a rolling basis or have multiple application periods per year. These can be beneficial for those who missed out on other deadlines or became aware of these opportunities later in the year.

Remember, it's crucial to research each scholarship individually. Each one will have its own specific due date, and these dates may even vary from year to year.

In terms of organization, a spreadsheet can be your best friend! Create a spreadsheet including scholarship names, short descriptions or eligibility requirements, application components needed (like essays or letters of recommendation), and their respective due dates. Keeping all this information in one place will make it easier to stay on top of everything. Prioritize the application due dates to manage your time effectively.

Several tools and platforms can aid in organizing this, including CollegeVine’s Zen, Google Sheets, or Microsoft Excel. Don't forget to regularly update it and check on upcoming due dates so an opportunity doesn't slip through.