College scholarships available for entering freshmen?

I'm a rising senior and trying to get ahead on applying for scholarships. I wanted to know about specific scholarships available for students entering college right after high school. Any recommendations or resources would be appreciated!

There is a whole world of scholarships out there, some university-based and others externally provided. Let's talk about these a little more:

For university-based scholarships, most colleges offer merit-based scholarships and need-based grants, some of which you are automatically eligible for when you apply. For example, Vanderbilt University offers three signature merit-based scholarships to prospective freshmen: the Ingram Scholars Program, the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholars Program, and the Chancellor's Scholars Program.

In terms of outside scholarships, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program offers scholarships to outstanding students nationwide. They award 150 students each year with a $20,000 scholarship. Similarly, the Rotary Club and Lions Club often sponsor local scholarships.

Another example is the Dell Scholars Program, which is aimed at low-income, highly motivated students who are better than their numbers indicate and demonstrate a desire and ability to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. They offer a $20,000 scholarship, a laptop, and textbook credits.

The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective program that provides scholarships for outstanding minority high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, 300 scholarships are awarded, which cover the full cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution.

The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition offers 500 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,500. It's open to high school seniors who are US citizens, based on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.

Finally, be sure to check out Appily's search feature, which allows you to filter scholarships by your specific circumstances and qualifications, including your intended major, your extracurricular activities, and more.

Remember, the most reliable scholarships are those granted by colleges themselves and well-established external programs. Be cautious when searching for scholarships and avoid scams that ask for a lot of personal information or require you to pay to apply. Good luck!