Finding Scholarships for High Schoolers

I'm a junior and starting to stress about college expenses. Are there scholarships specifically for high school students like me heading to college? I'd love some guidance or personal experiences to know where to start.

There are indeed a plethora of scholarships out there specifically meant for high school students, ranging from merit-based to need-based, and a vast array of unique ones in between. The search process can feel overwhelming initially, so I'd suggest starting by evaluating your strengths, areas of interest, and unique traits.

Merit-based scholarships often target high academic achievers. These could be local or national and are usually competitive. For instance, the National Merit Scholarship Program is a popular one based on PSAT scores.

Look for need-based scholarships if you come from a low-income family. Many foundations provide funds specifically for students with financial need. Federal and state governments also offer various financial aid programs, often dependent on the FAFSA results.

Subject-specific scholarships are targeted toward students planning to study a certain field. For example, if you're intending to study engineering, there are plenty of scholarships available from tech companies or professional engineering associations.

Community involvement scholarships reward students who've made significant contributions to their communities. For example, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is one such scholarship.

There are also unusual scholarships based on unique traits, talents, hobbies, or affiliations. For example, Duck Tape runs a Stuck at Prom Contest, where students are invited to create and wear prom attire made of Duck Tape.

Do some research on free scholarship database websites like Appily and Scholarship.com which list thousands of scholarships and can match you with ones that fit your profile. Another good source is your school's guidance/counseling office as they usually have a list of local scholarships.

Remember, the key to winning scholarships is to apply early and apply often. Even smaller scholarships can help with college expenses. Good luck!