Scholarships for Students Entering College?

Hey, I'm a high school junior and starting to think about college applications. I'm curious about different scholarships available for new college freshmen. What types are out there, and how can I prepare now to qualify for them?

Certainly, it's never too early to look into scholarships. There are a range of scholarship types out there, and they fall largely into two categories: merit-based and need-based scholarships.

Merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, leadership, or sometimes, for talents and interests in areas like sports or the arts. To qualify, you basically need to excel in the area the scholarship focuses on. Some scholarships require a specific GPA, class rank, or standardized test scores. Review the criteria to ensure you fit the profile and if you're a little below, work hard to bring up those grades or test scores.

Need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. You apply for these by filling out financial aid forms, like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which replaced the EFC with the SAI (Student Aid Index) in the calculation of your financial aid eligibility. Other colleges may require the CSS profile, which provides a more detailed look into your family's finances.

You can also search for scholarships based on your demographic characteristics – some scholarships are awarded to students from certain cultural backgrounds, women in STEM fields, first-generation college students, etc.

Then there are scholarships based on your intended major or career field, like scholarships for future teachers or engineers, for instance.

But here's the largest category you might be interested in: local scholarships. These scholarships are often less competitive because they are only open to residents of a certain city or state, or to students attending a specific high school. Contact your guidance counselor or visit your high school's website for information on local scholarships.

Start your scholarship search early, make sure to keep track of deadlines, and stay organized. Some scholarships will require essays, recommendations, or interviews, so be ready to not only search and apply, but also to spend some time creating your application.

Remember, every dollar you get in scholarships is a dollar less you or your family has to pay. So, put in the effort now and it can really pay off! Good luck!