How do high school students get college scholarships?

I'm a junior in high school and I'm trying to figure out how to get college scholarships. Are there specific things I should be doing now to increase my chances? Any tips or resources would be greatly appreciated!

Sure, there are several ways you can position yourself to be competitive for scholarships. First and foremost, focusing on your academics is important - strong grades and SAT/ACT scores can put you in the running for merit-based scholarships. Remember, many universities are now test-optional, but having a good score can still enhance your scholarship prospects.

In addition, colleges often grant scholarships to students with impressive extracurricular involvement. These could be Tier 1 or 2 activities demonstrating leadership, or Tier 3 or 4 activities showing commitment and passion. If you start now, you can deepen your involvement in existing activities or take on leadership roles, which can further boost your chances.

When it comes to searching for scholarships, you'll want to start with your school's counseling office, as they often have information on local scholarships. Websites like Appily can also be useful for finding scholarships that suit your profile.

Just as important as finding these opportunities is actually applying to them. This may involve writing essays or obtaining letters of recommendation, among other things. Pay close attention to eligibility requirements and deadlines to ensure you don't miss out on opportunities.

Remember, scholarship applications are often quite competitive, so applying to a significant number may increase your chances of success. And don't overlook smaller, lesser-known scholarships – they may have fewer applicants and could add up to a substantial amount! Good luck!