How to find scholarships for college freshmen in the class of 2026?

I'm a high school junior planning to start college in 2026, and I'm curious about where to find scholarships specifically for freshmen during that year. Does anyone have tips or resources for tracking these down?

To find scholarships for college freshmen in the class of 2026, a good starting place is your high school's counseling office. Many high schools have resources and databases to help students find local scholarships, which tend to be less competitive than national scholarships.

Next, you can use reputable online scholarship databases. Appily (formerly known as Cappex) has a scholarship search tool that allows you to filter scholarships by categories like 'freshman' or '2026,' among others. Another database is Fastweb, where after you create a profile, it will match you with scholarships that fit your characteristics and interests.

You can also check with the financial aid office of the schools you're interested in. Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen, and they might have specific scholarships for the class of 2026.

Companies, non-profit organizations, and community groups also often offer scholarships. If you, or your parents, work for a company that provides scholarships for employees' children, make sure to check that out as well. Additionally, if you're involved in any community activities or organizations, see if they provide financial awards to their members.

Lastly, you should consider what makes you unique. Are you the first in your family to attend college, or do you come from a certain ethnic/racial background? Maybe you have a unique hobby or skill. Many scholarships are intended for students with special circumstances or talents, so consider these factors when searching.

Keep organized by noting deadlines, requirements, and other details in a spreadsheet or planner to make sure you don't miss out on any opportunities. Remember to be diligent and persistent—the more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances of securing funds for college.