What are the best scholarships for college when it comes to money?

I'm a junior hoping to secure some substantial scholarships for college. Can anyone recommend resources or deadlines for the best scholarships that offer generous financial awards? Any personal experiences would be great too.

There are plenty of scholarships out there that offer significant awards, so it's great to see you being proactive in your pursuit! Here are a few you may want to consider, subject to your eligibility:

1. Coca-Cola Scholars Program: A well-known scholarship, it awards 150 students with $20,000 each year. They highly consider students who show excellent leadership, service, and action in impacting their school or community. The application window usually opens in August and ends in October.

2. Burger King Scholars Program: Open to high school seniors, it offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $60,000. It primarily focuses on GPA, work experience, extracurricular activities and community service. The deadline is typically in mid-December.

3. Dell Scholars Program: This program awards 300 scholarships of $20,000 each. It particularly focuses on students who are Pell-eligible and demonstrate grit, potential and ambition. The application generally opens in November and is due in mid-December.

4. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s College Scholarship Program: This is one of the largest scholarships out there, offering up to $40,000 annually. It requires that you excel academically and demonstrate significant financial need. The deadline is typically around November.

Apart from these national scholarships, you should also take a look at local scholarships. They are often less competitive, so you may stand a chance at receiving an award. Many schools, local businesses, and community organizations provide these scholarships, and a chat with your high school counselor can help you in identifying these opportunities.

Lastly, remember to explore the possibilities on scholarship platforms (like Appily) and databases. They can offer many scholarship options that you may not be aware of and are tailored to your interests and qualifications. Be sure to start early and keep organized with deadlines and requirements. Good luck!