Best strategies to earn scholarships for college?

I'm in my junior year and getting serious about earning scholarships for college. What strategies or tips do you have that could increase my chances of winning scholarships?

Here are some strategies to improve your chances of earning scholarships:

Initial Research: Start by searching for scholarships as early as possible—as a high school junior is an excellent time. Explore a variety of sources like your high school's counseling office, online databases—like Appily, or organizations in your local community. Some colleges also offer merit-based scholarships, so make detailed notes about the scholarships offered directly by the colleges on your list.

Focus on Fit: The more a scholarship aligns with your specific skills, interests, and goals, the better your chance of winning it. If a scholarship requires a demonstrated interest or achievement in a particular area, and you have substantial experience or passion for it, that scholarship is a good fit.

Application Quality: Each application should be carefully completed, with attention to all details in the instructions. Tailor your application to the specific objectives of the scholarship. Avoid submitting generic applications.

Personalize Essays: Write a compelling and personalized essay for the scholarships requiring one. Ensure it directly addresses the essay prompt and underscores why you are a strong candidate for that specific scholarship. Rather than simply stating your achievements, weave a narrative that connects your personal background, experiences, and future goals.

Recommendation Letters: If the scholarship requires letters of recommendation, select recommenders who know you well and can speak to your qualifications for the scholarship. Provide them with information about the scholarship and why you're applying, so they can tailor their letters to support your application.

Application Organization: Keep track of all your applications, deadlines, and requirements, such as essays and recommendation letters, to ensure you submit completed applications on time. Many scholarships have deadlines well before college application season, so create a calendar to manage this.

Prepare for Interviews: If a scholarship application process includes an interview, prepare for it as thoroughly as you would a college interview. Understand the objectives of the scholarship, reflect on how you align with these objectives, and be prepared to discuss this in the interview.

Lastly, take care of your grades as some scholarships have GPA or specific academic criteria. Remember, every bit of funding helps. While it's great to win large scholarships, don't overlook smaller, local ones as these can add up and reduce your college expenses too.