Beginning the Scholarship Application Process

I'm a junior and want to start applying for scholarships soon. What are the first steps I should take, and are there any early deadlines I should be aware of? Also, any tips on what to focus on initially?

Starting to think about scholarships while still a junior is very wise! Here, in general, are some steps you can consider:

1. Assess Your Strengths and Interests: It's valuable to start with a self-evaluation. Think about what sets you apart: your skills, your hobbies, your background. Maybe you're an outstanding flutist or an amateur astronomer, or it could be that you're a first-generation college student. All these unique aspects could be avenues for scholarship opportunities.

2. Research: Seek scholarship opportunities that align with your interests and skills. You can consider websites such as Appily, Fastweb, and Foundation Center. These platforms have databases of scholarships you can explore based on your profile. Also, check if your local community, clubs, or your parents' workplaces offer scholarships.

3. Organization & Early Applications: Next, keep track of the scholarships you're eligible for along with their respective deadlines, requirements, and application procedures. The scholarships can have deadlines throughout the year, but most deadlines usually fall between January and March. Keep in mind that many scholarships have an application period way before their deadline, sometimes as much as a year. Hence, it's worth starting early.

4. Priority to Merit-based Scholarships: Initially, focus on merit-based scholarships. Merit scholarships are based on a student's abilities, like academic, artistic, or athletic skills. As you're still a junior, your grades, extracurriculars, and standardized test scores might qualify you for these scholarships. They are usually more prestigious and might come with larger awards.

5. Application Materials: Most scholarship applications will require a transcript, letters of recommendation, and an essay. Start collecting these and give your recommenders plenty of notice, as writing a good letter takes time.

6. Apply: Start submitting your applications according to their due dates.

Remember, while it is a process that requires commitment, the potential financial benefits of applying for scholarships are huge. Good luck!