College scholarships for graduating high school seniors?

I'm a junior trying to plan ahead for college expenses. Are there specific scholarships I should be looking at right now as a graduating high school senior? Any advice on where to search or common ones worth applying for?

Absolutely! Planning ahead is a great approach. There are a myriad of scholarships available to high school seniors, but I'll highlight a few notable ones:

1. Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation: This scholarship awards $20,000 to 150 students. Applicants need to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and service.

2. Ron Brown Scholar Program: This scholarship program specifically targets African American high school seniors and provides $10,000 annually, renewable for up to four years ($40,000 total). It places great emphasis on community service and leadership skills.

3. The Gates Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship program provides full tuition for Pell-eligible, minority, high school seniors.

For searching, there are many online resources for scholarship hunting. Appily, Fastweb, and Scholarships.com are some of the largest databases for scholarships. You can create a profile and these platforms will match you with scholarships you qualify for.

You should also check out local scholarships in your community. Rotary clubs, local businesses, and community foundations often offer scholarships for local high school seniors.

Also, check with the college financial aid offices of the schools you are considering. They can provide more information on scholarships specific to their institutions.

Remember, when applying for scholarships, don't overlook the smaller ones. They might have fewer applicants, increasing your chance of winning. Applying to multiple scholarships also increases your chances of financial aid.

Additionally, be aware of deadlines and make sure to submit all required materials on time. While scholarship essays can sometimes feel time-consuming or tedious, they are an essential part of the process. Spend time crafting thoughtful responses, and consider having someone else review your work for feedback.

Good luck on your scholarship hunt!