When should I start preparing applications for college scholarships?

I'm gearing up for my college applications and want to get ahead on scholarships. What's the best strategy for timing my scholarship applications during senior year? Any tips on managing this with college apps?

I'd recommend that you start preparing for your scholarship applications as early as possible, ideally during the summer before your senior year. This would give you enough time to thoroughly research scholarships you're eligible for and understand their requirements.

As for managing scholarship applications along with college applications, I suggest you create a timeline, mapping out all due dates for college applications and scholarship applications. This will help you space out your workload and avoid stressful cramming.

When you find a scholarship you're interested in, note its deadline and any specific requirements it has (an essay, a letter of recommendation, etc.). Then, prioritize your applications by their deadlines and by which scholarships fit your profile best.

Some scholarships might require additional essays or paperwork which could take some time, therefore, starting early is key. That being said, you'd be surprised about how much overlap there can be between different application requirements. For instance, an essay you write for a scholarship could potentially also work as a personal statement or a supplemental essay for your college applications.

Something else to keep in mind is your school work, extracurriculars, and any other commitments you have. It's important to balance these responsibilities with your college and scholarship applications.

Remember, the scholarship hunt doesn't end when you submit your college applications. Continue to apply for scholarships throughout your senior year, and even during college, as there are many scholarships available for current college students. Good luck!