Scholarships for Studying in the USA?

I'm a high school junior interested in studying in the USA. Are there specific scholarships available for international students like me? How competitive are these scholarships, and what's the best way to increase my chances of getting one?

Yes, there are specific scholarships available for international students looking to study in the USA. Some scholarships are sponsored by colleges, whereas others are offered by organizations independent of universities.

1) Individual colleges may provide scholarships specifically for international students, often based on academic merit or financial need. Each school has its own process for awarding these scholarships, and the competitiveness can vary widely. Most of these do not require a separate application. When you apply to the college, they automatically consider you for these scholarships. For instance, Emory University offers the Emory University Scholar Programs to both domestic and international students, it's a merit-based full scholarship.

2) Some organizations, such as the Rotary Club, offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships can be competitive because they are open to students from many different countries.

3) Appily also contains a scholarship search engine that you can use to search for scholarships that you qualify for. This can be a helpful tool for finding opportunities from a variety of sources.

4) If you're considering a specific field of study, such as engineering or arts, there are often scholarships related to those areas of study.

To increase your chances of securing a scholarship:

- Maintain a strong academic record, as many scholarships are based on academic performance.

- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Leadership in clubs, athletics, and community service can demonstrate your commitment and dedication.

- Start your search early. Scholarships have deadlines, and you'll want to make sure you have enough time to put together a strong application.

Don’t forget to check out the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship, as some might require things like a specific GPA, a certain number of community service hours, or a demonstration of financial need. Good luck with your scholarship search.