4 answers
Grace
Student
Athens, Pennsylvania
1
Question
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When is the best time to start looking into scholarships?
As a high schooler, what grade would you suggest to start looking into scholarships for college
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1594
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Grace, one of the biggest misconceptions about college scholarships is that only high school seniors can apply for them. Not true! As a matter of fact, you can begin applying for scholarships in your freshman year of high school all the way up until your senior year of college. Of course, there will be some scholarships that you don’t qualify for based on your grade level. That’s why reading the specific requirements for each scholarship is super important. After all, you don’t want to waste your precious time on a scholarship that you don’t stand a chance of winning. Although scholarships are offered year-round, the vast majority of scholarship application deadlines occur from September through May.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER– Now is a good time to start researching scholarships because you don’t have schoolwork to juggle on top of scholarship hunting. Take advantage by creating a list of potential scholarships that you qualify for and making note of their specific deadlines and requirements. Late summer is also the time when many big ticket scholarships open their applications.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY– At this point, you’re probably getting sick of applying for scholarships. Keep it up, consider using your winter break to research and complete more scholarships to maximize your opportunities.
FEBRUARY/MARCH/APRIL/MAY – Around this time, you should be starting to hear back from schools about scholarship offers. It’s exciting! Hopefully, the fruits of your labor have paid off. At the end of spring, you’ll see a decline in scholarship opportunities. Continue applying for as many as you can, particularly local scholarships. Also, keep in mind that May 1 is the deadline for most scholarship opportunities.
Remember Grace, it's a numbers game, You can never apply for too many scholarships. If you start early and apply often, you can maximize your chances of winning more scholarships.
Hope you find this helpful Grace
The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology rewards promising high school students for their original research projects by offering scholarship opportunities and national recognition. Any high school student may apply, individually or as part of a team. Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $100,000 as students advance in the competition. Applications are due September 30th each year.
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, awards scholarships to minority students who are eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants and have achieved academic excellence in high school. The scholarship helps students cover the portion of their college costs not funded by other grant and scholarship awards. Scholarship applicants must be nominated by an educator familiar with their academic backgrounds. Applications are due January 15th.
The Dell Scholars Program, sponsored by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, carries an award of $20,000 to help students complete their college education. High school seniors who have financial need and plan to enroll immediately in bachelor’s degree programs can qualify by enrolling in approved college readiness programs as high school students and completing a Dell Scholars scholarship application online. Applications are available on November 1st and the deadline is January 15th.
Coca-Cola Scholars. High school seniors carrying a minimum GPA of 3.0 can apply for four-year achievement-based scholarships offered by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Each year, 250 four-year scholarships of $10,000 and $20,000 are awarded through this program. The application deadline is October 31st.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER– Now is a good time to start researching scholarships because you don’t have schoolwork to juggle on top of scholarship hunting. Take advantage by creating a list of potential scholarships that you qualify for and making note of their specific deadlines and requirements. Late summer is also the time when many big ticket scholarships open their applications.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER/JANUARY– At this point, you’re probably getting sick of applying for scholarships. Keep it up, consider using your winter break to research and complete more scholarships to maximize your opportunities.
FEBRUARY/MARCH/APRIL/MAY – Around this time, you should be starting to hear back from schools about scholarship offers. It’s exciting! Hopefully, the fruits of your labor have paid off. At the end of spring, you’ll see a decline in scholarship opportunities. Continue applying for as many as you can, particularly local scholarships. Also, keep in mind that May 1 is the deadline for most scholarship opportunities.
Remember Grace, it's a numbers game, You can never apply for too many scholarships. If you start early and apply often, you can maximize your chances of winning more scholarships.
Hope you find this helpful Grace
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would start the autumn of your senior year.
Most scholarships are due either winter or spring quarter before the start of the following academic year.
Check with the college foundation of the institution that you want to attend. There could be a variety of scholarships, that you may qualify for.
Most scholarships are due either winter or spring quarter before the start of the following academic year.
Check with the college foundation of the institution that you want to attend. There could be a variety of scholarships, that you may qualify for.
Thank you, Paul!
Grace
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Grace,
The earlier you start, the better your chances of success are. Firstly, you should decide your college major and the program you will definitely apply for. Then try to find relevant scholarships which can cover your tuition fees and sometimes even other expenses. Check their application requirements and deadlines, and get prepared to meet those criterion.
Wish you all the best and good luck with your college applications.
The earlier you start, the better your chances of success are. Firstly, you should decide your college major and the program you will definitely apply for. Then try to find relevant scholarships which can cover your tuition fees and sometimes even other expenses. Check their application requirements and deadlines, and get prepared to meet those criterion.
Wish you all the best and good luck with your college applications.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
344
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Grace:
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career paths!
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career paths!