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35 Best Scholarships for High School Seniors in 2025

What’s Covered:

 

The final two years of high school are filled with classes, activities, and friends. It’s also time to think about post-graduation and college. As you look at different colleges, you need to consider how you are going to pay for your education. It’s important to think realistically about what your school will offer in financial aid and how you will pay for your share of the cost. 

 

Overview of Scholarships 

 

The difference between scholarships and loans is huge. Scholarships don’t require repayment and loans must be repaid, with interest. Sometimes, student loans are unavoidable. However, you want to ensure that you minimize the amount of student loan debt that you take on.   

 

Start your scholarship search early in your high school career. Create a calendar with deadlines for each scholarship that you will apply for. Add notes for the different requirements for each application, such as an essay, your latest transcript, or financial information. Some scholarships are available for you in your junior year and many deadlines will land in the summer before your senior year.   

 

There are scholarships based on merit and academic performance. Others are most interested in meeting financial needs. Some organizations are looking to support students who are interested in certain fields of study. Others are open to students from the same community or geographic region. Check with your high school guidance office, as they will have information on opportunities that are unique to your school or community. 

 

Your employer may also have a scholarship program. Starbucks, Burger King, and McDonald’s are just a few businesses that support their employees in this way. There’s almost certainly something for every student. 

 

Now, let’s get into some amazing scholarship opportunities.

 

35 Best Scholarships for High School Seniors

 

General Opportunities

 

1. Equitable Excellence Scholarship

 

Amount: $5,000 (plus a $500 donation to the high school of the winners)

Deadline: January 13

Eligibility: 

  • High school seniors and current undergraduates 
  • Demonstration of positive qualities, such as courage and determination, shown in community volunteer work 
  • U.S. citizen, legal resident, or current resident in the U.S., the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico 

Application Requirements: Transcript

 

The Equitable Excellence Scholarship is awarded to driven and determined students of high character, with recipients coming from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. In addition to a scholarship, recipients are also provided with development opportunities such as mentoring, networking, and skill-building programs. 

 

2. Live Más Scholarship | Taco Bell Foundation

 

Amount: Up to $25,000

Deadline: January 8

Eligibility: 

  • Ages 16-26
  • Employed in a restaurant position with Taco Bell
  • On track to apply to a post-high school or post-secondary program (both two- and four-year programs are eligible)
  • Have not previously won a Live Más Scholarship

Application Requirements: A two-minute video describing your passion  

 

The Live Más Scholarship selects winners a little differently from the traditional scholarship competitions. The Taco Bell Foundation is less concerned with academic and athletic excellence and more interested in finding passionate students who blaze their own paths, pursue their dreams, and inspire others. Students who have already been awarded a Live Más Scholarship can apply for a renewal.

 

3. Too Cool to Pay for School 

 

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: Last day of March, June, September, and December

Eligibility: Full-time high school, college, or graduate students

Application Requirements: Complete the short application form  

 

The Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship is Access Scholarships’ contribution to help four lucky students each year cover school-related expenses. The scholarship can be used to cover any education-related expenses, such as tuition, textbooks, housing, and other fees. This scholarship is super quick and easy to enter (no essay required!), making it a great opportunity to apply for each quarter. 

 

4. GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program 

 

Amount: Up to $40,000

Deadline: January 3

Eligibility: 

  • U.S. citizen
  • A high school senior
  • Demonstrated leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship within the community, school, and workplace
  • Planning on enrolling full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited four-year college or university

Application Requirements:

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA 
  • Essay 
  • Personal statement  
  • Resume

 

Sponsored by General Electric (GE) and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, this scholarship is dedicated to honoring the legacy of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. Awarded to skilled and successful students, the scholarship promotes principles important to its namesake: individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride. The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program is looking for students with demonstrated leadership, drive, and citizenship.  

 

See our blog post on the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program for more information.

 

5. VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship 

 

Amount: Up to $35,000 

Deadline: October 31 

Eligibility:  

  • 9th-12th grade students
  • Enrolled in a public, private, or parochial school, or home study program in the U.S., its territories, or its possessions

Application Requirements: Three- to five-minute audio-essay

 

The VFW works to promote patriotism while investing in future generations, particularly “democracy-loving” high schoolers. Dating back to 1947, the Voice of Democracy Competition is an audio-essay program giving students the chance to express their thoughts through a recorded essay about democratic- and patriotic-themed principles. Essays are judged on three criteria: originality, content, and delivery. Applicants can win awards ranging from $1,000 to $35,000, making this an exciting scholarship opportunity.

 

6. Doodle 4 Google Competition 

 

Amount: $30,000 for the student and a $50,000 technology grant for their school

Deadline: March 7

Eligibility: 

  • K-12 students
  • U.S. citizen or legal resident 
  • Enrolled in a U.S.-based school (including homeschool or a school in Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands)

Application Requirements: Unique doodle that includes the letters G-O-O-G-L-E 

 

The Doodle 4 Google Competition gives applicants the opportunity to create one of the doodles that grace Google’s homepage every day. The competition’s themes change yearly and the only requirement for them is that they must include the letters G-O-O-G-L-E. Applicants are encouraged to express themselves through whatever medium they desire—although if you create a 3D doodle, you’ll need to submit it in a 2D format. 

 

7. Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest 

 

  • Amount: Up to $25,000 
  • Deadline: N/A
  • Eligibility: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student (no citizenship requirements)
  • Application Requirements: Original essay between 800 and 1,600 words

 

Applicants for the Atlas Shrugged Essay contest are tasked with writing an essay about one of three provided topics on Ayn Rand’s novel, Atlas Shrugged. Judges of the contest are looking for clear, articulate writing; well-organized thoughts; and an exceptional grasp of the philosophy underlying Rand’s book. 

 

8. Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship

 

Amount: $10,000 

Deadline: March 3

Eligibility: 

  • 14 years of age or older
  • High school, college, or university student enrolled in an academic program designed to conclude with a diploma or degree
  • Legal resident of one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico
  • International students who have a student visa to attend school in the United States are considered legal residents and are also eligible

Application Requirements: Submit a design for the front of a greeting card

 

Express your artistic side for a chance to win a $10,000 award from the Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship. Submit a photo, artwork, or computer graphic for use as the front of a greeting card that will both wow judges and win votes for the chance to win this generous award. 

 

9. Tall Clubs International (TCI) Foundation Academic Scholarship  

 

Amount: A minimum of $1,000

Deadline: March 7

Eligibility: 

  • Under 21
  • Entering the first year of higher education 
  • Meet height requirement: over 6′ 2″ for men and 5′ 10″ for women (in stocking feet) 
  • Sponsorship from a TCI member club 

Application Requirements:

  • Transcript 
  • Essay between 550 and 650 words
  • Two letters of recommendation 

 

This scholarship is aimed at students with their heads in the clouds, literally. Men must stand over 6′ 2″ and women 5′ 10″ in their stocking feet to qualify for the scholarship. In addition to meeting the height requirement, applicants must demonstrate merit in fields like academics, athletics, and community service to earn this award.

 

Beware of stretching the truth about your height—TCI reserves the right to measure it.

 

10. Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship

 

Amount: $25,000 

Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student 

Application Requirements: Create a Niche account  

 

You can enter for a chance to get a $25,000 scholarship in just minutes without the need to write an essay—all you need to do is create a Niche account for your chance to win. 

 

Scholarships for Academic Merit 

 

11. Cameron Impact Scholarship

 

Amount: Full tuition 

Deadline: May 21

Eligibility: 

  • High school seniors 
  • U.S. citizen
  • Demonstrated excellence in leadership, activities, and community service or civic affairs
  • Planning on enrolling full-time at an accredited four-year college or university

Application Requirements:

  • Minimum 3.7 GPA 
  • Transcript
  • Two letters of recommendation 

 

This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in numerous pursuits—academics, extracurricular activities, and community service—with a desire to make a positive change in their communities and the world. Left intentionally broad, the scholarship welcomes students with the aspiration to make a positive impact in both the private and public sectors, and through any number of professional careers. 

 

A quarter of scholarships are allocated to students pursuing careers in education, nonprofits, government, and the military who have a goal of public service.

 

12. Coca-Cola Scholars Program 

 

Amount: $20,000 

Deadline: September 30 

Eligibility:

  • High school senior
  • U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or Humanitarian Parole as defined by the U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial 
  • Planning to pursue a post-high school education

Application Requirements:

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Complete an eligibility quiz
  • Must provide information on academic performance, leadership, and service

 

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is awarded to exceptional students with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to make a difference in the world. Coca-Cola Scholars are high achievers and demonstrate leadership, service, and a commitment to change in their school and community. 

 

13. Davidson Fellows Scholarship

 

Amount: $25,000-$100,000

Deadline: February 12

Eligibility: 

  • 18 years old or younger
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Application Requirements:

  • Created a significant piece of work
  • Nominations from two individuals who are not family members
  • Available to attend an in-person or virtual awards ceremony  

 

Davidson Fellows are gifted students who experts believe have the potential to make significant contributions to society. These students have completed a meaningful piece of work in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy, or “Outside the Box”. This can include the creative application of existing knowledge, a high-impact new idea, an innovative solution with a broad range of implications, or a remarkable performance, just to name a few examples. 

 

14. National Elks Foundation Most Valuable Student (MVS)

 

Amount: $4,000-$30,000 

Deadline: November 12

Eligibility: 

  • High school senior
  • U.S. citizen

Application Requirements:

  • Transcript
  • Essays

 

Applicants work through the ranks of local, district, and state levels to be considered for the Most Valuable Student (MVS). The Foundation selects the top 500 students from these applications for the national semi-finalist competition. The top 20 students are invited to participate in a Leadership Weekend and receive $30,000 scholarships, while the remaining 480 applicants earn a $4,000 scholarship.

 

15. Carson Scholars

 

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: N/A

Eligibility:

  • Grades 4th-11th
  • Demonstrated humanitarian qualities through community service

Application Requirements:

  • Minimum 3.75 GPA
  • Nomination

 

Over the years, more than 12,000 Carson Scholars have received a scholarship recognizing their academic excellence and commitment to their communities. In addition to a financial award, Carson Scholars also receive an Olympic-sized medal and trophy celebrating their accomplishments.

 

Opportunities for Students with Significant Financial Need

 

16. Horatio Alger Association Scholarships

 

Amount: Up to $52,000

Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: 

  • U.S citizen
  • Family gross income of $65,000 or less

Application Requirements:

  •  Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Certification Form completed by a high school counselor 

 

Horatio Alger scholarships are awarded to promising young students from low-income families. A number of targeted scholarships are endowed by members of the Horatio Alger Association at several different universities and colleges. Some are also aimed at specific fields of study.

 

17. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

 

Amount: Up to $55,000 per year

Deadline: N/A

Eligibility:

  • High school senior
  • Intend to enroll in a four-year college 
  • Cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.75
  • Demonstrated unmet financial need—applicants with a family annual gross income up to $95,000 are considered 

Application Requirements:

  • Transcript 
  • School report
  • One counselor recommendation 
  • Two academic recommendations  

 

The Cooke College Scholarship Program offers scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. JKCF Scholars join a nationwide community with ongoing personal and professional support and development opportunities. Recipients can use their scholarship funds to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees. 

 

18. Engebretson Foundation Scholarship 

 

Amount: $10,000 per semester

Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: 

  • High school senior
  • In need of financial assistance 
  • Planning to attend a four-year college

Application Requirements: 

  • Minimum 3.75 GPA and/or in the top 5% of graduating class
  • Score of 28 or higher on the ACT (or at least 1240 on the SAT)
  • Teacher recommendation 

 

The Engebretson Foundation Scholarship is aimed at high-achieving, academically talented students with financial need. One winner is chosen annually to receive a $10,000 per semester scholarship. 

 

19. Dell Scholars Program

 

Amount: $20,000, a laptop, textbook credits, and emergency funds  

Deadline: December 1

 

Eligibility:

  • Enrolled in an approved college-readiness program, like College Possible or Upward Bound
  • Planning to attend an accredited university or college
  • Demonstrated financial need 
  • Pell Grant eligible

Application Requirements: Minimum 2.4 GPA 

 

This program is for students with “grit, potential, and ambition” to strive for a college degree. Dell Scholars are also provided with wrap-around support for academic success, financial matters, and teletherapy professional counseling.

 

20. The Gates Scholarship (TGS)

 

Amount: Full cost of attendance

Deadline: September 15

Eligibility:

  • High school senior
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Plan to enroll in a four-year degree program at an accredited university or college
  • Pell Grant eligible

Application Requirements: Minimum 3.3 GPA

 

This prestigious scholarship helps high-achieving students from low-income households realize their academic goals. Scholarship winners are chosen based on their academic record, demonstrated leadership, and qualities like emotional maturity, motivation, and perseverance.

 

Opportunities for First-Generation Students 

 

21. Colgate-Palmolive Haz la U Educational Grant Program 

 

Amount: Up to $10,000

Deadline: November 3

Eligibility:

  • High school senior 
  • Hispanic heritage (includes Spain, Brazil, and the Philippines)
  • Planning to enroll in an accredited institution of higher education 

Application Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA 

 

This scholarship program is designed for Hispanic students who have maintained academic excellence throughout high school, participated in community service, and demonstrated leadership. Colgate-Palmolive offers this program in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation in support of higher education for Hispanics.

 

22. Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program 

 

Amount: N/A

Deadline: March 14

Eligibility:

  • High school senior
  • Planning to enroll in an accredited four-year higher education institution 
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • First-generation college student 
  • Planning to study: Transportation Management, Math, Science, Engineering (any field), Architecture, Environmental Design, Pre-Med, Psychology, or Spanish Language/Literature

Application Requirements:

  • Minimum 3.5 GPA
  • Teacher/advisor letter of recommendation (optional, but highly recommended) 

 

This scholarship seeks to support first-generation, underrepresented college students studying in select fields. The intent of the award is to help students who are passionate about pursuing higher education overcome barriers—like lack of resources and hardships encountered in their communities—and achieve successful futures.  

 

23. The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship

 

Amount: N/A

Deadline: March 14

Eligibility:

  • High school senior
  • Planning to enroll in an accredited college or university
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • First-generation college student

Application Requirements:

  •  Minimum 3.5 GPA
  • Minimum SAT score of 1250 (or ACT score of 25)
  • Personal statement
  • Two reference letters

 

This scholarship for potential first-generation college students is open to high school students who’ve demonstrated academic excellence and outstanding service to their communities. Scholarship recipients are chosen based on factors ranging from their qualifications to their financial need.

 

24. TELACU College Success Program

 

Amount: $500-5,000

Deadline: June 30

Eligibility:

  • First-generation college student
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Enrolled or intend to enroll in a four-year college or university

Application Requirements: Minimum 2.5 GPA

 

The TELACU College Success Program provides scholarships to first-generation college students. Priority is given to students pursuing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) majors, as well as students from California, Illinois, New York, and Texas.

 

25. NSHSS First Generation Scholarship

 

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: March 20

Eligibility:

  • High school seniors and undergraduates in their freshman, sophomore, and junior years
  • First-generation college student

Application Requirements:

  • Minimum 3.5 GPA
  • Transcript
  • Academic resume
  • Essay
  • Recommendation letter

 

This scholarship provided by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) recognizes first-generation college students for their academic records and leadership activities. Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded.

 

Opportunities for Students of Color

 

26. Ron Brown Scholarship

 

Amount: $40,000

Deadline: December 1

Eligibility:

  • High school senior
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident 
  • African American 
  • Academically excellent  
  • Community service participation 
  • Demonstrated financial need 

Application Requirements:

  • Transcript 
  • Two letters of recommendation 
  • Two essays 

 

This scholarship program provides awards for academically gifted African Americans who are active within their communities. Applicants should have demonstrated an interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship—the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures, and ethnicities. 

 

27. McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship

 

Amount: $5,000-$100,000

Deadline: N/A

Eligibility:

  • High school senior
  • U.S. resident or a DREAMer/DACA recipient
  • Under 21 years old 

Application Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.8 GPA
  • Transcript 
  • Personal statement 
  • Letter of recommendation 
  • List of community service projects
  • FAFSA 

 

This scholarship program provides 30 college-bound students of Hispanic heritage with awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Recipients are selected based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.

 

28. APIA (Asian Pacific Islander) Scholars

 

Amount: $2,500-$20,000

Deadline: N/A

Eligibility:

  • Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity, heritage, or ancestry 
  • Citizen, national, or permanent resident of the U.S
  • Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are also eligible
  • Planning to enroll or continue in an accredited undergraduate program in the U.S.

Application Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.7 GPA
  • Essay
  • Letter of recommendation 

 

This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students of Asian or Pacific Islander descent to receive valuable funds for college. APIA Scholars works to support underserved APIA students through their scholarships—a special focus is given to students who live at or below the poverty line, students who will be the first in their family to attend college, and students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education. Strong applicants will have also demonstrated leadership and community service. 

 

29. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars

 

Amount: Up to $35,000 over four years 

Deadline: January 23

Eligibility:

  • High school seniors
  • U.S. citizen 
  • Excellent academic performance 
  • Dedication to community service
  • Plan on attending a four-year, accredited college or university in the U.S.
  • Demonstrated financial need

Application Requirements: 

  • Transcript 
  • Letter of recommendation 
  • Four essays 
  • Standardized test scores
  • Household information

 

The Jackie Robinson Foundation goes beyond sponsoring scholarships—it helps to guide minority students through the process of higher education. JRF Scholars have access to many benefits, including networking and mentorship, internship and employment opportunities, an annual conference, and year-round programming. 

 

30. Partnership with Native Americans | American Indian Education Fund Scholarship  

 

Amount: Up to $2,000

Deadline: April 4

Eligibility: 

  • Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian
  • All future undergraduate students in a two- or four-year college, university, vocational, or technical school are encouraged to apply

Application Requirements: 

  • Transcript
  • Personal summary 
  • Tribal enrollment card/documentation
  • There is an essay of no more than four, double-spaced pages typed in 12-point font

 

The American Indian Education Fund believes that “education is one of the most important cornerstones of self-sufficiency and quality of life.” With that in mind, the AIEF works to end the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, literacy programs, and school supplies to Native American students. A GPA between 2.0 and 3.5 is desirable—as is an ACT score of 14 or above—however, all current or future undergraduate students are encouraged to apply.

 

Opportunities for Student-Athletes 

 

31. Sara Scholarship 

 

Amount: $2,500 per year—renewable for four years for a total of $10,000

Deadline: April 30 

Eligibility: 

  • Female high school seniors 
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Active engagement with the sport of golf as a hobby, as a member of a team, working as a caddy, or at a golf course

Application Requirements: 

  • Minimum 3.3 GPA 
  • Standard application
  • Transcript
  • Personal essay
  • Letter of recommendation 
  • Student Aid Report (SAR) 

 

Established in 2012, the Sara Scholarship was founded in memory of Sara Sheehan through the Henry & Sara Sheehan Foundation. This scholarship grants awards to high-achieving female high school seniors who demonstrate financial need, excellence of character, a passion for golf, and a plan to pursue a college degree.

 

32. Lindsey Vonn Foundation Scholarships

 

Amount: $5,000

Deadline: March 31 and October 31

Eligibility:

  • Female
  • Ages 10 to 18
  • Passion and promise in a sport
  • Demonstrated financial need

Application Requirements:

  • Letter of recommendation
  • Essay about you and your sport (students are encouraged to create submissions that will stand out)

 

The Lindsey Vonn Foundation provides scholarships, programs, and mentorship in order to support future generations by helping them pursue their passion, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals. Unlike academic scholarships, these awards are aimed at funding activities outside of the classroom—including athletics as well as enrichment activities in music, art, and creative outlets, ranging from cooking to coding.

 

 33. United States Tennis Association 

 

Amount: Up to $15,000 

Deadline: May 1

Eligibility: 

  • Involved in community service or volunteering
  • Demonstrated financial need 

Application Requirements: 

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA 
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Student Aid Report (SAR)  

 

There are several endowed scholarships available through USTA and students are encouraged to apply to all those for which they are eligible to receive. Priority is given to students who participated in National Junior Tennis and Learning organizations. 

 

34. DYB Scholarship

 

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: At one time played in a Dixie Youth Baseball franchised league

Application Requirements:

  • School report
  • SAT or ACT score

 

This generous scholarship is open to anyone who played in the DYB (Dixie Youth Baseball) league—an organization similar to Little League that’s popular in the Southeast. Scholarships may be used for tuition, room and board, or school supplies and equipment.

 

35. FMC Skaters Scholarship

 

Amount: N/A 

Deadline: May 1

Eligibility: 

  • High school senior 
  • New England resident who skated at an FMC arena

Application Requirements: 

  • Transcript 
  • Letter of recommendation 
  • Essay
  • SAT or ACT score

 

For more than three decades, FMC has provided scholarships to skaters from their arenas—whether hockey players, figure skaters, or recreational skaters. Award recipients are chosen based on their excellence both on and off the ice—factors considered range from academic performance to community service to leadership. 

 

36. (Bonus) CollegeVine Scholarships 

 

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: Quarterly

Eligibility: high school student and U.S. resident

Application Requirements: create a free CollegeVine account or fill out chancing profile if you already have an account. 

 

CollegeVine provides a quarterly, no-essay scholarship of $2,000. All you have to do is sign up for a free account, which allows you to see your chances of acceptance at 1,600+ schools, get your essays reviewed by a peer, ask questions in our community forum, and more. If you already have an account, just make sure your chancing profile is filled out.

 

Awards will be paid out directly to students to help them cover any educational costs. Learn more about the CollegeVine scholarships.

 

Tips For Applying For Scholarships

 

More work = fewer applicants

 

The more work applying for a scholarship is, the smaller the applicant pool will likely be. Scholarships involving video production, such as the Live Más Scholarship, or a well-thought-out essay, like the Dell Scholars Program, all demand a healthy amount of hard work, which keeps the competition at bay.  

 

Apply to a mix of larger and smaller awards

 

All the above scholarships are relatively well-known, so they will still be incredibly competitive even if they involve a lot of work. Don’t limit yourself to applying for huge national awards—look for local groups who may have smaller awards, but also smaller pools of candidates.

 

Research past winners

 

Scholarship committees tend to have an idea of “what they’re looking for.” To present yourself in the best light, research past winners to get a better sense of what scholarship committees want to see. Most scholarship pages will have a section dedicated to past winners, what their application was like, and where they are now. If not, you can always Google the name of the scholarship and “past winners.”

 

How to Calculate Your Odds of Acceptance

 

In addition to determining how much you’ll pay for college, you may also be wondering how you stack up at your top choice schools. To answer that question, check out CollegeVine’s free chancing engine.


This tool takes into account just about every element of your application (other than your interview, letters of recommendation, and essays, which aren’t quantifiable), including your grades, course rigor, SAT/ACT scores (if you have them), and extracurriculars, to give you personalized odds of acceptance at all of your top choice schools. You’ll also receive suggestions for how to boost your odds!

 


Short Bio
A graduate of Northeastern University with a degree in English, Tim Peck currently lives in Concord, New Hampshire, where he balances a freelance writing career with the needs of his two Australian Shepherds to play outside.