are there any college scholarships i can apply for even though im only a sophomore in high school?
Asked by airdischcause most scholarships are for juniors and seniors to apply for, and even college students. i really want to get started right now.
Favorite Answer
Answered by bizime
It is a bit too early to actually apply, but NOT too early to start searching for scholarships tailored for you. Start a notebook or something to keep track of the scholarships/ grants you may be interested in, what are the requirements, can you get a copy of this year's application( it will probably be very similar to next year's application). Get your credentials in order... are you doing your best to get high grades? Are you preparing for your college entrance exams? Are you involved in a variety of activities so that you will look balanced to the scholarship committee? ( usually at least one school, one community activity, leadership roles look good too 4-H, Scouts, church groups, community service groups etc.) Do you have a clue about what you want to do for a career? If so, there are often scholarships for specific careers. In the summer can you get a job or internship in your career area? If you are not sure, there are programs at your high school or local community college which will help you evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, and interests to help you determine possible career areas. Also, rarely does someone get a free ride scholarship. You may want to have a some money in savings to help with the first year. I would say a minimum of $3000 for an average college, more if you are headed to a big name school. Start saving now. Also, take advantage of those college nights or college fairs, where you can get information about several colleges in a few hours... it saves gas and time. When you have narrowed your choices to say 3 to 5, see if you can make campus visits, take a tour etc. You might have a community college on one end of your choices( they are usually fairly easy to get into) and a dream college on the other end of your list. ( Don't let the price scare you off, the base amount that you are expected to pay may be the same for either end college, you just need more scholarships, grants, loans, work study programs etc, to make up the difference.) There are usually books about scholarships and programs at your local library, counselor's office etc. Check the bulletin boards outside the counselor's offices. Also, I am including a link which worked well for my family. It will take your information and help screen for the most appropriate scholarships for you. It will also keep sending you e mails about new scholarships that meet your criteria. Have you thought about references yet? many scholarships ask for one to three references from adults, not family members. Who knows you well enough to give you a good reference? Are they willing to do that? Ask them. Never put down a reference without permission. At this point you are just asking permission, they don't even have to do anything yet. Most people will say yes. Then next year, with the reference form in hand, you can remind them, " Remember when I asked if you would be willing to be a reference, well....) Where are your parents in all of this? Even if they are not rich, you will need their cooperation for tax forms, permission forms etc. Are they okay with you going to college? If not, things are harder, but not impossible. Finally, many scholarships and grants ask for an "Essay." Use the practice applications from this year to get an idea of what the sponsors want. Start working on the essays now... just think, in a year they will be polished , edited, brief and to the point. Sometimes you will be interviewed. Practice essays help you clarify your thoughts so you are less likely to go braindead during an actual interview. Get going, you will have an advantage over all those kids who wait until junior or senior year to even think about these things.
It is a bit too early to actually apply, but NOT too early to start searching for scholarships tailored for you. Start a notebook or something to keep track of the scholarships/ grants you may be interested in, what are the requirements, can you get a copy of this year's application( it will probably be very similar to next year's application). Get your credentials in order... are you doing your best to get high grades? Are you preparing for your college entrance exams? Are you involved in a variety of activities so that you will look balanced to the scholarship committee? ( usually at least one school, one community activity, leadership roles look good too 4-H, Scouts, church groups, community service groups etc.) Do you have a clue about what you want to do for a career? If so, there are often scholarships for specific careers. In the summer can you get a job or internship in your career area? If you are not sure, there are programs at your high school or local community college which will help you evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, and interests to help you determine possible career areas. Also, rarely does someone get a free ride scholarship. You may want to have a some money in savings to help with the first year. I would say a minimum of $3000 for an average college, more if you are headed to a big name school. Start saving now. Also, take advantage of those college nights or college fairs, where you can get information about several colleges in a few hours... it saves gas and time. When you have narrowed your choices to say 3 to 5, see if you can make campus visits, take a tour etc. You might have a community college on one end of your choices( they are usually fairly easy to get into) and a dream college on the other end of your list. ( Don't let the price scare you off, the base amount that you are expected to pay may be the same for either end college, you just need more scholarships, grants, loans, work study programs etc, to make up the difference.) There are usually books about scholarships and programs at your local library, counselor's office etc. Check the bulletin boards outside the counselor's offices. Also, I am including a link which worked well for my family. It will take your information and help screen for the most appropriate scholarships for you. It will also keep sending you e mails about new scholarships that meet your criteria. Have you thought about references yet? many scholarships ask for one to three references from adults, not family members. Who knows you well enough to give you a good reference? Are they willing to do that? Ask them. Never put down a reference without permission. At this point you are just asking permission, they don't even have to do anything yet. Most people will say yes. Then next year, with the reference form in hand, you can remind them, " Remember when I asked if you would be willing to be a reference, well....) Where are your parents in all of this? Even if they are not rich, you will need their cooperation for tax forms, permission forms etc. Are they okay with you going to college? If not, things are harder, but not impossible. Finally, many scholarships and grants ask for an "Essay." Use the practice applications from this year to get an idea of what the sponsors want. Start working on the essays now... just think, in a year they will be polished , edited, brief and to the point. Sometimes you will be interviewed. Practice essays help you clarify your thoughts so you are less likely to go braindead during an actual interview. Get going, you will have an advantage over all those kids who wait until junior or senior year to even think about these things.
