Scholarship Applications for Juniors?

Hey everyone, I'm currently a junior and was wondering if there are any scholarships that I could start applying for now? I want to get ahead and find ways to finance my college education. Any advice on where to look or specific scholarships that are available to juniors?

Hi! It's great that you're thinking about scholarships early in your junior year! There are several scholarships available to high school juniors, and starting now will give you ample time to research and apply for them. I'll list a few scholarships you can consider, but make sure to also do your research for other opportunities that align with your interests and qualifications.

1. The Coolidge Scholarship: This is a highly competitive, merit-based full-ride scholarship for students who excel both academically and in leadership roles. It covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years at any accredited college or university in the United States.

2. The National Merit Scholarship Program: While the scholarship is awarded during your senior year, the qualifying process begins in your junior year through the PSAT/NMSQT test. High scores on the test are crucial for becoming a finalist and, eventually, a scholarship recipient.

3. The American Legion Oratorical Contest: This scholarship opportunity revolves around a speech competition focusing on the U.S. Constitution. Awards vary, but the top prize is $20,000.

4. The QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program: This program is designed for high-achieving, low-income high school juniors. It provides the opportunity to attend academic conferences and receive other resources like college essay writing help, all to maximize your chances of being selected for the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship during your senior year.

These are just a few examples of scholarships available to juniors. You can also use scholarship search platforms like CollegeVine, Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex to find scholarships that align with your skills, interests, and background. Keep in mind that these platforms will also update their lists with new scholarships throughout the school year, so it's essential to keep checking back for new opportunities. Lastly, don't forget to consult your high school counselor or ask at local organizations or businesses for scholarship opportunities unique to your community.

Good luck on your scholarship hunt!