General scholarships for high school seniors: How to find them?

Hey folks, I'm a high school senior looking for scholarships to apply to. I know a lot of them are school/program-specific, but are there any broader scholarships that I might qualify for? Where should I start my search? Thanks for any help you can offer!

Hello! I'm glad you're looking for scholarships to assist with your college expenses. There are plenty of general scholarships open to high school seniors, and several places to begin your search.

First, utilize the free scholarship search platforms available online. Common platforms include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex. When you sign up, you can create a profile with your information, and these platforms will match you with scholarships that best align with your situation and interests.

Next, consider inquiring within your high school. Speak with your guidance counselor to see if they know of any local scholarships for high school students in your community. Many local businesses, organizations, and charitable groups offer scholarships with a smaller applicant pool, which increases your chances of success.

Furthermore, explore the websites of any national organizations that you or your family members may be affiliated with. For example, religious groups, clubs, foundations, or companies your parents work for may offer scholarships for high school seniors. These organizations are interested in supporting the academic pursuits of their members or employees' children.

Lastly, don't forget to research scholarships at the colleges and universities you're interested in attending. Some schools automatically consider applicants for merit scholarships based on the information provided in the general application, while other scholarships may require separate applications or essays. You can often find this information on the school's financial aid or scholarship webpage.

To improve your chances, tailor your applications to each scholarship, highlighting why you're the best candidate for that specific opportunity. Apply to numerous scholarships, as funding is often very competitive. The effort you put in now can pay off in reducing your college expenses. Good luck!