High school seniors planning to attend college will have a long to-do list when it comes to submitting college applications and pursuing financial aid. To cut down on college expenses, applying for scholarships should be a top priority.
Luckily, there are many scholarships for high school seniors that can help you pay for school. Here’s a closer look at your scholarship options, including where to find scholarship opportunities and tips on how to apply.
Key Points
• Scholarships are available from schools, nonprofits, corporations, and government programs, offering multiple funding options to high school seniors.
• Scholarships may require specific grades, extracurricular involvement, or community service, allowing students with diverse achievements to qualify.
• Many scholarships for high school seniors have deadlines in the fall or spring of senior year; apply as early as possible.
• Tips for applying for scholarships include putting time into answering essay questions, getting solid letters of recommendation, keeping track of deadlines, and applying to as many scholarships as possible.
• Scholarships help lessen the financial burden of college by reducing the need for loans, making education more affordable.
Eligibility Requirements
Scholarships are awarded for a wide variety of reasons, with some common criteria that could include:
Minimum GPA
• Community service or volunteer work
• Athletic achievement
• Financial need
• Record of leadership
• Unique interest, talent, or hobby
• Identity factor, such as gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation
• Residency or geographic requirements
Depending on the scholarship, you may have to answer essay questions and submit letters of recommendation. Some scholarship organizations also ask that you complete the FAFSA, which is a free federal form that determines your financial need for college. The FAFSA can connect you not only to scholarships but also to grants for college and federal student loans.
Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
How to Find High School Senior Scholarships
There are a variety of resources that can connect you with high school senior scholarships, such as:
• Scholarship search engines: Use scholarship search engines from College Board, Sallie Mae, Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and SoFi’s scholarship search tool for high school seniors. You can use filters like GPA, scholarship type, and field of study to narrow down your options.
• Your school counselor: Ask your school counselor about scholarship awards. They may be able to connect you with local opportunities you wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
• Financial aid administrator: You can also contact the financial aid office at the colleges you’re applying to for information on grants and scholarships.
• Local organizations: Groups like the Rotary Club and other associations may offer scholarships to local high school seniors.
• Private companies: Various private companies offer scholarship awards, as well. If your parents work in the private sector, find out if their company has any scholarships for the children of employees.
• Internet search: A simple online search can also help you find a myriad of scholarship options, especially if you’re looking for something in particular.
Scholarships for High School Seniors
There are many different scholarships for high school seniors, including:
1. Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective scholarship for African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian and Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American high school seniors who come from a low-income household. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.3, proven leadership ability, and personal skills such as emotional maturity, motivation, and perseverance. Winners of this scholarship will have their full cost of attendance covered (after other financial aid is applied).
2. Sallie Mae No Essay Scholarship
Sallie Mae’s No Essay Scholarship offers $2,000 and is open to both students and parents. It doesn’t take much to apply — simply fill out a quick form to enter the sweepstakes. This award is open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories who are 17 or older.
3. Scholarships360 No Essay Scholarship
Scholarships360 is a scholarship search engine that can match you with personalized scholarship recommendations. Creating your Scholarships360 account will also automatically enter you for consideration into the company’s $10,000 scholarship. It prefers students who actively apply to scholarships using its platform. Finalists will also be interviewed before a final decision is made.
4. Niche No Essay Scholarship
Niche is another scholarship search engine that offers a scholarship award via sweepstakes. You can enter by creating an account and submitting your application on the Niche website — no essay required. A randomly selected winner will win a $50,000 scholarship for college.
5. Stuck at Prom Scholarship
Offered by Duck Brand, the Stuck at Prom scholarship offers two grand prizes of $15,000 and many runner-up prizes of $1,000 to students who make their prom outfit out of Duck Brand Duct Tape or Crafting Tape. You can apply by uploading a high resolution picture of your original prom-wear to the contest website.
Recommended: Enter SoFi’s Scholarship Sweepstakes for a Chance at $2,500
Types of Scholarships Available for High School Seniors
You might think you need a 4.0 GPA to qualify for a college scholarship, but that’s far from the case. Some scholarships are reserved for students with financial need, whereas others go to students who have demonstrated achievement in academics, athletics, volunteer work, or another area.
Here’s a closer look at the types of scholarships available for high school seniors.
Need-Based Scholarships
Many scholarships take financial need into account when evaluating applications. You’ll often need to submit the FAFSA so the scholarship committee can make this determination. The FAFSA can also put you in the running for other need-based financial aid, such as grants, work-study, and student loans.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit scholarships are based on a particular area of achievement, whether academic, athletic, extracurricular, or something else. Some scholarship communities look for students with leadership potential, whereas others prefer a history of volunteer work or a unique talent or hobby.
Tips for Applying for Scholarships
With all the competition for scholarship awards, it’s crucial to put together a strong application. Here are some tips for standing out from the pack:
• Put time and effort into your essays: Not all scholarships require essays, but for the ones that do, make sure to write thoughtful responses that highlight your strengths and goals for the future. Through your essays, a scholarship committee can get to know your unique voice and story.
• Gather glowing letters of recommendation: Reference letters can go a long way toward personalizing your application. Ask a teacher, coach, or other trusted adult who knows you well. You might also provide them with a “brag sheet” that highlights your accomplishments so they can include colorful anecdotes and examples.
• Read over all the application requirements: Check out the fine print to ensure you’re meeting all the criteria and have provided everything the scholarship committee needs to make a decision on your application.
• Cast a wide net: Apply to as many scholarships as you can to maximize your chances of winning money for college.
• Keep track of deadlines: Use a calendar, planner, or other system to track deadlines and ensure you meet them. There are many moving parts when it comes to applying to colleges and scholarships, so come up with an organization system that will help you stay on track.
Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist
The Takeaway
Scholarships can help reduce college costs and bring an otherwise unaffordable school within reach. There are many scholarships for high school seniors, but your efforts don’t have to end after high school. You can keep applying for scholarships throughout college to maximize the gift aid you receive. All this applying is well worth the effort, as scholarship awards can bring down the amount you have to borrow in student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
How early should I start applying for scholarships?
The summer between junior and senior year is a good time to start applying for scholarships. You can also continue to apply throughout senior year and after you’re enrolled in college.
Do scholarships for high school seniors require essays?
Some scholarships for high school seniors require essays, whereas others do not. Each scholarship has its own unique requirements, so read over the application instructions carefully.
Can I apply for scholarships before finalizing my college choice?
Yes, you can apply for scholarships before finalizing your college choice. In fact, you may spend several months applying for scholarships before you hear back from colleges about admissions decisions.
SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
photocredits: iStock/Kar-Tr
SOISL-Q324-102