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When is the best time to start applying for scholarships?
I just don't know how far in advance I should start to apply for scholarships
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3 answers
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Adrian’s Answer
I would say gather as much information on the scholarship to find out the due dates. Next, find out the requirements that are needed to apply. Depending on your schedule, block out time and gauge how long you think it will take to complete requirements and stick with it. If it's a first come bases, use your resources to get it in as quickly possible.
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Jamie’s Answer
It's never too early to start applying for scholarships. Many national scholarships are open to students as early as 9th grade, and some even for those in fifth grade. These are usually offered by well-known organizations that will hold your award until you enroll in college, then pay the funds directly to the school.
While there are more scholarships available for high school seniors, remember all the other things you'll need to manage during your senior year. These may include graduation requirements, community service, FAFSA, essays, letters of recommendation, college applications or apprenticeships, college visits, job shadowing, extracurricular activities, and planning committees for events like dances and fundraisers. If you already have some scholarships or grants lined up, it can greatly reduce your stress during this busy time.
The same applies to undergraduate or independent college grants. These are often applied for and awarded after your first college quarter, once your grades and commitment can be assessed. Having scholarship funding for even your first quarter can significantly ease your transition to college life. Good luck!
Find a national scholarship database. Keep in mind the better databases will always be free of charge to you. You should never pay a website to attain scholarship information.
Fastweb.com or Bigfutures.org are good, free starter sites.
While there are more scholarships available for high school seniors, remember all the other things you'll need to manage during your senior year. These may include graduation requirements, community service, FAFSA, essays, letters of recommendation, college applications or apprenticeships, college visits, job shadowing, extracurricular activities, and planning committees for events like dances and fundraisers. If you already have some scholarships or grants lined up, it can greatly reduce your stress during this busy time.
The same applies to undergraduate or independent college grants. These are often applied for and awarded after your first college quarter, once your grades and commitment can be assessed. Having scholarship funding for even your first quarter can significantly ease your transition to college life. Good luck!
Jamie recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Start in 9th grade. Most high schools offer college courses while still in high school. Take advantage of this. If scholarship folks see that you're serious about going to college and if your grades are great, you'll have a better chance for receiving a scholarship.