Last updated on March 18, 2024

The Best Scholarships for High School Seniors with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024

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SCHOLARSHIPS FEATURED BY:
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1323 SCHOLARSHIPS
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  1. Cover image for Sallie Mae No-Essay Scholarship

    Sallie Mae No-Essay Scholarship

    By: Sallie Mae

    Apply to Sallie Mae's monthly no-essay scholarship for high school seniors in seconds for a chance to win $2,000!
    Apply to Sallie Mae's monthly no-essay scholarship for high school seniors in seconds for a chance to win $2,000!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$2,000
    Winners:1 monthly winner
    Learn More
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    Verified by Bold.org
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    1
  2. Cover image for Overcoming Adversity Cariño Scholarship

    Overcoming Adversity Cariño Scholarship

    Funded by
    Jonnathan Yepez Cariño
    This scholarship aims to support students who have demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity and fight for their success.
    Funded by
    Jonnathan Yepez Cariño
    This scholarship aims to support students who have demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity and fight for their success.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: Washington
    • Education Level: High school student
    • Ethnicity: Latinx
    Amount:$12,000
    Deadline:Jun 30, 2024
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. Cover image for Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship

    Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship

    Funded by
    Sloane Stephens
    In honor of her beloved grandparents, Doc and Glo, Sloane created the Doc & Glo Scholarship to help 20 students across the country to achieve their dreams.
    Funded by
    Sloane Stephens
    In honor of her beloved grandparents, Doc and Glo, Sloane created the Doc & Glo Scholarship to help 20 students across the country to achieve their dreams.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Must be a current high school senior or undergraduate student
    • Schooling: Either studying healthcare or attending an HBCU
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    Amount:$31,138
    Deadline:Aug 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Cover image for Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship

    Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Herich Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Ryan T. Herich by supporting students who are seeking to better understand the role of culture in shaping the world.
    Funded by
    Herich Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Ryan T. Herich by supporting students who are seeking to better understand the role of culture in shaping the world.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Political science, cultural anthropology, geography, or history
    • Education Level: High school senior or 2 or 4-year undergraduate
    Amount:$15,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 27 days left
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Cover image for Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

    Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

    Funded by
    Dr.Terence O. Hayes Sr.
    The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship will support the academic endeavors of one student who has struggled with or has been impacted by someone who struggles with mental health.
    Funded by
    Dr.Terence O. Hayes Sr.
    The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship will support the academic endeavors of one student who has struggled with or has been impacted by someone who struggles with mental health.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$5,300
    Deadline:Jun 13, 2024
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Cover image for August Engler Memorial Scholarship

    August Engler Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Friends of August Engler
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of August Engler by supporting students who have big dreams for their education.
    Funded by
    Friends of August Engler
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of August Engler by supporting students who have big dreams for their education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • State: Massachusetts
    Amount:$1,950
    Deadline:May 12, 2024
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Cover image for Trees for Tuition Scholarship Fund

    Trees for Tuition Scholarship Fund

    Funded by
    Trees for Tuition
    This scholarship aims to help make higher education financially accessible to Georgia students so they can pursue the careers of their dreams.
    Funded by
    Trees for Tuition
    This scholarship aims to help make higher education financially accessible to Georgia students so they can pursue the careers of their dreams.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate
    • State: Georgia (Atlanta preferred)
    Amount:$20,000
    Deadline:Jun 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Cover image for "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

    "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    The world will be shaped by the bold—the fighters, the risk-takers, the earnest overachievers who won’t take no for an answer. The $10,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile.
    Funded by
    Bold.org
    The world will be shaped by the bold—the fighters, the risk-takers, the earnest overachievers who won’t take no for an answer. The $10,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$25,040
    Deadline is Approaching! 13 days left
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Cover image for Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

    Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

    Funded by
    The Concrete Rose Foundation
    This scholarship's mission is to help women of color reach their potential to achieve their dreams, making a significant contribution to a more inclusive and prosperous world for all.
    Funded by
    The Concrete Rose Foundation
    This scholarship's mission is to help women of color reach their potential to achieve their dreams, making a significant contribution to a more inclusive and prosperous world for all.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Gender: Women
    • GPA: 2.0
    • Race/Ethnicity: BIPOC
    • Education Level: High school senior or Undergraduate
    Amount:$2,300
    Deadline:May 24, 2024
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Cover image for Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship

    Russell Koci Skilled Trade Scholarship

    Funded by
    Koci Family
    This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about pursuing education in the trades.
    Funded by
    Koci Family
    This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about pursuing education in the trades.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Trade school student or high school seniors interested in trade schools
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline is Approaching! 27 days left
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Cover image for God Hearted Girls Scholarship

    God Hearted Girls Scholarship

    Funded by
    God Hearted Girls
    This scholarship will support a female high school student who practices Christianity.
    Funded by
    God Hearted Girls
    This scholarship will support a female high school student who practices Christianity.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • Gender: Female
    • Religion: Christianity
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Jun 25, 2024
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Cover image for Women in Healthcare Scholarship

    Women in Healthcare Scholarship

    Funded by
    Live it Up
    This scholarship aims to support and empower female students pursuing degrees in healthcare so they can afford to complete their education and shape the future of healthcare.
    Funded by
    Live it Up
    This scholarship aims to support and empower female students pursuing degrees in healthcare so they can afford to complete their education and shape the future of healthcare.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Citizenship Status: U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
    • Gender: Female-identifying
    • Field of Study: Healthcare
    Amount:$1,020
    Deadline:May 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. Cover image for Frank and Patty Skerl Educational Scholarship for the Physically Disabled

    Frank and Patty Skerl Educational Scholarship for the Physically Disabled

    Funded by
    Skerl Family
    This scholarship seeks to support students with physical disabilities who are dedicated to pursuing higher education.
    Funded by
    Skerl Family
    This scholarship seeks to support students with physical disabilities who are dedicated to pursuing higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Background: Has a physical disability
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Apr 20, 2024
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. Cover image for Ventana Ocean Conservation Scholarship

    Ventana Ocean Conservation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ventana Surfboards & Supplies
    This scholarship will support a student passionate about protecting our oceans.
    Funded by
    Ventana Surfboards & Supplies
    This scholarship will support a student passionate about protecting our oceans.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate
    • Major: Ocean conservation, marine science, environmental science, marine biology, etc.
    Amount:$3,800
    Deadline:Jul 15, 2024
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. Cover image for Tam and Betsy Vannoy Memorial Scholarship

    Tam and Betsy Vannoy Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Nancy Totten
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memories of Tam and Betsy Vannoy by supporting students in their home state of West Virginia.
    Funded by
    Nancy Totten
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memories of Tam and Betsy Vannoy by supporting students in their home state of West Virginia.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • State: West Virginia
    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, post- secondary trade school
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:May 30, 2024
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. Cover image for Frederick J. Salone Memorial Basketball Scholarship

    Frederick J. Salone Memorial Basketball Scholarship

    Funded by
    Salone
    This scholarship aims to support exceptional student-athletes who have overcome obstacles in life to continue working towards their goals.
    Funded by
    Salone
    This scholarship aims to support exceptional student-athletes who have overcome obstacles in life to continue working towards their goals.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • Background: Plays basketball
    Amount:$700
    Deadline:Jun 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. Cover image for Lemon-Aid Scholarship

    Lemon-Aid Scholarship

    Funded by
    Christine Andruzzi
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Coleen Elizabeth Lemon by supporting students with financial need as they pursue higher education.
    Funded by
    Christine Andruzzi
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Coleen Elizabeth Lemon by supporting students with financial need as they pursue higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    Amount:$1,650
    Deadline:May 02, 2024
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. Cover image for Patriots Path Scholarship

    Patriots Path Scholarship

    Funded by
    Navy Yacht Club Long Beach
    This scholarship aims to support JROTC and ROTC participants by making college more affordable and accessible.
    Funded by
    Navy Yacht Club Long Beach
    This scholarship aims to support JROTC and ROTC participants by making college more affordable and accessible.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Involvement: ROTC or JROTC
    • GPA: 3
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline:May 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    18
  19. Cover image for Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship

    Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship

    Funded by
    Walking in Authority International Ministry
    This scholarship will support a student who is passionate about making a difference in their community.
    Funded by
    Walking in Authority International Ministry
    This scholarship will support a student who is passionate about making a difference in their community.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate
    • Experience: Volunteering
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    Amount:$550
    Deadline:Nov 08, 2024
    One Click Apply
    19
  20. Cover image for Skylar's Hope Scholarship

    Skylar's Hope Scholarship

    Funded by
    Skylar's Hope
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Skylar Holly by supporting students who share his passion for helping others and making the world safer.
    Funded by
    Skylar's Hope
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Skylar Holly by supporting students who share his passion for helping others and making the world safer.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or trade school student
    • Desired Career: First responder (firefighter, police, EMT, etc.)
    Amount:$1,525
    Deadline:Jul 21, 2024
    One Click Apply
    20
  21. Cover image for Brinley Heckermann Empowering Spirit Scholarship

    Brinley Heckermann Empowering Spirit Scholarship

    Funded by
    Heckermann
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Brinley Heckermann by supporting students who share her background in athletics.
    Funded by
    Heckermann
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Brinley Heckermann by supporting students who share her background in athletics.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • GPA: 2.5 or higher
    • Background: Cheerleader and/or stunt-athlete
    Amount:$3,400
    Deadline:May 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
    21
  22. Cover image for Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

    Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

    Funded by
    Lance Lawson
    This scholarship seeks to support high school and undergraduate students who intend to spend their careers helping other people.
    Funded by
    Lance Lawson
    This scholarship seeks to support high school and undergraduate students who intend to spend their careers helping other people.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Field of Interest: Healthcare, social work, government, education or a related field
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 27 days left
    One Click Apply
    22
  23. Cover image for Hamiltonville Farm Scholarship

    Hamiltonville Farm Scholarship

    Funded by
    Henry Hamilton
    This scholarship will support students pursuing careers in the automotive and diesel repair fields.
    Funded by
    Henry Hamilton
    This scholarship will support students pursuing careers in the automotive and diesel repair fields.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education level: High school senior or trade school
    • Field of Interest: Automotive or Diesel repair
    Amount:$5,160
    Deadline:May 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
    23
  24. Cover image for Pearlie M. Westbrooks Memorial Scholarship

    Pearlie M. Westbrooks Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Erin Branson
    This scholarship aims to reward those who have shown a commitment to their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership.
    Funded by
    Erin Branson
    This scholarship aims to reward those who have shown a commitment to their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • State: Mississippi
    • Background: Community service involvement
    Amount:$625
    Deadline is Approaching! 27 days left
    One Click Apply
    24
  25. Cover image for John Geremia Memorial Trades Scholarship

    John Geremia Memorial Trades Scholarship

    Funded by
    Siblings of John
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of John Geremia by supporting students who are pursuing careers in the trades.
    Funded by
    Siblings of John
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of John Geremia by supporting students who are pursuing careers in the trades.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or trade school student
    • Field of Study: Trades
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 27 days left
    One Click Apply
    25
  26. Cover image for “I Matter” Scholarship

    “I Matter” Scholarship

    Funded by
    The O’Neal Family
    This scholarship seeks to support minority students and students with financial need so they can afford to pursue higher education.
    Funded by
    The O’Neal Family
    This scholarship seeks to support minority students and students with financial need so they can afford to pursue higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school student
    • Background: Low-income and/or BIPOC
    Amount:$2,160
    Deadline is Approaching! 20 days left
    One Click Apply
    26
  27. Cover image for Phil Murphy Technical Theater Scholarship

    Phil Murphy Technical Theater Scholarship

    Funded by
    Duke Core
    This scholarship aims to support students who are interested in professions in theater so they can complete their studies and go on to successful careers.
    Funded by
    Duke Core
    This scholarship aims to support students who are interested in professions in theater so they can complete their studies and go on to successful careers.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or trade school student
    • Field of Study: Theater
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Aug 10, 2024
    One Click Apply
    27
  28. Cover image for Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship

    Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lee Family
    This scholarship will support one low-income student attending or planning to attend art school.
    Funded by
    Lee Family
    This scholarship will support one low-income student attending or planning to attend art school.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school junior or senior, undergraduate
    • Background: Low-income
    • Major: Arts
    Amount:$25,650
    Deadline is Approaching! 21 days left
    One Click Apply
    28
  29. Cover image for Loreen K. Odemu Memorial Nursing Scholarship

    Loreen K. Odemu Memorial Nursing Scholarship

    Funded by
    Shawn Da Silva
    This scholarship honors the life of Loreen K. Odemu by supporting the next generation of nurses.
    Funded by
    Shawn Da Silva
    This scholarship honors the life of Loreen K. Odemu by supporting the next generation of nurses.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Nursing
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Education Level: High school senior, Undergraduate or Trade school
    • State: California
    Amount:$700
    Deadline is Approaching! 22 days left
    One Click Apply
    29
  30. Cover image for Jessie Koci Future Entrepreneurs Scholarship

    Jessie Koci Future Entrepreneurs Scholarship

    Funded by
    Koci Family
    This scholarship celebrates Jessie Koci’s achievements by seeking out others cut from a similar cloth who seek to carve their own path by starting their own business.
    Funded by
    Koci Family
    This scholarship celebrates Jessie Koci’s achievements by seeking out others cut from a similar cloth who seek to carve their own path by starting their own business.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or freshman in college
    • Career Goal: Future entrepreneur
    Amount:$1,300
    Deadline is Approaching! 27 days left
    One Click Apply
    30
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Getting a college degree is a dream for many high school seniors. However, the cost of college can be a major barrier for students and their families. That's where scholarships come in - they provide financial support and make the dream of attending college a reality. High school senior scholarships reward successful students, aiding their transition to higher education with financial support and recognition.

As a scholarship platform, we understand the challenges students face when planning their higher education goals. That's why we will explore the best scholarships for high school seniors, discuss how to get scholarships in high school, and share tips for a successful application.

Make your college dreams a reality! Apply for high school senior scholarships to get a head start on scholarship applications to maximize your financial assistance.

About Scholarships for High School Seniors

For the average high school senior, the college admissions process is an exciting yet daunting experience. There are a lot of things to consider, with rising tuition costs and student loans at the top of the list.

Since 1977, college tuition rates have increased 150% for both private and public four-year universities. Back then, it cost the modern equivalent of $17,680 per year to attend a private college and $8,250 per year to attend a public college, figures that graduating high school seniors could keep up with. Today, tuition costs are a whopping $48,510 for private colleges and $21,370 for public colleges. 

Despite soaring tuition rates, going to college is still a worthy investment. In 2018, college graduates earned weekly wages that were 80% higher than those of high school graduates. However, wages cannot keep up with rapidly increasing tuition costs.

To afford the cost of attendance, 34% of college students borrow money each year. On average, a student will borrow more than $30,000 to obtain their undergraduate degree. As a result, students collectively across the country owe more than $1.7 trillion in student loan debt.

That's where scholarships come into play. Scholarships are a form of financial aid that does not require repayment from the student. Approximately 25% of college costs are funded by college scholarships, grants, and fellowships.

To get started, click on one of the scholarships listed above and submit your application today! Or sign up now and apply for your first scholarship!

Also, view our full list of scholarships for high school students.

Best Scholarships for High School Seniors

When it comes to scholarships, there are a plethora of options available for high school seniors. Here are some of the best scholarships worth considering:

Scholarships for High School Students

There are numerous scholarships specifically tailored to assist high school seniors as they prepare to transition to college. This collection provides a variety of opportunities suited to diverse interests and backgrounds aimed at supporting your educational journey.

Easy Scholarships for High School Seniors

For high school seniors looking for a simpler route to financial aid, there are plenty of easy scholarship opportunities worth exploring. These scholarships are designed with straightforward applications to make the process less daunting.

Scholarships by Major

High school seniors focusing on their future majors should explore scholarships specifically aligned with their field of study. These major-specific scholarships offer tailored support, catering to students with clear academic and career pathways in various disciplines.

The Gates Scholarship

Created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers the full cost of attendance for minority students who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and financial need. According to data, the Gates Scholarship has provided support to thousands of students.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program

Recognizing students for their leadership skills, dedication to community service, and academic achievements, this scholarship grants funding to 150 high school seniors every year. The program has been instrumental in enabling students to pursue their higher education goals.

These scholarships are just a few examples of the amazing opportunities available for high school seniors. Researching and applying for scholarships like these can significantly reduce the financial burden of college.

Why are Scholarships Important for High School Seniors?

While many universities offer some type of financial aid, and students can use the FAFSA to apply for governmental aid, college can still be difficult to afford. A shocking 65% of 2019 college graduates took out loans to pay for college. Furthermore, the cost of college has been rapidly increasing, more than doubling at public universities since the 1980s.

The increasing amount of loans that graduates are left with puts pressure on them to immediately find jobs, especially when student loans are compounded with the increase in housing costs. For current high school seniors, this means that scholarships can be critical for limiting student debt throughout college.

At Bold.org, we're here to help meet the financial need of students. You can check the scholarships by year here.

How to Find Scholarships for High School Seniors

To find scholarships for high school seniors, filter the list on Bold.org by education level in order to reduce the list to only scholarships open to high school students. Then, read through the descriptions and eligibility requirements to determine which scholarships you're interested in.

When to Start Applying for Scholarships

It's never too early or too late to start applying! It's great to begin your applications in high school in order to maximize the number of scholarships you can apply for and win, but many college students are just beginning their search, so don't worry if you're just starting! 

What to Consider When Applying for Scholarships

When applying for scholarships, keep in mind that you want to make yourself stand out from other applicants. To do so, make sure your profile is detailed and unique so donors can get a sense of your personality, interests, and goals. Additionally, do everything in your power to increase your chances of winning, such as by following the tips below.

Read the instructions carefully: Before starting to fill out any scholarship application, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Follow them precisely and provide all the required information. Highlight your achievements: Make sure to highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any volunteer or community service work you have done.

Finally, don't get discouraged if you don't win every scholarship you apply for. Many students are looking for financial aid to fund their higher education, so not winning doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

How to Apply for Scholarships for High School Seniors

Applying for scholarships may seem like a daunting task, but with proper preparation and guidance, it can be an achievable feat. Here are some steps to help you navigate the scholarship application process:

  1. Research extensively: Start by researching scholarships that align with your academic goals, extracurricular activities, and personal background. This will help you narrow down the scholarships that are the best fit for you.
  2. Meet the requirements: Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and ensure you meet all the requirements. Keep in mind that some scholarships may have specific GPA requirements, community service hours, or essays to be submitted.
  3. Gather necessary documents: Organize all the required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial aid information. Make sure to meet the deadlines and submit your application well in advance.
  4. Write a compelling essay: Many scholarship applications require an essay that showcases your achievements, aspirations, and why you deserve the scholarship. Spend time crafting a well-written and genuine essay that highlights your unique qualities.
  5. Proofread and submit: Before submitting your application, proofread everything thoroughly to ensure there are no errors or typos. Submit your application within the specified deadline and keep track of your submissions.

Following these steps will increase your chances of securing scholarships and funding your college education.

The first step in applying for Bold.org scholarships is to create an account on Bold.org. To do so, click on any of the scholarships above. Then, decide which types of scholarships you want to search for and use the filter to find good matches. Doing so will allow you to find scholarship opportunities based on your unique characteristics and interests, such as public service grants, merit scholarships, scholarships for college students, etc.

Once you find the scholarships you want to apply for, read the description to make sure you're eligible and to find scholarship instructions, such as an essay or video prompt. Once you're done with your application materials, just click apply, and you're all set!

Click here to read our complete guide on how to apply for scholarships.

Scholarship Application Tips for High School Seniors

Applying for scholarships can feel like a lottery that you have no control over. With so many students in need of scholarships, it can feel impossible to make yourself stand out from other applicants. Luckily, there are many things you can do to improve your scholarship applications. Keep reading for our tips on how to win scholarships for high school seniors.

Find Your Best-Fitting Scholarships

Bold.org has scholarships for all types of students, regardless of academic performance, level of education, extracurricular activities, etc. Finding scholarships that fit your interests and experience will not only make you a better candidate but will also make your scholarship essays more personal.

Apply for a Variety of Scholarships

During your scholarship search, you will find different types of scholarships. While you may be tempted to apply only for easy, no-essay scholarships, it's a good idea to also apply to some essay-based scholarships to increase your chances of winning one. No-essay scholarships are great options for busy students, but the high number of applicants and the lack of an essay to distinguish yourself from the competition can make it difficult to win.

Apply Early and Often to Scholarships for High School Students

Begin your scholarship search and application process as early as possible. Some scholarships have early deadlines, so it's essential to stay organized and plan ahead.

There will be a scholarship deadline in the description of every scholarship, but don't wait until the last minute to apply! Being among the first to apply for a scholarship can boost your chances of winning and ensure that you won't miss the deadline if you experience difficulties with your application. To find scholarships that just launched, you can filter the scholarship list to show scholarships in descending order from newest to oldest.

Additionally, applying for more scholarships increases your chances of winning some, so apply for as many as you can. There are hundreds of open scholarships on Bold.org, and more are added each week, so there's no shortage of scholarships to apply for.

Put Time and Effort into Your Essays

Tailor your application materials to each scholarship you apply for. Highlight your unique experiences, talents, and goals that align with the scholarship requirements. Be sure that you're putting your best foot forward with the essays you submit. Be sure to take the time to proofread so that your essay has proper spelling and grammar. Additionally, make sure you stay on topic and respond to the essay prompt.

Other essay tips include having a strong opening that grabs the attention of the reader, making the essay feel personal, and having a short conclusion at the end to sum up your essay. Many essays have low word limits, so be sure to stay on topic so you can fit all of the necessary information in your essay.

Seek Recommendations

Ask teachers, mentors, or community leaders who know you well to write recommendation letters for you. Their insights can greatly enhance your application and provide a holistic view of your abilities.

Stay Organized

Maintain a spreadsheet, a folder, or a calendar to track your scholarship applications, deadlines, and required documents. Being organized will help you submit everything on time and avoid any last-minute rush.

By following these tips, you can present yourself in the best possible light and increase your chances of receiving scholarships.

Additionally, when applying for scholarships, it's crucial to research the organizations offering the scholarships. Understanding their mission, values, and goals can help you tailor your application to align with their specific criteria. Take the time to explore their websites, read about their past scholarship recipients, and familiarize yourself with their selection process.

Additional Resources for High School Seniors

Financial Aid Offices

Contact the financial aid offices of the colleges you are applying to for information on grants, loans, and work-study programs. They can guide you through the process of applying for financial aid.

Furthermore, high school seniors can also benefit from reaching out to their school counselors for guidance on financial aid options. School counselors are well-versed in the college application process and can provide valuable insights into available scholarships and grants that cater to specific academic achievements or extracurricular involvements.

Local Organizations

Check with local community organizations, foundations, and businesses to see if they offer scholarships to high school seniors in your area. These scholarships may have less competition and can provide valuable support.

Alumni Associations

Another avenue to explore is contacting alumni associations of the colleges you are interested in attending. Alumni associations often have scholarship programs specifically designed to support incoming students from their alma mater's community. These scholarships can not only provide financial assistance but also help foster a sense of belonging and connection within the college community.

Utilizing these resources can help you navigate the college funding process and access additional financial assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for High School Seniors

What are the easiest scholarships to get?

The easiest scholarships to apply for are typically no-essay scholarships since you don't need to spend the time and energy necessary to craft a winning essay. While these simple scholarships are still great to apply for, they often have broad eligibility requirements and receive many applications.

To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, try to find scholarships with limited eligibility requirements, such as only being open to students of a certain education level or field of study, as these scholarships will have fewer eligible applicants.

What GPA do you need to get a full-ride scholarship?

Most of the scholarships available on Bold.org don't have any GPA requirements, meaning that you are eligible to apply even if you have a low GPA. For the scholarships that do require a minimum GPA, you will typically need a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA or higher to apply.

If you don't meet those GPA qualifications, don't worry! There are plenty of high-value scholarships open to students regardless of GPA, like scholarships for student-athletes, no-essay scholarships, or low-income scholarships.

Can you apply for scholarships senior year?

Many students begin their scholarship search during their senior year of high school, as it's a great time to start thinking about how you will manage your college costs. However, there is no need to wait until senior year to start applying, as there are plenty of scholarships open to high school students of any grade level.

Suppose you win a scholarship while in high school. We'll hold the money in an account for you until you enroll in college. Then, we'll send the money to your accredited college to offset your tuition. If you're already in college and just starting to apply, don't worry! It's never too late to start taking control of your finances.

You can find plenty of undergraduate scholarships on Bold.org.

What scholarships are available for high school seniors?

There is a wide variety of scholarships available for high school seniors. Some scholarships are very broad and are open to all students, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, while others are exclusively open to seniors in high school.

Additionally, there are different types of scholarships available for high school seniors. Whether you're looking for essay-based or no-essay scholarships, you can find the perfect scholarships on Bold.org.

Are scholarships available for high school juniors?

Many scholarships aim to specifically help high school seniors, but there are plenty of scholarships that are open to all high school students, including high school juniors. You can start finding scholarships open to high school juniors here.

How many scholarships can you get?

There is no limit to how many scholarships you can win on Bold.org, so apply to as many as possible to maximize your chances of winning, as well as your total scholarship funds! Many scholarships are very easy to apply for, especially no-essay scholarships, so you can apply for a large number of scholarships with little effort.

Click here for our full list of scholarships for high school students.

How will I know if I win a scholarship?

For the above scholarships, winners will be notified using the contact information that they provide on their Bold.org profile. Recipients may have to verify their eligibility, so make sure you’re always eligible for the scholarships you apply for.

What happens when I win a scholarship?

When you win a scholarship, it is important to keep in mind the approved uses of the money. The scholarships listed above will be sent directly to the financial aid office of your college to pay for tuition or room and board. For high school seniors, the money will be sent to your chosen school after you provide proof of enrollment.

However, some other scholarships are provided directly to the winner and can be used for any educational cost, such as for textbooks, while some scholarships are even allowed to be used for non-educational expenses. If you have any questions after reading the terms of the scholarship, reach out to the provider to ensure that you’re appropriately using the money.

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