WHY HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN SHOULD START APPLYING FOR COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS NOW!

As a high school freshman, you may be thinking that college is still a long way off, but in reality, this is one of the best times to start applying for scholarships . Getting a jump-start now not only gives you valuable experience in the scholarship process, but it also opens the door to numerous opportunities that are available specifically for freshmen. By applying early, you can avoid the stressful scramble for funds in your senior year and set yourself up for success as you move through high school. Here's why freshmen should get started now and how you can take advantage of the scholarships that already exist for you. We'll highlight the key reasons and provide examples from prominent high school freshmen scholarships featured on our website, Highscholarships.com.

1. Gain Early Experience and Avoid Senior Year Stress

Scholarship applications can be time-consuming and sometimes challenging, with essay prompts, recommendation letters, and, of course, strict deadlines. By starting early, you’ll get comfortable with the application process, and thus, when you’re a senior, you’ll already be a pro. Plus, you’ll have fewer applications to worry about in those critical final years of high school when you're juggling college applications, standardized tests, and your social life.

Freshman year is a great time to practice writing personal statements, developing a strong resume, and learning to meet deadlines. Many freshmen have successfully applied for scholarships and even won significant amounts of awards early on – getting started now gives you a head start on your competition.

We will present some examples throughout this page (scroll down to the "high school freshmen" button below for more on these, as well as for additional scholarships for freshmen).

2. Plenty of Opportunities for High School Freshmen

While you might think scholarships are just for seniors, there are  numerous scholarships available for high school freshmen. In fact, some scholarships have specifically targeted freshmen, giving you a unique opportunity to be one of the first to apply.

For example, the Gloria Barron Award for Young Heroes honors students who have made a significant difference in their communities or the environment. With around 20 awards annually, ranging up to $10,000, this scholarship celebrates leadership in service projects. As a freshman, you can apply if you’ve led an impactful community service project that benefits society. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is an incredible scholarship to pursue now.

Another fantastic scholarship for freshmen is the Davidson Fellows Scholarship, which is awarded to students who have completed a significant project in the fields of STEM or humanities. For instance, if you’ve worked on a groundbreaking science project or an exceptional piece of music or literature, this could be your chance to win up to $50,000 in scholarship funds. The competition is fierce, but many freshmen have been awarded this prestigious scholarship. The key is to show that your work has the potential to contribute to society in a meaningful way.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Scholarships also offers scholarships for students who have demonstrated leadership through community service. Freshmen are eligible for these awards, which range from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your level of achievement. Plus, if you’re a state or national winner, you’ll also get an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC, and a chance to donate additional funds to a charity of your choice. Since these scholarships are open to students in grades 5 through 12, starting as a freshman will give you a head start compared to waiting until your senior year.

3. Boost Your Skills and Build Your Resume

Scholarships like Optimist International Scholarships provide a great opportunity for freshmen to develop their speaking and writing skills. With a focus on optimism, these competitions allow students to either write an essay or deliver a speech on an inspiring topic. Winning amounts range from $1,000 to $22,500, and the skills you develop through the process will serve you well in the future – whether you’re applying for college scholarships, job opportunities, or internships.

Similarly, Sodexo’s Stephen Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships are available to students who have made a tangible impact on hunger relief efforts. If you’ve volunteered in the past year to help eradicate hunger, this scholarship could reward your efforts with up to $10,000 for college. Freshmen have been successful in this scholarship, and by applying early, you set yourself up to win these funds that can be used in a 529 plan for your future education.

Also, many freshmen have had success with the NSHSS Scholarships, which range from research and academic paper awards to more creative opportunities like the '18 Under 18' scholarship, where students submit a short video about their contributions to society. These applications are great for building your academic profile and can be the perfect introduction to the scholarship world.

4. Set Yourself Up for Bigger Scholarships Later

Many scholarships for freshmen, like the Visionary Scholarships by the American College Foundation, offer smaller amounts ($1,000 to $2,500). While this may not seem like much compared to the larger scholarships available later on, applying for smaller scholarships early on in high school gives you more chances to win as you build your scholarship application skills. Plus, the more scholarships you apply for early on, the more momentum you’ll have as you reach your junior and senior years – when the larger awards start to roll in.

The Doodle 4 Google contest is a great example of a scholarship that freshmen can enter, especially if you have a passion for art and creativity. By redesigning the Google logo based on a predetermined theme, you could win up to $55,000 in scholarships, plus $50,000 in technology for your school. Freshmen can enter, and even if you don’t win the first time, the experience will help you refine your skills for future creative competitions.

5. A Great Way to Build Your Academic Profile

The Carson Scholars Program is designed for high-achieving students who also excel in community service. The scholarship is perfect for freshmen who are academically strong and want to set themselves apart in the college application process. While the monetary award is relatively small ($1,000), many students have successfully applied in their freshman year, and since the competition is open to grades 9 through 11, it gives you the perfect opportunity to start early and build a strong application profile.

Also, don’t forget about the Bill of Rights Institute Scholarships, which offer a variety of awards (including 'MyImpact Challenge Scholarships', 'We the Students Essay Contest', and 'Think the Vote Scholarships') for students who have a passion for civic engagement. These are great opportunities to apply early, as many freshmen have received awards in previous years by writing short essays on topics like the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other foundational documents.

Conclusion: Apply Early and Set Yourself Up for Success

Starting your scholarship applications as a high school freshman may seem like a big step, but the rewards are worth it. You can gain valuable experience, build your resume, and access opportunities that could help fund your education tremendously in the future. By applying early, you’re not just increasing your chances of receiving scholarship funds but also positioning yourself to succeed in the years ahead.

So, if you're ready to take charge of your future, visit our scholarships page that is specifically for freshmen to explore more scholarship opportunities and begin your application process today. Whether you're interested in community service, STEM, art, or writing, there are scholarships out there waiting for you to apply. Start early, stay organized, and let your hard work pay off!

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