This guide helps high school students find scholarships, understand eligibility, and apply with confidence.
Where to look
- School counselor and local community foundations
- State/provincial education portals
- Major scholarship databases
- Company-sponsored scholarships (retail, tech, banks)
What you’ll usually need
- Basic info (grade, GPA range, location)
- Activities and leadership
- A short personal statement (sometimes optional)
- Recommendation letter (for larger awards)
Quick tips to improve odds
- Apply to smaller, local scholarships first
- Reuse a master activities list and resume
- Track deadlines in a calendar
- Submit early and keep PDFs of everything
FAQ
Q: Can freshmen apply? A: Yes—many scholarships accept grades 9–12, but eligibility varies.
Q: Are scholarships taxable? A: It depends on your country and how funds are used—check local rules.