Most scholarship application deadlines occur during the regular academic year, usually from September to May. This gives students ample time to apply for scholarships, but it's wise to start looking for them early. Many of the most prestigious scholarships have the shortest deadlines, so those who wait until December or January may be disappointed. We have listed the application deadlines for a few of the most important scholarships for high school students.
For more information on scholarship deadlines and requirements, conduct a free college scholarship search. Most universities offer scholarships and merit aid, which is how students can get in line when universities award their own money. Federal Student Aid recommends that students begin searching for scholarships the summer after their third year of high school. If possible, they should even start earlier than that.
Each scholarship has different rules and deadlines. Some even require that they be applied for a year before starting college. It may seem like a lot of work, but it's worth it. The more scholarships you get, the less you'll have to worry about paying back loans after college.
Scholarships are financial aid awards designed to help students pay for a college degree. Sometimes, a scholarship is a one-time check, while other school scholarships are renewable and provide money to students each semester or school year. These awards differ from student loans in that they don't have to be repaid.