Did you know that scholarships aren’t just for high school seniors or college students? That’s a common myth, but the truth is you can start applying for scholarships much earlier. By starting now, even in middle school or early high school, you’re giving yourself a big advantage.
Think of it this way—applying early means you have more time to explore opportunities, which can reduce financial stress later. The earlier you start, the more scholarships you can apply for, and the less you’ll have to worry about paying for college when the time comes.
Starting early also helps you build a strong financial foundation. Each scholarship you win can add up, even if they’re small ones. Over time, these funds can cover a big part of your college costs. Plus, applying sooner opens doors to scholarships specifically designed for younger students.
Many organizations want to support students at different stages in their educational journeys, so why not take advantage of those opportunities? By being proactive now, you’re setting yourself up for success and giving yourself more options for the future.
How Early Can You Apply for Scholarships
You might be surprised to learn that some scholarship opportunities are available for students as young as five years old! Yes, really. There are scholarships designed for elementary school students, aiming to encourage early interest in education and future goals. While it may feel strange to think about scholarships at such a young age, starting early can make a big difference over time.
One great thing about many scholarships is their flexibility. You don’t need to know which college you’ll attend—or even if you’ll attend college yet! Most scholarships focus on your activities, interests, or achievements rather than your specific plans. This makes it easy for younger students to apply without worrying about details like which college they will be going to.
Another important point is that applying for scholarships isn’t a one-time thing. You can keep applying all throughout middle school, high school, and even college! The earlier you start, the more you can build up over the years. The key is to be persistent and treat scholarship applications like an ongoing process. By starting early and staying consistent, you’ll make paying for college easier without having to rely on loans.
Where to Save Scholarship Winnings
Once you’ve earned scholarship money, it’s just as important to know where to keep it as it is to win it. Saving your scholarship funds wisely helps ensure they’re ready when you need them for school.
529 College Savings Plans are the best place to save your money. These are special accounts designed specifically for education expenses. A big advantage of these accounts is that they’re tax-advantaged, meaning your money can grow without being taxed. Plus, when you use the funds for qualified education costs like tuition or books, you won’t pay taxes on the withdrawals either.
To keep things organized, work with your parents or guardians to track your scholarship winnings and choose the best place to save. It’s a good idea to write down account details and keep a list of how much you’ve saved so you know exactly where your money is and how it’s being used. Staying organized now will make paying for college much easier later.
Scholarships for Children Age 13 & Older
- Doodle for Google Scholarship: Encourages creativity through artwork; winners receive education savings funds.
- The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes: Recognizes young leaders making a positive impact in their communities.
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (younger categories): Rewards artistic and literary talents in students from grades 7 and above.
Scholarships for School Aged Children
- Davidson Fellows Scholarship: Awards students with exceptional talent in science, math, technology, literature, or music.
- Young Naturalist Awards: A scholarship for students passionate about science and conservation.
- Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Recognizes outstanding volunteerism.
- Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award: For talented young musicians.
- Ocean Awareness Contest: Honors students expressing their environmental awareness through art or writing.
Tips for Finding Scholarships Early
Applying for scholarships early can give you a huge advantage in covering college costs without borrowing money. Here are some tips to help you get started and stay ahead of the competition:
Expect this Effort to be Tedious and Time Consuming
Winning scholarships is not easy. You need to apply to a lot of them in the hopes that only a fraction will win. Expect to be in for the long haul. Set aside time each week to apply to a few, if not more. Be consistent each week and don’t give up. Winners are those who persevere.
Use Online Scholarship Search Platforms
Scholarship search engines are excellent tools for finding scholarships. These platforms allow you to create a profile, filter options that match your interests and skills, and discover opportunities you might not otherwise know about.
Check Out Local Organizations
Don’t overlook scholarships offered by community groups, businesses, or cultural associations in your area. Local scholarships often have fewer applicants, which increases your chances of winning. Start by asking around at local banks, rotary clubs, or even family businesses.
Ask Your School Counselor
Your school counselor is an amazing resource. They often have lists of scholarships tailored to students in your grade or area. Plus, they might be aware of unique opportunities for clubs, sports, or honors students that you qualify for.
Stay Organized with a Calendar
Keep track of all scholarship deadlines and requirements with a calendar or spreadsheet. Write down when applications open, what you need to submit, and when everything is due. Staying on top of deadlines will make the whole process less overwhelming.
Submit Quality Applications
It’s better to focus on sending a few strong applications rather than rushing through a lot of them. Take your time to write thoughtful essays and proofread each submission. And remember, even small scholarships add up, so don’t overlook those $500 or $1,000 awards!
Don’t Stop Searching Until You Graduate
Scholarships are not just for college freshman. There are scholarships for students at every stage and even graduate students, you just need to look for them. Until you are sure you have enough money to fully pay for college, keep looking, applying and (hopefully) winning until the very end.
Starting early not only gives you more time to apply, but it also helps you feel more confident along the way. With persistence and organization, you’ll be well on your way to funding your education without needing a loan.