When to Apply for Scholarships + A List of 69 Places to Start

It pays to go to college. One estimate found that the value of a bachelor’s degree over the average person’s lifetime is $2.8 million. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), men who have bachelor’s degrees are expected to earn up to $900,000 more (median lifetime wages) compared to men with high school diplomas, and for women with bachelor’s degrees, that figure is $630,000 more. Gender discrepancies notwithstanding, it’s clear to see that getting a college education is worth it.

Yet, paying for college is challenging for most families, so scholarships are often considered a necessity. It’s common for high schoolers to begin submitting scholarship applications during their junior and senior years. Yet, the question of when to apply for scholarships warrants closer scrutiny. After all, the sooner you begin submitting scholarship applications, the more time you’ll have to submit as many as possible. The more applications you submit, the greater the chances of obtaining more free money for your college education.

Let’s take a closer look at the question of when to apply for scholarships—the answer may surprise you.

A Timeline for Scholarship Applications

K-5th Grade: A Scholarship Guide for Parents

The question of when to apply for scholarships is best answered “as soon as possible.” Would you be surprised to learn that it’s possible to obtain free money for college for students who are just beginning their education? Indeed, there are scholarship opportunities available for learners as young as four years old, as well as older elementary school students.

It’s definitely worthwhile for parents to begin working with their very young children on scholarship applications. If you’re successful in helping your learner obtain scholarship money very early on, then you may find the college planning process later in life to be easier and less stressful.

Start looking for external scholarship opportunities for K-5 students. An external, or outside private scholarship, is one not awarded by a college or governmental agency. These scholarship providers will sometimes hold money in escrow until the student enrolls in college. Alternatively, the funds may be contributed to a 529 savings plan in the student’s name.

Scholarship opportunities for elementary school students often call for artistic submissions, although some may challenge young learners to develop out-of-the-box solutions to real-world problems or complete a community service project. You can find some examples of scholarship funds for young children further down this page.

Middle School: Taking Charge of Your Future Early

Sixth through eighth grade can be a challenging, yet exciting transitional phase in your life. Your social life is likely changing in significant ways, and you’re beginning to exercise greater autonomy over your own life. It’s a great time to start taking charge of your own future whether or not you already started applying to scholarships in elementary school with the assistance of your parents or guardians.

During the middle school years, the scholarship opportunities available to you may mimic the types available to elementary students, such as artwork competitions. However, you’ll also find some based on academic accomplishments, such as essay writing. You may also find some scholarships related to extracurricular activities.

Like the scholarships for elementary students, those for middle schoolers often derive from external sources—not colleges. In addition to checking out the opportunities listed further down the page for middle schoolers, it’s a good idea to ask around. Check with your parents, other relatives, and other acquaintances to see if they’ve heard about any scholarships offered to middle schoolers by companies, civic organizations, and professional associations. Teachers are also great sources when looking for scholarships. Applying to locally or regionally offered scholarships can be a great way to score some free money, as these will likely have less competition.

High School: When to Apply for Scholarships During Your Secondary Years

The traditional answer to the question of when to apply to scholarships has always been “high school,” although, as you can see, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available to elementary and middle school students. Nonetheless, it’s likely that you’ll spend the most time submitting scholarship applications during your time in high school.

If you didn’t already work on obtaining scholarship dollars as a younger student, don’t fret! It’s never too late to begin the process. In fact, you’re likely to find many more opportunities that you can qualify for as a high school student. At this stage in your education, there are three main types of scholarships to focus on.

Scholarships available from your school district
Scholarships available from your chosen college
Scholarships offered by private entities

School District Scholarships

Let’s take a closer look at the first category. Not all school districts offer their own scholarships, but it’s certainly worth it to investigate this possibility. Stop by your guidance counselor’s office and ask whether the school offers any scholarships—and if so, when is the time to apply? School district scholarships usually focus on criteria involving academics and extracurricular activities. Some school districts will also offer scholarships funded by other entities, such as private companies or local civic organizations located in the area.

Keep in mind that the list of available scholarships offered by your school district can change from one year to the next. You should visit your guidance counselor at the start of each school year to ask about current opportunities.

Another issue to keep in mind is that, while school district scholarships might not always promise big bucks, there is often a lot less competition for them compared to national scholarship opportunities. It’s definitely worth it to spend a few hours writing an essay for a chance to compete for some free cash for school, and even small dollar amounts can add up.

Scholarships Offered By Specific Colleges

As you progress further in your secondary education and begin applying to colleges, you’ll notice that it’s quite common for colleges to offer their own scholarships to incoming and current students. That’s why it’s incredibly important to fill out the FAFSA, regardless of your family’s income level. While these scholarships are likely to have more competition compared to school district-offered scholarships, the potential payoff may be greater.

Colleges may offer scholarships with eligibility criteria pertaining to the following:

Class rank
Average test scores
Socioeconomic background
Other qualifications, such as demonstration of leadership skills

You may also need to write an essay as part of your scholarship application package.

Private Scholarships

Lastly, you can apply for scholarships offered by private entities. These can be categorized into national and local competitions. National scholarships may promise more money to the winner(s), but there is often a significant amount of competition. Local scholarships may not have as high of a payoff, but the competition will be less intense. It’s not a bad idea to apply to a mix of types of private scholarships—both local and national, low payoff and high.

Private scholarships may be based on virtually any criteria, including the following:

Academic
Sports
Leadership skills
Non-sports extracurricular activities
Intended career path/field
Socioeconomic background
Other demographics (e.g. minority, military family, parent occupation, etc.)

Private scholarships are often offered annually. However, in some cases, you might only qualify to compete for them during a particular year in high school. This is the case with the National Merit® Scholarship Program, which is based on test scores. To qualify, you must take the PSAT/NMSQT® (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test) in your junior year.

It’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of scholarships out there. Rest assured, no one expects you to apply to every single scholarship you qualify to pursue—that would be a full-time job in itself! Decide how much time you can commit each week to researching opportunities and working on scholarship applications.

You’ll likely find it helpful to maintain a spreadsheet to keep track of all of the information. On your spreadsheet, designate separate columns for the following information:

Name of the scholarship
Website
Deadline for submission
Application materials required
Submitted? (Yes or no)
Result

As a timesaver, you might also want to maintain a separate document to keep track of the scholarships you’ve researched but do not plan to pursue. That way, when you come across a new opportunity, you can do a quick CTRL + F search on your document to see if you’ve already checked out that scholarship before.

Post-Secondary: Continuing Your Scholarship Application Efforts in College

The issue of when to apply for scholarships will still be relevant even after you graduate from high school. As a college student, you can continue to apply for free money to fund your education. Some scholarships designated for current college students must be applied directly to your tuition, whereas others can be used more broadly, such as for the purchase of books.

At this point in your academic journey, you’ll no longer qualify to apply for school district-offered scholarships, but you can still pursue college-offered and private scholarships. At the start of every school year, visit your college’s financial aid office to discuss the opportunities that may be available to you. And be on the lookout for competitions available through your degree program! (In addition, remember to fill out the FAFSA® every year to become/remain eligible for grants).

Where to Start: Scholarship Opportunities by Age Group

Learners can begin submitting scholarship applications as early as four years of age. (Of course, they are likely to need a little help earlier on from their parents with the application process). Use the following resources to as a starting point to explore opportunities for you or your child, keeping in mind that there are lots of other opportunities out there beyond this list. Please note that many scholarships listed below are applicable to multiple grade levels and ages.

Scholarship Opportunities for Very Young Learners

Wondering when to apply for scholarships? It’s virtually never too early! Students as young as four years of age can begin working on scholarship applications. Here are some opportunities to consider for K-5 students:

Scholarship Applications for Middle Schoolers

Now that you’re in middle school, you’re likely maybe charge of your scholarship search yourself, although you shouldn’t hesitate to talk to your parents or guardians if you need guidance. Teachers are also a great resource! Here are a few of the opportunities you could pursue:

Scholarship Opportunities Abound for High Schoolers

Wondering when to apply for scholarships in high school? You’re likely to find that most scholarship deadlines will be from September through May. However, you can take advantage of the extra time on your hands during the summer to begin researching the possibilities. You could even start working on your essays during the summer, provided the topics are already posted. Consider the following:

Scholarship Opportunities for Current College Students

It’s never too late to apply for free cash for college, even when you’re already in college. Check out the lists above for scholarships that also apply to your age group, and then review the following possibilities available to your age group. And remember to visit your financial aid office for scholarships available through the college you currently attend.

Is it ever too early to apply for scholarships?

There are scholarships available for students as young as four years of age. If your child is younger than four, then yes, it’s a little too early—but not for much longer!

How many scholarships should you apply for?

You will not win every scholarship you apply to. It’s in your best interests to apply to as many opportunities as you can, as this may increase your chances of obtaining free money for your education. However, remember that your primary job as a student is to do well in school and be active in extracurriculars, including community service. If you find that you’re applying to so many scholarships that you don’t have enough time to study or attend sports practices, then you can cut back a bit on your money-finding endeavors.

What increases your chances of getting a scholarship?

Scholarships are awarded based on different factors, such as academic accomplishments, special talents, and test scores. One of the best ways to increase your chances of getting a scholarship is to keep your grades up and thoroughly prepare for standardized tests.

However, you can also capitalize on interests outside of school. For example, if you’re a volunteer puppy raiser for a nonprofit, you could qualify to apply to the Pawsible Puppy Raiser Academic Scholarship.

Many scholarships require essays. Spend more time than you think you need on writing them to ensure they represent your best possible work. Don’t submit your essay shortly after writing it. Set it aside for at least a few days, then reread and edit with fresh eyes.

What is the best month to apply for scholarships?

It’s actually best to search for and apply for scholarships throughout the year. Although most scholarship deadlines are scheduled from September through May, you may find some with deadlines that fall outside this time period. Take advantage of any free time you may have during the summer months to begin researching possibilities and preparing your scholarship applications.

Remember that some scholarships are awarded based on applicants’ test scores. To position yourself as a competitive applicant by doing well on standardized exams, you can take advantage of the test prep programs available at KD College Prep.

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Tanisha P. – Class of 2020

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Claudia A. – Class of 2020

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Rishab P. – Class of 2021

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David P. – Class of 2022

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Gloria D. – Daughter, Class of 2021

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I have finished college applications, and I would love to thank all the teachers and aides at KD for giving me the score that I got on the test. Without the extra practice, I wouldn't have been able to get through to the score I got. These past 3 years went by so fast, and it is so fun to look back at where I started and how much I have come out with flying colors. Thank you so much!”

“I attended KD for the last 3 years, and I was blessed with the opportunity to take the SAT^® test one last time last month. I got a 1430 on the test. I wanted to take the time to say I... Read more...

Kareena A. – Class of 2021

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were very helpful, and the individualized assistance I received from teachers were what really supported my learning. Special thanks to Ms. Barwick and Mr. Hoffman!”

“I just wanted to say thank you to KD for all the help and support you’ve given over the past couple years! I was able to get the scores I wanted for the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests. The resources were... Read more...

Advika R. – Class of 2022

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in class. In conjunction, those two things helped me raise my score a lot because I was not a math kid before KD or high school. The repetition and being able to practice in a non-stressful environment and simulating that testing experience is something that was very beneficial for me... “The college counseling team was super patient and honest about the work I was submitting. I know for a lot of kids, it’s hard to articulate who you are through 250-300 words. It was definitely... Read more...

“I shifted toward taking practice tests and going to workshops because I felt those were the best ways to apply the concepts (I was) learning in class. I started applying the tips and tricks that the teachers were showing me in... Read more...

Blaine W. – Class of 2021

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a rising junior at the University of Miami, and my youngest son is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University. Steve’s help in navigating the complicated college landscape and finding the BEST FIT for my two sons is what has made this resource invaluable. “What made the biggest difference for my two sons was the depth and breadth of knowledge Steve has of the many universities and colleges in the U.S. First, by getting to know my kids on a one-on-one basis, he was able to... Read more...

“Both of my sons have been guided by KD College Prep counselor Steve Peifer on their journey to finding the right college for them, and we could not have had a better experience and outcome. My oldest son is now a... Read more...

Julio M. – Parent

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“My daughter loved the program—the program materials and the teachers both online and in person. She participated in a year of online and a year of in person. It was incredible enrichment and helped her keep her skills sharp over the... Read more...

Beth L. – Advanced Start™ Parent

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got a 1530 on the December 5th SAT test. KD played a huge role in this, and I just wanted to say thanks to everyone there for helping me achieve this.”

“I wanted to say thank you to all of the teachers and directors at KD for helping me get a great score on the SAT^® test. I started with a 1250 on the first KD test I took, and I got... Read more...

Vyom S. – Class of 2022

"Our twin 16-year-old boys used KD College Prep to study/practice for the PSAT test, and we believe the classes and coaching were invaluable. Very professional and concise. Worth every penny!"

Jerry – Sons, Class of 2022

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT, SAT^®, and ACT^® tests (1520, 1580, and 34). I really appreciate everyone's willingness to be flexible and accommodate my requests!”

“I'm writing to thank the KD team for all the help and guidance over the last couple of years! All the resources provided were very useful to me and helped me achieve the scores I was aiming for on the PSAT,... Read more...

Mithra A. – Class of 2022

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test (third time) and a 35 on my ACT® test (first time). I remember the first ever practice test I took for the SAT test was a 1230 (about 1.5 yrs ago) and the first ever practice test I took for the ACT test was a 31 or 32 (about 6 months ago)."

"The resources that KD offers have greatly prepared me for the college admissions process. Without KD, I would not have been this prepared and confident... I am a rising senior, and I ended up receiving a 1570 on my SAT^® test... Read more...

Elise P. – Class of 2022

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents very informative and helpful during the process as well. My son (Jacob) graduated in 2018 and got a 32 on the ACT test. got accepted into Texas A&M but chose Baylor for Health Sciences. My daughter (Morgan) graduated in 2020 and got a 1450 on the SAT test and a 32 on the ACT test. got into an Ivy League school (Cornell) for Engineering. Both my kids say that they apply the test taking skills they learned at KD Prep to... Read more...

“I want to thank KD College Prep for helping both of my kids over the last years reach successful outcomes on their SAT^® and ACT^® scores, which helped them get into great colleges. I found the college prep class for parents... Read more...

Jon D. – Parent

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard and other schools, but I've really started to immerse into the Emory culture, especially their debate team. Not having to pay for college and still attend a private institution is really a dream come true, and it wouldn't be possible if it were not for you.”

“Coming into this whole process, I had absolutely no idea what anything was, and your help was invaluable—your encouraging words, strategic advice, and wholesome stories and jokes really got me through a stressful time! I'm still on the waitlist at Harvard... Read more...

Shreyas R. – Class of 2020

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a good school will help me find my path. Also, Steve's knowledge about what colleges were wanting to see in potential admissions candidates was a huge help... “There was not one specific beneficial moment or turning point in my time working with Steve, there were many. He encouraged me during the entire application process and brought to my attention many colleges I wouldn't have considered or heard about without his help.”

“The most beneficial guidance I received during my College Counseling experience was being taught that it's completely ok to not know what I want to do with the rest of my life at 17/18 years old. Steve told me that a... Read more...

Jake W. – Class of 2020

"I'm very happy my daughter chose KD as her learning partner to achieve her goals. All the experiences with KD and the Directors there are fabulous. My daughter has improved significantly."

Zarni, Daughter – Class of 2021

"I took KD classes the summer before my junior year, and I was finished with my SAT^® test by December...The test prep classes also helped me earn the award of National Merit^® Finalist."

Claire I. – Class of 2020

"It's been super helpful, and I've noticed my scores go up both on my SAT^®/ACT^® scores as well as test scores in school... Overall, I believe this to be the best college prep that money can buy."

Gopi C. – Class of 2021

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made sure that I would be successful in whichever college I picked, and I am eternally grateful for all their help and hard work!"

"KD helped me come up with a game plan for the colleges I wanted to attend, as well as any backups, and how to manage my time during this stressful period. They helped to ease the stress and made... Read more...

Omar S. – Class of 2020

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by far the most concerned about. I didn’t know how exactly I should go about choosing which places to apply to and if I were to be accepted, if they would fit me. The team did a wonderful job considering my likes and dislikes and helped me compile a list of colleges that suited my tastes and would further my academic career. "After this integral first step, my focus turned towards time management and writing quality essays that would stand out to colleges. I got... Read more...

"My initial goals when I first started working with the KD Counseling crew was to compile a list of colleges that I would be somewhat interested in attending and fit my career goals. I think that this step I was by... Read more...

Nina H. – Class of 2020

"I was thankful for all the help I received from KD in preparing for my SAT^® and ACT^® exams. The workshops they offered, as well as the practice exams, gave me the tools I needed to do my very best."

Morgan D. – Class of 2020

"KDCP is a must for students wanting to stay a step ahead of the game for getting into college. My son has gained huge insight from the ACT^®/SAT^® practice workshops, practice tests, and essay class."

Tiffany – Son, Class of 2021

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students wanting an edge on their national test scores!"

"KD helped to increase the efficiencies of how I took the national exams. I was also able to implement these efficiencies in my daily school studies within the IB program at PESH. I would (and have) recommend KD to those students... Read more...

Daniel J. – Class of 2020

"Not only have I been able to significantly improve my test scores, I have learned a tremendous amount of information about the college application process due to complimentary events that KD offers."

Sam H. – Class of 2020

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the help from amazing teachers and staff. I am so grateful for KD!"

"I came to KD the summer before my senior year with only my determination and big goals! KD provided me with the resources necessary to improve my test score to increase my chances at my dream school, Notre Dame, with the... Read more...

Matt K. – Class of 2020

"I started classes at KD the summer before 9th grade. I...made a perfect score on the PSAT (earning the National Merit^® scholarship) and, after taking the SAT^® test only once (a relief!), scored a 1590/1600."

Thomas D. – Class of 2019

"In just one year, I was able to raise my score by 300 points and get into my dream school."

Piper F. – Class of 2020

"Having our recent GHS graduate attend KD was life changing. It provided our son with choices and opportunities that he might not have had otherwise."

Kathy – Son attends Mizzou

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure out a personal plan that would work for her and were always available for our questions and helping her reach her goals. Every employee from the managers to the students working at their locations are top notch.”

“I came to KD College Prep after already using another tutoring service which we were not seeing results with. Due to time constraints, the traditional classes were not going to be feasible for my daughter. They took the time to figure... Read more...

Tracy – Daughter, Class of 2020

"The KD College Prep course not only provided test practice but also motivated her to work hard for her college applications. It gave her the confidence to dream big!"

Prema – Daughter attends Rice

When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?

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