Scholarships for college may provide students with an opportunity to cover some or all of the cost of education. Financial aid may be available to those that qualify. It may be possible to apply for scholarships during high school that are available later when you enroll in college. Here is what you may wish to consider about the process of earning scholarships for college for sophomores in high school.
Can Sophomores Apply for Scholarships?
It may be possible to earn scholarships for college for sophomores in high school. If you are a sophomore in high school, it is not too soon to start looking for and, sometimes, applying for these scholarships. Doing so may give you a bit more time to find opportunities that could cover the cost of some of your college education if you qualify for them and receive an award.
Is It Too Early to Apply for Scholarships as a High School Sophomore?
Scholarships for high school sophomores are out there. Not all scholarships allow sophomores to apply, though. Before you apply for any scholarship, learn who the scholarship is open to and follow those instructions. There is no benefit to doing the work to apply for a scholarship if you are not qualified for it just yet. Instead, save those for the previous year. In the meantime, focus on scholarships for sophomores specifically. Some scholarship providers extend these offers to students in 10th grade.
10 Scholarships for 10th Graders You Should Apply For in 2022
The following are some examples of scholarships for 10th graders. If you are in 10th grade, take a closer look at these opportunities that could be available to you.
How To Increase Your Chances of Receiving High School Sophomore Scholarships?
It may be possible to do a bit of extra work now to see benefits later when you apply for scholarships for college. Though you may qualify for some scholarships for 10th graders now, even if you do not, you may be able to improve your chances of earning a scholarship later. It is a great idea to work diligently at earning a scholarship to meet your needs.
Here are a few tips that may help you with scholarships for sophomores and beyond:
#1: Apply early before the deadline
Whenever you apply for a scholarship, be sure you are doing so before the deadline (as early as possible once submissions are available.) A late application may cause you to be disqualified.
#2: Submit all the necessary documents the provider asks for
Most scholarship applications require a significant amount of information, including information about your GPA, interests, and goals. You may also need to provide an essay. Be sure to follow the directions provided on each application. They often differ but don’t let scholarships scare you!
#3: Make sure to write a unique essay rather than using a generic standard essay
Take the time to write your own essay based on your thoughts, beliefs, and interests. Be sure it meets the prompt provided to you. Stick with the information requested, but always make sure what you submit is your own work.
#4: Follow directions such as format
Most scholarships provide specific directions about how to submit assignments. This may be through a specific format such as Word or PDF. They may provide specific information about the length as well. Stick with the rules.
#5: Make sure to answer the essay prompt
Go back and re-read the question asked in the prompt. Did you adequately and thoroughly answer it? Be sure it is on point.
#6: Keep applying
Not only is it important to apply, but keep applying even if you do not earn awards. The more you apply, the more you increase your chances of a favorable response.
#7: Only apply if you meet the eligibility requirements
Don’t waste your time on scholarships that you may not really qualify for over the long term. Be sure that you are applying for scholarships that you truly fit the requirements for to make wise use of your time.
List of Scholarships for High School Sophomores
There are awards worth below. Apply now to our list of scholarships for high school sophomores.
This essay contest is open to U.S. and international students who are 13 to 19 years of age and enrolled in high school. Students must write an essay discussing whether people who live with bipolar disorder are stimgatized in their community.
This award is available for male U.S. high school seniors or adults entering their freshman year of college as first-time students. Students must be residents of Waterbury, Connecticut for five years or more and have a grade point average of B- or higher.
This award is available for U.S. students in grades 4-12 who are 19 years of age or younger. Students must be a resident of Clay County, Florida and be a student in a Clay County School (grades K-12, public or private).
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2026) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
This award is for U.S. high school students who have an interest in art. Students must apply through their U.S. House Representative; there will be at least one winner per district.
This award is available for U.S. students in grades six through twelve who are residents of Clay County, Florida and attend a Clay County school. Students must be 19 years of age or younger and demonstrate an interest in music.
This award is for U.S. high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Students must submit a short response and be selected as a semi-finalist to compete for the available scholarships.
This scholarship is open to any applicant who is 14 years of age or older and is a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. Applicants must submit creative, original responses to the scholarship question, using the online application form.