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 award is for U.S. and Canadian high school and college students who are between the ages of 16 and 25 as of the application deadline date. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
The 1,000 Dreams Scholarship Fund is available for high school women in the U.S. who wish to pursue additional lessons, activities, or projects beyond the normal scope of the class room.
The DISTCO Digital Storytelling Contest is available to U.S. and international students currently enrolled in high school and planning to attend North American College in Houston, TX.
The goals of The Walt Disney Company UNCF Corporate Scholars Program are to help create a diverse pipeline of college educated professionals ready to assume fulfilling off-camera careers in entertainment and to help raise the number of underrepresented minorities employed in the entertainment industry.
U.S. students aged 14 through 19 in grades 8 through 12 are eligible to enter this essay contest. Students must write an essay of no more than 800 words on the Bill of Rights.
This award is for young people aged 8-18 who have completed an extraordinary service project. Applicants should be between the ages of 8 and 18, and permanent residents of the United States or Canada. The Barron Prize does not discriminate against its applicants based on race, color, ethnicity, and etc.
This cash award is available for students in grades 9-11 who are of Norwegian ancestry and reside in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Kendall, McHenry, or Will counties in Illinois. Students must write an essay on any topic regarding Norway.
The SmarterCollege Scholarship Sweepstakes is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry, and who meet one (1) of the five (5) following eligibility requirements at the time of entry:
a parent who currently has a child enrolled in an accredited college or university located within the United States;
a student who is currently enrolled in an accredited college or university located within the United States;
a parent who currently has a child enrolled as a high school senior located within the United States;
a student who is currently enrolled as a high school senior located with the United States;
a student or a parent whose child has graduated from an accredited undergraduate school (a “School) and who is currently paying back a student or parent loan for his/her/child’s educational expenses for such School (“Entrant”).
As an athlete and student, Alan Bowman is no stranger to the stressors and pressure that often come with navigating college and extracurricular responsibilities, and how all of these factors can have a negative impact on student mental health.
Mental health is a topic that seems to be overlooked by society today, especially for men and athletes. There’s a stigma that all men must be strong and tough not only physically, but also emotionally; we’re taught to bottle our emotions and not openly discuss problems that we’re going through.
Like many other students, I have dealt with mental health issues throughout my college career, and I’m so grateful for the support from the amazing people in my corner. Because of that, I urge you not to walk alone on your journey. I’m here to help break this stigma and prove that sometimes it’s okay to not be okay. The more we talk about what we’re going through, the easier it becomes to recognize we need help and utilize resources to do just that.
I am super excited to be partnering with Access Scholarships to award a $1,000 scholarship to a student who recognizes the importance of speaking up about mental health, and is an advocate in their community for encouraging others to do the same. Together, we can Sack the Stigma!
Current high school, college and graduate students of all years are encouraged to apply below.
The Species on the Edge 2.0 challenge invites high school students to work in teams on a video project with a chance to win a cash prize. Entry forms are due on March 1, 2024. Projects are due by April 5.
This challenge will help students learn how to protect and preserve rare and at-risk wildlife that live, breed, and migrate through New Jersey. You will be surprised to learn how many species are currently “on the edge” and endangered here in the nation’s most densely populated state. This fun and engaging project will allow you to collaborate with your peers as you journey together to create real-world solutions to keep wildlife safe. This year, students will work in teams and, when presented with several different scenarios, will select a role such as research scientist, citizen scientist, engineer, policy maker, investigative reporter, college professor, director of a non-profit organization, or environmental artist. Students will construct a video to bring awareness and educate the public about endangered species and their environments.
The contest also helps students develop skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM), environmental advocacy, design thinking, social and emotional learning, teamwork, critical thinking, and project management. Entry to the contest is free and offers students and facilitators the opportunity to win cash prizes!
