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.
The Secular High School Student in California Scholarship is available for secular, humanist, and atheist/non-theist students in California who demonstrate leadership and activism in their communities.
This creative and fun scholarship program 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 with an imaginative and well-written response to the scholarship question about the Zombie Apocalypse will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
This essay contest is open to U.S. students in grades 6-12. Students must submit an essay on the current year’s topic; essays must be written in English.
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors who plan to attend the University of Maine at Orono. Students must be National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists or finalists.
High school students in grades 10 – 12 who are enrolled in a Michigan high school are eligible to enter this scholarship poster contest. Students must create and submit a poster with an automotive theme.
This award is for high school and college students in the U.S. or Canada that have completed a project that makes a difference in the lives of others. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
This contest is available for U.S. students in middle school and high school. In order to enter, applicants must submit a short video documentary about an issue, event, or topic that helped him/her better understand the role of the federal government in their life or community.
This poetry contest is available for young poets in the United States who submit an original poem on the current scholarship slam topic. Power Poetry is an online poetry founded on the belief that words and poems can have power to change the world. Click here to learn more and apply to one of the poetry programs today!
This award is available to Massachusetts high school sophomores or juniors who demonstrate difficult personal circumstances and high financial need. Students must enroll full time at a Massachusetts college or university and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
