Scholarships for
High School Freshmen

What are High School Freshman Scholarships?

It’s never too early to start preparing for college. Believe it or not, there are scholarships for freshmen in high school — that’s right: 9th graders — that can be put towards a future college education. Great for students looking to get a head start on funding the next step, create a plan for the future, or just cut their teeth on the application process, these scholarships are an excellent opportunity.

Offered by a number of public and private institutions, scholarships for high school freshmen typically require applicants to submit a number of materials in order to be considered for funding. If you are a freshman ready to get started, this page has the info for you. Learn how to qualify for high school freshman scholarships below, and start applying here.

How Do I Qualify for High School Freshman Scholarships?

Are you a rising or current high school freshman? Congratulations: you’ve passed the first prerequisite to qualifying for a high school freshman college scholarship. Many scholarships will require you to submit your transcript as proof, though others may accept alternate forms of confirmation and identification. Wondering what else you need to qualify? Nearly all scholarships for freshmen in high school require applicants to complete a host of supplemental submissions. These may include (but are not limited to) essays, projects, and letters of recommendation from teachers and coaches.

Beyond these general materials, certain high school freshman scholarships have additional, more specific requirements. These scholarships are usually only available to certain applicants, such as those from a certain region or demographic background, those planning on studying in a certain subject area, or those with other unique circumstances. Before beginning your application process, it’s important to read up on each scholarship to understand what it requires and whether you qualify. Then, it’s time to get started ASAP so you can give yourself the best chance possible at standing out and securing funding.

Why Are High School Freshman Scholarships Important?

While college scholarships for high school freshmen may seem a bit premature, the fact is that these scholarships can make a massive impact for recipients and those around them. The first and biggest benefit is a financial one. Scholarships for 9th graders are nest eggs for funding college. They help make college more affordable for high schoolers and their family. Best of all, they give applicants time and know-how to earn more. That leads us to the second benefit of college scholarships for high school freshmen: experience. Most 9th graders are new to all aspects of the college application process, and applying to 9th grade scholarships gives them a chance to hone skills that will help them earn more scholarships going forward and apply to colleges themselves. Essay and project submissions also help high school freshmen grow intellectually, regardless of results — a benefit that can’t be quantified. This segues into the final benefit: future impact. With the support of scholarships, high school freshmen can go on to learn and grow as individuals and members of their larger communities. Along the way, they can impact others and share their unique perspectives, contributing to discourse and collaboration on campus and beyond. 

Find College Scholarships for Freshman in High School

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