Many seniors have already completed college applications or decided on their plans following graduation, but it is critical that students apply for scholarships in order to save money.
Most students think that all possible application windows have closed, but there are still many opportunities. It is important for seniors to take advantage of the potential financial aid that can come from winning a scholarship, such as covered room and board or book fees.
One of the most popular ones still open is the Dell Scholars Program. Their website says it is a “20,000 flexible scholarship [that] covers tuition and housing-plus a laptop, book credits, and emergency funds-so you can focus on learning, not expenses.” Their personal goal is to provide guidance while helping students worry less about finances.
The eligibility requirements for the Dell Scholars Program are be a high school senior, plan to enroll in a four-year college or university, right after high school, be pell grant eligible, and have at least a 2.4 GPA. This application window closes Feb. 15, so any students interested should take action soon. The Dell Scholars are then announced on June 1.
Maya Keller (12) has applied to many scholarships, such as the “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship and the BigFuture Scholarship.
Keller says “I applied to a lot of scholarships because my counselor recommended it and I want to have part of my college funded.” Students should take advantage of scholarship opportunities and Keller is optimistic about hearing back.
One scholarship that just recently opened is the Coca-Cola Scholarship. This scholarship awards the winners with $25,000. It will close on Mar. 1, 2026. To apply, you build a profile and the students with the most “bold” profiles win. They define bold as earnest, determining, and moving.
Scholarships are not only for seniors though, as many students can begin taking advantage of opportunities far sooner than their senior year. Some scholarships that are open to all grades in high school include American College Foundation’s Visionary Scholarship and BigFuture monthly drawings.
The American College Foundation’s Visionary scholarship is due by June 1, 2026. Students applying must submit their most recent high school transcript, as well as a 500-word essay on “Why College is Important to Me”, then winners are chosen by July 15, 2026.
BigFuture, mentioned earlier by Keller, is a scholarship ran through CollegeBoard that can be awarded to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. There is no essay or minimum GPA, and students who are in families making under $60,000 have a higher chance of winning.
Tiger Lilee Flores (11) says “I applied to this one because they say that applying earlier raises your chances of winning” and “I really want to keep myself on track for college so I don’t begin to fall behind.” Starting sooner rather than later is suggested for all students because senior year can quickly become overwhelming.
Taking advantage of these opportunities early is essential for success because it ensures that your applications are strong and well developed. Flores, along with many other Juniors and Sophomores are applying for scholarships currently.
