By tamara

Are you one of those students who waited until your last semester of high school to start looking for college scholarships? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Every year, I encounter students (and parents) who mistakenly believe that scholarships are only available to graduating high school seniors or older students; most are unaware that they could have been applying for and winning scholarships since they were high school freshman. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities still available, and many programs are specifically for high school seniors, just like you! If you are trying to figure out how you are going to pay for your college tuition this fall, here are some scholarships that may be able to help you reduce the amount of your final bill.

1. Metro Bank ‘Cash for College’ Scholarship

High school seniors in the Pennsylvania counties of Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York, are eligible to apply for this $2,500 scholarship. Students must be involved in community service. Three (3) awards are available. Deadline: March 8.

2. BioOhio Annual Scholarship

Ohio high school seniors, who plan to pursue a bioscience-related degree, may apply for this $1,250 scholarship. Four (4) awards will be offered. Deadline: March 12.

3. National High School Oratorical Contest

The American Legion provides 53 scholarships, valued between $1,500 and $18,000 through this contest. Students must compose a speech on the assigned topic. All U.S. high school seniors are eligible to apply. Deadline: March 14.

4. Minnie Pearl Scholarship Program

Any U.S. high school senior, who has significant hearing loss, is eligible to apply. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. One (1) $1,000 renewable scholarship (up to three years) is available. Deadline: March 15.

5. Sachs Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

Colorado high school seniors, who are African-American, may apply for this scholarship. A total of 35 awards are offered annually. The amount of the award varies, but is typically around $5,000 each. Awards are renewable for up to four years. Deadline: March 15.

6. Alexander and Maude Hadden Scholarship

U.S. high school seniors, who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate financial aid, are eligible to apply. Scholarship amounts range between $2,500 and $4,000 each and are renewable. Last year, 24 scholarships were awarded. Deadline: March 15.

7. Shire ADHD Scholarship Program

U.S. high school seniors, who have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), may apply for this award. Fifty (50) scholarships will be offered, valued at $2,000 each. Students may re-apply for the award annually. Deadline: March 27.

8. GoDaddy.com .Me Scholarship

College-bound high school seniors, who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and an SAT score of 860 or higher (or ACT of 18+), are eligible to apply. Ten (10) scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, are available. Deadline: March 31.

9. Drake Davis Scholarship

U.S. high school seniors, who exemplify outstanding qualities in leadership, character, and community service, are eligible to apply for this award. Four (4) $1,000 scholarships are available. Deadline: April 1.

10. ScholarshipExperts.com Scholarships

ScholarshipExperts.com offers 12 awards each year for U.S. high school  and college students. Students simply submit a short essay (250 words or less) addressing the fun topic of the month. Awards range in value from $1,500 to $5,000 each. Deadline: Last day of each month. Now that you have a few scholarships to get you started, don’t stop looking for more opportunities. You should be trying to complete at least five to ten scholarships a month, and keep applying for them until you finish your college degree. If you want to find even more scholarships that are perfect for you, be sure to register for a free account with ScholarshipExperts.com today or follow them on Twitter @ScholarshipGuru. There’s plenty of free money for college out there, you just have to know where to look for it!