Scholarships for High School Sophomores

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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.

  1. Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship
  1. National Constitution Bee
  1. American Legion Oratorical Contest
  1. $2,000 Minecraft Scholarship
  1. Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest
  1. Stimson Bullitt Civic Courage Scholarship Competition
  1. Digital Privacy Scholarship
  1. Niche No Essay Monthly Scholarship
  1. Savor Summer College Scholarship
  1. Flavor of the Month Scholarship

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.

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

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.
Award Amount

Total: $2000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: October 31, 2024

Young Innovators to Watch

The Young Innovators to Watch contest is open to U.S. students between the ages of 13 – 19 who submit a project or innovation that shows technical or scientific creativity. Applicants may work individually or in small teams.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: November 22

The National WWII Museum Annual Student Essay Contest

This essay contest is open to all high school students in the United States and United States Territories. Students must submit a 1,000-word essay on the current year’s topic.
Award Amount

Total: $750

Awards: 3

Deadline

Deadline: December 27

SBO Magazine Music Student Scholarship

This contest is open to band students in grades four through twelve who submit an essay of up to 250 words on the current year’s band-related topic.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 10

Deadline

Deadline: December 31

Apprentice Ecologist Initiative Scholarship

International and U.S. students at any level of undergraduate study are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students must be 13 to 21 years of age and complete an environmental project.
Award Amount

Total: $850

Awards: 3

Deadline

Deadline: December 31

Debt.com Scholarship For Aggressive Scholarship Applicants

This scholarship is open to U.S. and international high school and college/university students. Students must have applied for other scholarships and submit proof of applications.
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 6

Deadline

Deadline: December 31

Top Ten List Scholarship

The Top Ten List Scholarship is open to US students who are 14 years of age and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Award Amount

Total: $1500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: December 31, 2024

Unigo $10K Scholarship

This $10,000 Unigo Scholarship is open to any applicant who is 14 years of age or older and is a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia. The applicant must register for a free online account with Unigo.com and submit a short response to this year’s topic as posted on the website.
Award Amount

Total: $10000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: December 31, 2024

MIT THINK Scholars Program

This award is for U.S. high school students (grades 9 through 12). Students must submit a proposal for a new idea in science, technology, or engineering.
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 3

Deadline

Deadline: January 01

Courageous Persuaders Video Contest

This award is for U.S. high school students. Students must create a short video that warns about the dangers of underage drinking.
Award Amount

Total: $1432

Awards: 11

Deadline

Deadline: January 31