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 Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass Sweepstakes is open to students between the ages of 14 and 19. Students are invited to register for a High School Summer Pass, which will allow them to workout at the Planet Fitness location of their choice for free, all summer long. All participants in this free summer program are entered into a scholarship sweepstakes. A $500 winner is selected from each state, along with one $5,000 grand prize winner.
CRC will select the scholarship winner based on the strength of their total application package. The student will be evaluated on academic performance, extra-curricular activities, and on their essay, response addressing the way they handled the challenges associated with relocating to the Chicagoland area and a new high school.
Applicants must meet all five of these requirements:
Relocated between grades 9 and 12
Relocated more than 50 miles
Changed schools due to relocation to the Chicagoland area
Currently and enrolled Senior in good standing in a Chicagoland area high school (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will counties in Illinois)
Currently have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (or equivalent achievement on a different scale)
Students who are in grade 12 and below in the United States, in CEGEP or below in Quebec, Canada, or in grade 13 or below in the Caribbean are eligible to enter this speech/sign language contest. Students must have a hearing loss of 40 decibels or more to qualify.
This contest is available to all high school students. The applicant must be attending school in the same state as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary that sponsors him/her.
U.S. and international high school bowling athletes with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must be nominated by their athletic directors or coaches.
This award is open to students who are 8-18 years of age that reside in the United States and have not yet graduated from high school. Students must demonstrate exceptional musical achievement, unmet financial need, academic achievement, and strength of character.
The Express to De-Stress Video Contest is available for students in the Bay Area who are between the ages of 12 and 18. Applicants must currently be enrolled in the 7th through 12 grade. $300 for first place, $200 for second, and three third place awards of $100. Click here to learn more and apply today!
The Sportsmanship in eSports Scholarship is available for current high school students who are active in video games and esports such as League of Legends or Teamfight Tactics. Applicants with competitive play, who demonstrate sportsmanship, honor, and integrity will be considered. $2,500 award offered.
This award 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 will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
