Cozy Up to College Scholarships With Fall, Winter Deadlines
It may only be October, but we all know the cold weather of winter is coming. While you're getting out your heavy coat, take a look at these high-value scholarships for high school students that have deadlines in the late fall or winter.
These scholarships are meant for a wide array of students -- and what's better is they all offer generous amounts of free money for college.
Pay close attention to their eligibility requirements and deadlines. If you think you'll be a strong candidate, collect your application materials and apply. Snow and the holiday season may seem far away, but they're much closer than you think.
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Award: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
Deadline: Nov. 3 , 2015
Who is eligible: The award is open to seniors graduating in spring of 2016 who plan to enroll in an accredited four-year college in the fall of 2016. Students should also have a minimum 3.5 GPA and score a 1200 or above on the SAT or a 26 composite score on the ACT. Most accepted applicants should also demonstrate financial need.
Why you should apply: This is a comprehensive program that not only offers one of the most generous financial packages out there -- up to $40,000 a year -- but also gives accepted scholars advising support on issues like academics, financial aid and transitioning into your first year.
How to stand out: This scholarship is meant for students who may be high achieving academically, but are concerned that attending more selective schools is not an option due to financial need. When filling out the online application, be sure to focus on academics and, if possible, how you feel your financial situation is preventing you from going to your dream colleges -- especially if those are top-tier schools.
Keep in mind that you'll also need to submit letters of recommendation, transcripts and test scores, your parents' tax information and an online school profile completed by your principal or guidance counselor.
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Award: AXA Achievement Scholarship
Deadline: Dec. 15 , 2015
Who is eligible: Current U.S. high school seniors in the 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico who plan to enroll full time in an accredited two-year or four-year university can apply.
Why you should apply: One student will be selected from each state, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico to win the state scholarship of $10,000. Out of those 52 winners, 10 will then be selected to win the national scholarship of $15,000 each, meaning those national winners will receive a total of $25,000 in scholarships.
How to stand out: The scholarship committee will be looking for students who display outstanding achievement in school, their community or work. AXA, the company that sponsors this scholarship, deals directly with reducing risks for its clients, so it will give special consideration to students who show how they have been able to lessen risk. This could be through education, or it could be something related to financial, environmental, health, safety or emergency preparedness.
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Award: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: Jan. 7, 2016
Who is eligible: This scholarship is open to high school seniors attending school in the U.S. or at a U.S. military base who plan to enroll full time in an accredited four-year college in the U.S. Home-schooled students are also eligible. Applicants must be current U.S. citizens with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Why you should apply: Not only does this scholarship provide a generous initial award of $10,000, but it also is renewable for up to an additional three years, making for a total possible award of $40,000. Your award can go toward paying for anything education related such as tuition and fees, books or room and board. Numerous winners are selected each year and are invited to a special awards ceremony.
How to stand out: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholars are selected based on characteristics valued and displayed by Ronald Reagan, the 40th U.S. president. While academics are a basis of consideration, you'll set yourself apart by displaying four key characteristics in your application: leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship.
Past GE-Reagan Foundation Scholars have included students who started businesses and nonprofits, were captains of their high school sports teams, presidents of clubs at their school or leaders in student government.
Liz Chereskin is the content manager for College Greenlight, a leading college and scholarship resource for first-generation and underrepresented students. College Greenlight helps students find colleges that match them and scholarships to fund their education and is a service of Cappex.com.
