Freshman & Sophomore Years
Start a resume: Track extracurriculars, honors, leadership roles, community service.
Build relationships: Start connecting with teachers, counselors, and mentors for future recommendations.
Explore interests: Join clubs, volunteer, and seek leadership opportunities.
Research: Begin understanding what scholarships are out there and what they require.
Junior Year
Fall (Aug–Oct):
Take the PSAT/NMSQT for National Merit consideration.
Research scholarships that open early (some are available to juniors).
Attend college and scholarship info sessions.
Winter (Nov–Jan):
Build a scholarship tracker (spreadsheet or app).
Draft a personal statement/essay (can be used for multiple apps).
Start browsing specific college scholarship portals.
Spring (Feb–May):
Ask for letters of recommendation.
Apply for local/niche scholarships with spring deadlines.
Consider summer programs that look great on applications.
Senior Year
Summer Before Senior Year (June–Aug):
Finalize resume.
Start main scholarship essays.
Identify recommenders and request letters early.
Create a master calendar for deadlines.
Fall (Sept–Nov):
Apply to early-deadline scholarships (ex: Coca-Cola, Jack Kent Cooke, QuestBridge).
Submit college apps early if required for school-specific scholarships.
Attend local scholarship workshops and fairs.
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Apply for state and local scholarships (many open during this window).
Update FAFSA and financial aid info (WV deadline = April 15 for maximum aid).
Submit all rolling and ongoing apps.
Spring (Mar–May):
Check for smaller/local scholarships still open.
Notify schools of any external awards.
Send thank-you notes to scholarship providers.
Submit required documents (proof of enrollment, transcripts, etc.).