Scholarships

Top high school junior scholarships for you

Find scholarships for high school juniors that can help you pay for college.

Here’s a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.

Enter $2,000 scholarship*

High school junior scholarships

United States Senate Youth Program

Due: 2/28/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
$10,000
Apply now

Maguire Foundation Endowed Scholarships

Due: 2/28/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No Transcripts Required
$5,000
Apply now

SUNY Brockport Gold Scholarship

Due: 2/28/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required
$4,500
Apply now

East Texas A&M University President's Promise Scholarship for First-time New Freshman Students

Due: 2/28/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required
Varies
Apply now

Mississippi State University Freshman Mississippi Resident Academic Scholarship

Due: 2/28/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$42,000
Apply now

Maria Nieves Edmonds Scholarship

Due: 2/28/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No Transcripts Required
$1,000
Apply now

Gwynedd Mercy University Dual Enrollment Program Scholarship

Due: 2/28/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required
Varies
Apply now

Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship

Due: 2/28/26 No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
$1,500
Apply now

Gannon University Knight Achievement Award

Due: 2/28/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required
$22,000
Apply now

Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship*

No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less

Key takeaways about high school junior scholarships

  • Yes, you can apply for scholarships as a high school junior—and you should.
  • Starting early gives you more time to build strong applications and avoid deadline stress.
  • Many scholarships are open to juniors, including no-essay and major-specific awards.
  • Knowing common requirements helps you prep smarter and avoid rookie mistakes.
  • Use tools like Scholly Scholarships and Scout College Search to find your best-fit scholarships.

What are scholarships for high school juniors?

Scholarships for juniors are financial awards you can apply for before senior year. They’re designed to help you get ahead on college planning and reduce future tuition costs. These scholarships come in all shapes—academic, athletic, creative, and even quirky. Some are national, others are local. And yes, many are open to juniors only.

To learn more about scholarships, check out our Ultimate Scholarship Guide.

Why apply for scholarships as a high school junior?

Here’s the deal: applying early means less stress later. You’ll have more time to write essays, gather recommendations, and learn what makes a strong application. Plus, some scholarships are only open to juniors—so waiting until senior year means missing out.

Scholarships also help you build confidence and clarity around your college goals. They’re not just about money—they’re about momentum.

Explore the benefits of scholarships to see how they can shape your future.

Scholarship deadlines and application calendar

Deadlines vary, but many scholarships for juniors open in fall and close in spring. Create a calendar with key dates and set reminders. Some scholarships renew annually, so bookmark your favorites and check back often.

Scholly Scholarships

Find scholarships that are right for you

Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

Find scholarships now

How to find scholarships as a high school junior

Use trusted tools like Scholly Scholarships to match with scholarships based on your profile. You can also search by type, major, or state on our scholarship overview page.

Don’t forget to ask your school counselor, check local organizations, and explore niche scholarships—like those for women, LGBTQ students, or specific interests.

Essay tips for scholarship applications

Keep it real. Scholarship essays should reflect your voice, values, and goals. Here’s how to stand out:

  • Answer the prompt directly
  • Share a personal story or challenge
  • Show growth and future plans
  • Proofread (seriously—typos matter)

For step-by-step help crafting a standout essay, check out our full guide on how to write a scholarship essay and get started with confidence.

Scholarship myths and mistakes to avoid

Let’s bust a few myths:

Myth: You need a perfect GPA.

Truth: Many scholarships value leadership, creativity, or community service.

Myth: Scholarships are only for seniors.

Truth: Tons are open to juniors—don’t wait!

Mistake: Missing deadlines.

Fix: Use a calendar and apply early. Check out our list of common scholarship requirements to prep smarter. 

Scholarship strategies for college planning

Think of scholarships as part of your college strategy. They can influence where you apply, what you study, and how much debt you take on. Use them to explore majors, build your resume, and connect with opportunities.

Ready to start? Use Scout College Search to find schools that match your goals—and your scholarship potential.

Frequently asked questions

These tips can help as you get ready to apply for high school junior scholarships.

When are scholarship application deadlines?

There’s no standard deadline for scholarship applications. Each scholarship has its own deadline, so be sure to keep track of dates and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines of scholarships that you want to apply to.

Do you need to know which college you’re attending?

You don’t need to know which college you’re going to attend before applying for most scholarships. However, once you’re awarded scholarships, some of them may ask for eligibility verification—which can include proof of college enrollment.

Is there a limit on how many scholarships you can apply for?

Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money. Want to find more types of scholarships? There are so many, check them out!

Pro tip: Apply for scholarships each year you’re in college.

Does every scholarship application require an essay?

Not every scholarship will ask you to submit an essay—different scholarships have different requirements. If you’re applying for a scholarship with an essay and need help writing yours, get tips for writing scholarship essays.

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Ends 12/31/2026.
See Official Rules.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.