As a parent, you’ve already taken an important step by working with Class 101 Carmel to guide your student through the college planning journey. And, we’re so glad you’re here! 

One of the most common questions we hear from families is: 

“When do we start applying for scholarships?” 

The short answer? Sooner than you might think. The scholarship process runs parallel to college applications, and being proactive can open the door to meaningful financial support.

Here’s what to expect and how we’ll support your student every step of the way. 

Scholarship Applications Start Earlier Than You May Realize 

While Senior Year is when most scholarship applications are due, preparation starts long before that. Here’s a simple breakdown of how we approach scholarship readiness at Class 101. 

→ Freshman & Sophomore Year: Build the Foundation 

At this stage, we help your student lay the foundation for future opportunities, like selective summer programs, internships, college applications, and scholarships. We help to: 

● Select the right courses and map out a 4-year plan that aligns with their goals

● Track academic achievements and extracurricular involvement 

● Develop leadership and volunteer experiences 

● Start identifying scholarship-worthy strengths and interests 

This early work lays the groundwork for stronger applications later and it’s the reason why we love to start working with students early in their high school career!

→ Junior Year: Strategy + Organization 

During Junior Year, your Class 101 advisor begins to: 

● Research scholarship opportunities tailored to your student 

● Introduce essay-writing basics and personal statement development 

● Help your student build a college resume 

● Get their best test score through test prep workshops 

This is also when we start discussing college-specific scholarships to consider as we build the college list together. 

→ Senior Year: It’s Go Time 

Scholarship season peaks in the fall and winter of Senior Year. We share relevant scholarship information with all students as soon as we receive notifications that scholarship applications are open.

It’s important that students and parents download the Remind App and turn on notifications so they can receive these notifications in real time. We have already started to share scholarships! 

We help students with: 

● Completing local and national scholarship applications 

● Meeting important deadlines 

● Editing essays and compiling materials 

● Submitting strong, complete applications 

Some families are surprised to learn that scholarship deadlines can begin as early as September. That’s why we recommend approaching scholarship applications with the same timeline and energy as college applications. 

What Kind of Scholarships Do We Focus On? 

All types of scholarships! We want to connect students with any scholarships that are relevant to them. We stay up to date on scholarships, what makes an applicant competitive, track which Class 101

students receive scholarships each year, and note how we can help all students improve their chances of being selected! 

Here are some examples: 

● Local awards from community foundations, high schools, and civic groups
● National scholarships like the Coca-Cola Scholars Program or Elks Foundation
● College-specific merit scholarships from the schools they apply to 
● Private scholarships sourced through trusted databases like Fastweb and Going Merry 

We also help families navigate need-based aid, including the FAFSA and institutional financial aid forms. But that’s information for another blog post! 

How You Can Help as a Parent 

While your student is in the driver’s seat, your support makes a big difference. You can help by encouraging them to stay organized with deadlines and by reviewing their essays as a third set of eyes (our advisors will also be reviewing and editing).

We’re Here to Help Maximize Every Opportunity 

You don’t have to navigate this process alone. From early preparation through final submissions, Class 101 Carmel is here to help your student find and apply for scholarships that align with their strengths and goals. 

Together, we’ll make sure your student is positioned to make the most of every opportunity. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation! 

Kim Stegemoller

Class 101 Owner + College Advisor