text: at what time/grade should a high school student start applying for scholarships?   you can start looking as early as your sophomore year but i would recommend mid junior year to beginning senior year. it will also depend on what kind of scholarship you are applying for and what the requirements are. things like essay contests and other scholarship awards such as that you can apply for anytime however some require specific grades (i.e. first semester senior year, final grades, etc.) or even want to know the specific school that you are applying to. its never too early to start looking though and seeing what the requirements are. apply to any that you are eligable.