Begin by speaking to your high school guidance or college counselor early in your junior year of high school to review your prospects for college admission and scholarship eligibility. Ask for an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses and make a concrete plan to build on your strengths and attack your weaknesses.
Strengthen your appeal and chances to get a Martin Luther King, Jr. College Scholarship by making Dr. King a serious role model in your life and in your high school career.
Participate in community activities, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service volunteer activities, and make a plan to do things in your own life that would make Dr. King proud.
Ask your guidance or college counselor at the beginning of your senior year, if not sooner, for information on any college scholarships in honor of Dr. King that may be available in your community, from your high school or from the colleges on your application list.
Call or write to the financial aid offices of the college on your application list to ask for information on any scholarships in honor of Dr. King that they may administer, as a supplement to the information you receive from your guidance or high school counselor.
Familiarize with yourself with the application guidelines and requirements for the scholarships on which you have received information, take all steps to strengthen your profile for them and submit your applications.
Ask supportive adults, as you make contacts in your high school and extracurricular activities, if they would consider writing letters on your behalf when it is time to apply for college admissions and financial aid.