Due in November

These four close within ten days of each other. If your child fits one, it is worth starting this week.

Regeneron Science Talent Search: November 5

The Regeneron Science Talent Search is a competition for seniors who have done an original, independent research project. The top award is $250,000. The 2027 application is due by 8 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Research done in any year of high school counts. The Society for Science requirements page lists what to submit.

Cooke College Scholarship: November 11

The Cooke College Scholarship is for high-achieving seniors with financial need. It can pay up to $55,000 per year toward a bachelor's degree, after the college's own aid. There is no published GPA minimum or income cutoff. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation says the application closes November 11, 2026.

Elks Most Valuable Student: November 12

The Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship gives 500 four-year awards. Twenty top winners receive $30,000 over four years and 480 runners-up receive $4,000. Your child does not need to be related to an Elk, but must be a U.S. citizen when applying. Permanent residents do not qualify. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Pacific on November 12, 2026, per the Elks National Foundation.

Robertson Scholars: November 15

The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program is a full scholarship for students applying to Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill. The early window closed October 15, and the regular deadline is November 15, 2026, according to the Robertson application page.

Due in January

  • JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest, January 11, 2027. An essay about an elected official who showed political courage. First place is $10,000, second is $3,000 and three finalists get $1,000. It is open to grades 9 through 12, so younger siblings can enter too. Details are on the JFK Library page.
  • DECA Scholarships, January 11, 2027. For current DECA members only. Awards run $1,000 to $2,500, and most ask for a transcript and three recommendation letters, so ask teachers early. See DECA's scholarship page.
  • Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, January 14, 2027. For seniors who are U.S. citizens with financial need, strong grades and a record of leadership and service. The application, a recommendation and the CSS Profile are due by 5 p.m. Eastern. The foundation's apply page has the full list.

Due February 1: for Elks families

If a parent or grandparent belongs to the Elks, look at the Elks Legacy Awards. The Elk must have joined by April 1, 2024 and stay a dues-paying member through March 31, 2027. Applications close at 11:59 a.m. Pacific on February 1, 2027. Test scores are not required this year, according to the Legacy Awards page.

How to keep this manageable

Pick the two or three that truly fit your child rather than applying to everything. A strong application to a good fit usually beats a rushed one. Put each deadline in a shared family calendar with a reminder a week early, because recommendation letters and transcripts take time to arrive.

What to do next

  1. This week: check which November awards fit, and confirm each deadline on the official site.
  2. By November 1: ask teachers for any recommendation letters you need.
  3. December: draft January essays over winter break, and file the CSS Profile if your child is applying to the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
  4. Keep going: browse every national scholarship for seniors we've verified.