Is 10th grade too early to apply for scholarships?

I'm in tenth grade, practically a junior in less than two months, and I have a question that hasn't been answered through any research or anyone else I know.
*When can I apply for scholarships and how do they work?*

I understand the necessity of obtaining financial aid for college and I'd appreciate this question to be taken seriously. I want to get into the Graphic Design field and all the colleges I've researched are pretty pricey!

NO NO NO!!! It is NEVER TOO EARLY to start getting money for college. I can't believe some of the responses you have gotten. In the AVID program at the MIDDLE SCHOOL I work at they are already having the kids apply for financial aid. the more you do/get now, the less you have to work later. People will be very impressed by a 10th grader already trying to get money for college!! I wish I had gotten a clue as a 10th grader. Also, you can be taking classes in high school that can count as college credit or fulfill certain college requirements, like a second language. Good luck. I am impressed and I hope you don't listen to the other people that naivley thought it was too early. How can getting free money racked up for your future ever start too early!!??

Raye,

Yes, tenth grade is too early. Scholarship committees want to see what your junior year, and in most cases, the beginning of your senior year grades are.

I'd recommend applying right before Christmas of your senior year.

Remember too - a lot of scholarships require essays. The English classes you take now and next year will be helpful, along with the knowledge you gain between now and then.
I sat on a scholarship two years ago and had to read 30 essays of 1000 words each. When we got to the final three it was tough. The easy part was weeding out the weakest 10. You can't afford to have a week essay where essays are required.

"Ranger"

Some, do have specific requirements about when you can apply, so read the requirements for the scholarships.

If you meet the standards, go for it. It doesn't hurt to give it a shot.

As far as I know, you would have to wait until your senior year. Scholarships usually renew every year, so the ones that you apply for in senior year are for the following fall. Apply early senior year. Don't wait until Jan or Feb. Have your SAT scores ready, so take them by June of junior year if possible.
They take a few weeks to report the grade. Apply for scholarships at colleges that you want to attend, but also go to FASTWEB. If you are in the NY area, and you are a REALLY GOOD artist, try Cooper Union. Everyone accepted there gets a full scholarship.

Yes