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34 No Essay Scholarships to Save Thousands on College

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What’s Covered:

Are “no-essay” scholarships worth it, where to focus your scholarship search.

• 34 No-Essay Scholarships  

Scholarships play a large role in many students’ plans for how to pay for college, but completing the applications for some scholarships is time-consuming—especially for students who are busy taking challenging courses and involved with extracurricular activities. Luckily, some scholarships are easier to apply for than others, like the no-essay scholarships listed below. 

No-essay scholarships are easier to apply for than other, more involved scholarships, so it doesn’t cost you much in time or effort to apply. However, because they’re easy to apply for, they receive a lot of applications, which means more competition and lower odds of winning. It is also less clear how no-essay scholarship recipients are selected without an essay to set your application apart.  

If you choose to apply for no-essay scholarships, just know that they are just a part of a strategy for winning awards to college and are best-suited as a supplement to local and more niche scholarships. If you don’t like the idea of writing an essay, look for a scholarship with an equivalent task, like making a video or creating a piece of art instead. 

Outside scholarships garner a lot of attention, but colleges and universities are actually the best place to look for scholarships—schools themselves grant $175 billion in scholarship money annually! It’s also worth noting that college awards are often larger than outside awards; 80% of external scholarships are less than $2,000, which looks great on paper but will only put a small dent in the cost of most colleges. 

You have the best chance of winning a merit-based scholarship from a college or university. While super-selective schools with applicants fighting for admission often don’t offer merit-based scholarships—for example, none of the Ivy League colleges do—less selective colleges are often anxious to attract strong applicants. This makes applying to a college where your profile is particularly strong a smart strategy for getting a merit scholarship .

34 No-Essay Scholarships 

1. “be bold” no-essay scholarship.

Amount: $25,000

Deadline: December 31 

Eligibility: Students of any education level, school, field of study, and GPA considered

This scholarship is for bold students who are determined to change the world one step at a time. No essay is required to win this eye-popping award. Instead, create a bold profile highlighting your earnestness, determination, and how you’re moving toward your goals for a chance to win.

2. Scholarships360 No-Essay Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: September 30 

Eligibility: All students—including high school students, community college students, undergraduates, and graduate students

No essay is required to win this generous award. Simply sign up for Scholarship360—a scholarship newsletter—for your chance at $1,000 for college. 

3. $2,000 “No-Essay” College Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: Monthly  

Eligibility: All high school and college students

The name says it all: no essay is required to receive this $2,000 college scholarship. Simply create an account for a chance to win this substantial award. A winner is chosen monthly and the money can be used to cover tuition, housing, books, or any other education-related expenses.

4. $2,000 Nitro Scholarship

Deadline: Monthly 

Eligibility: 

• Age 17 or older
• A parent with a child enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S. 
• A student enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S. 
• A parent with a high school senior in the U.S.
• A high school senior located with the U.S. 
• A student or a parent who has graduated from an accredited undergraduate school and is paying back debt from educational expenses

No essay is needed to win a $2,000 Nitro Scholarship. Applicants only need to complete a short application for this chance to win this award and to take a step to control the cost of college. 

5. The Student Loan Hero Smart Money Giveaway

Eligibility: Legal U.S. residents in the contiguous U.S. and Washington, D.C., 18 years of age and older

This scholarship wants you to take control of your college finances so you can focus on your future. Entry is easy—just fill out a short online application. 

6. College Board “Complete Your FAFSA” Scholarships

Amount:   $500

Deadline: October through February 

Eligibility: Current high school seniors in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories

The College Board—the organization that administers the SAT—provides scholarships to students for simply filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The College Board will give out 500 awards every month from October through December and 100 awards in both January and February.

7. College Board “Complete Your Journey” Scholarships

Amount: $40,000

Deadline: February 

Complete the College Board’s six steps of college planning for your chance at one of 25 $40,000 scholarship opportunities. The program is open to students from all financial backgrounds, however, at least half of the scholarships will go to students from families who earn less than $60,000 annually. 

8. ScholarshipPoints Scholarship Program

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: Quarterly 

Eligibility:   

• Age 13 or older
• U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident 
• Attending or planning to attend college in the U.S.

No GPA, no essay, and no hassle! To enter for an opportunity to win one of these impressive awards, simply fill out an online application. In addition to the quarterly $10,000 scholarships, ScholarshipPoints also draws three $1,000 scholarships monthly.

9. Christian Connector Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: May 31

Eligibility:  

• Age 13 or older 
• Must enroll for the first time as a full-time student at a Christ-centered Christian college, university, or Bible college

Sign up to receive information about Christian colleges—and for a chance at winning this handsome scholarship award for college. The scholarship is only open to students planning to attend a Christ-centered Christian college, university, or Bible college. The funds are sent directly to the winner’s school of choice. 

10. No Essay ‘You Deserve It’ Scholarship

Amount: $2,222

Deadline: December 29

• Age 16 or older 
• Legal resident of the U.S. or its territories (Rhode Island and Michigan applicants are ineligible)
• Enrolled in a qualified high school, college, or university in the U.S.

Sign up for ScholarshipOwl (a scholarship service) and you’re simultaneously registered for a chance to win a $2,222 award. Your odds of winning are about 1 in 140,000—not too bad considering there is no essay required and sign up is quick. 

11. CollegeXpress $10,000 Scholarship Contest

• Legal U.S. resident 
• Must enter a CollegeXpress member college as a full-time freshman, transfer, or graduate student for the fall term 

Just create a CollegeXpress profile for a chance at $10,000 to use at a CollegeXpress member college . Winners of this no-essay scholarship are selected at random. 

12. Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Amount: $1,500

• Must enroll for the first time as a full-time student at a Catholic college

Sign up to receive information about Catholic colleges—and for a chance at winning this handsome scholarship award for college. The scholarship is only open to students planning to attend a Catholic college, university, or Bible college. The funds are sent directly to the winner’s school of choice. 

13. Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award 

Amount: $5,000

• Resident of the U.S. or its territories
• High school seniors, college students, students who’ve earned a General Education Development (GED), or parent/guardian of an aforementioned person

Sign up to receive emails that provide helpful college tips and useful resources and get entered to win one of 12 annual $5,000 awards. Complete a survey after registering for emails for an additional entry for the scholarship. 

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

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14. Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship  

Deadline: Semi-annually (spring and fall)

Eligibility: Attending an accredited school in the U.S. or accepted to an accredited school and set to begin within six months of application

Show off your creativity for a chance to win this no-essay scholarship. To enter, fill out a short application and either submit a web design or attach a link to a webpage. In addition to a scholarship, winners also receive a critique session with Lounge Lizard’s founder and CCO. 

15. Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship

Deadline: March 3

• Age 14 or older 
• Legal U.S. resident or international student with a student visa 
• High school, college, or university student 

While you don’t need an essay to win this generous scholarship, you are required to submit an original photo, artwork, or computer graphic for use on the front of a greeting card. Entries are limited to one per person, so send in your best work! 

16. Frame My Future Scholarship Contest 

Amount: $6,000

Deadline: April 1

• Legal U.S.resident
• Planning to enroll at a U.S. college or university in the fall

Show how you frame your future through photography, illustration, painting, or mixed media art for a chance at this ample award. Although no essay is required, applicants are asked to submit a brief overview of their piece (no more than 500 characters). 

17. Annual Faith-Based College Scholarship

• Must enroll for the first time as a full-time student at a faith-based college

Sign up to receive information about faith-based colleges and for a chance at winning this handsome scholarship award for college. The scholarship is only open to students planning to attend a faith-based college, university, or Bible college. The funds are sent directly to the winner’s school of choice. 

18. Sallie Mae $5,432 Sweepstakes

Amount: $5,432

Deadline: December 31

Entering for this scholarship is easy, all you need to do is complete an online registration for your chance at this $5,432 award. 

19. Ascent Scholarships 

Amount: Varies 

• Age 18 or older 
• Legal U.S. resident or DACA student
• Enrolled at least half-time in a degree program or technical skills training program 

Ascent Scholarship giveaways are designed to help students cover school-related expenses such as tuition, books, rent, groceries, parking, and transportation. No essay is required, all you need to do is register for a chance to win one of these awards. 

20. The “No Sweat” Scholarship

• Between 8th and 12th grade 

Create an account and complete a portfolio for your chance at this super scholarship which you can use for any educational purpose—from books to summer camp. The more complete your profile is, the better your odds of winning are. 

21. Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

• U.S. residents, DACA and undocumented students, and international students currently studying in the U.S.
• Current high school, college, and graduate students

Paying for school is stressful which is why this scholarship is intentionally low pressure. Complete the online registration to enter. Follow Access Scholarships on Instagram for an extra entry. You can use the scholarship for any educational expense—including tuition, textbooks, housing, and technology. 

22. Cappex Easy Money Scholarship

Eligibility: Current high school or college student 

No need to stress about your GPA or an essay when entering this scholarship contest. Simply answer a few simple questions for your chance at one of these awards. 

23. Scholarships4Moms 

Deadline: December 15

• Age 18 or older
• U.S. legal resident
• Mother or expectant mother 
• Enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. or will enroll in one within three months 

The Scholarships4Moms award is designed to help mothers meet their educational goals. Founded by a group of moms, who understand how busy moms are, signing up is quick and easy. All you need to do is complete a short entry form. 

24. College Survey Scholarship

Eligibility: College undergraduate or graduate student and undergraduate or graduate alumni who graduated within the last four years

All it takes to enter this running for this scholarship is to fill out a college survey on Niche, a ranking, and review website. Your responses are anonymous and are displayed on Niche to help other students to find the right college for them. 

25. Easy Scholarships

• Age 25 years or younger
• Living in the U.S. or Canada (or a citizen of either country but living abroad)

No GPA requirements or essays are required to participate in this scholarship contest. For a chance to win, you simply must sign up for a campaign, complete it, and take a photo to document your participation. Campaigns are quick and completed in under five minutes!  

26. SuperCollege Scholarship

Eligibility: High school, college, or graduate student, or adult planning to go back to school

Just fill out the application and answer a few simple questions about your college plans for the opportunity to win this award. You can use the scholarship to pay for any education-related expenses. For example, tuition, books, computers, or room and board.

27. Debt.com Scholarship For Aggressive Scholarship Applicants

Amount: $500

Deadline: Every other month 

Eligibility: Actively applying for scholarships

This scholarship rewards students with the drive to earn scholarships and the willingness to fight for financial independence. In order to win, you need to send confirmations from all of the scholarships you’ve applied to. Also, while there is no essay, you are required to submit a short biographical letter.

28. MyMozaic Monthly Scholarship Contest

Deadline: Every month 

Eligibility:

• U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Enrolled in high school or college in the U.S.

Simply create a profile at MyMozaic.com and answer a few simple questions—like your graduation year, your GPA, and the major(s) you’re interested in—for the opportunity to win one of these monthly, no-essay scholarships. 

29. WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: Jun 1 

Eligibility: Current college student

Create a profile at WayUp—a jobsite for college students and recent college graduates—for a  chance of winning a $1,000 scholarship. The stronger your profile and the more internships and jobs you apply for, the better your odds are to receive an award.  

30. College Ave Scholarship Monthly Sweepstakes

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident 
• Enrolled in high school or a post-secondary educational institution or are the parent or legal guardian of a person enrolled in a high school or a post-secondary educational institution 

Earning this $1,000 simply requires filling out a very short entry and a little luck. Winners are chosen monthly!  

31. Give Me Liberty Easy Scholarship

• U.S. citizen 
• High school senior or enrolled in an accredited institution in the U.S.

The intention of this scholarship is to provide every student with an equal opportunity to experience freedom from the burden of tuition and loans. Recipients are selected through a lottery which gives every applicant the same chance of winning—regardless of their academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and essay writing skills. 

32. Because College is Expensive Scholarship

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, along with current college students and anyone else looking to attend college or graduate school

If you’re planning to attend college you’ll want to look into this scholarship—all it takes is completing a short application to enter for a chance to win. Only one entry per quarter is allowed. 

33. Return 2 College Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 31

• U.S. citizen or legal resident 
• Starting a program of higher education—either undergraduate or graduate—within the next 12 months or are currently full or part-time students 

While this scholarship doesn’t require an essay it does ask you to compose three sentences answering the question why are you getting your degree? Have a lot to say? Perfect, more than one entry is allowed, but more than a dozen are discouraged. 

34. Project Yellow Light Create a Billboard Scholarship   

Deadline: March 1

• Legal U.S. residents 
• High school juniors and seniors, along with undergraduate and graduate students 

Design a billboard to promote safe driving to a broad audience and draw attention to this important topic. In addition to a scholarship, winners may see their design grace a billboard or used on the web and other digital platforms. 

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Top 20 No Essay Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

Introduction: no essay scholarships.

Let's talk about no-essay scholarships. Whether you've been applying to scholarships for a while or you're completely new to the scholarship process, chances are, at some point you've felt tired, frustrated, or even fully on fed-up with writing all of those essays. Finding financial aid can be a lot of work - I feel you!

A smart strategy when applying for scholarships is to mix up the types of scholarships you're applying for. But what does this actually mean?

Well, if you're familiar with the world of scholarships, you've probably discovered that there are scholarships out there of all sorts, shapes, and sizes.

Some scholarships are for small amounts (think: anywhere from $100 to a few thousand dollars) while others go for larger amounts (sometimes even full-tuition!). Some scholarships have long lists of application requirements, while others only ask you to write a sentence, upload your transcript, or fill out a form.

So, when I say "mix up the types of scholarships you're applying for", I'm saying that it's important to consider things such as scholarship type (is there an essay required?), amount (generally, scholarships with  bigger awards  are harder to earn), and category (how specific does the scholarship get in terms of matching your unique profile?).

This post covers one specific type of scholarship that I'm sure you'll enjoy incorporating into your scholarship strategy: a no-essay scholarship!

Most of these no essay scholarships are open to high school , college , and  graduate  school students, be sure to get those easy applications in, and keep your toes crossed while you get to work on some of those other more labor-intensive opportunities.

*Pro-tip - While some of these no essay scholarships currently have specific deadlines, keep them bookmarked because they often renew monthly, quarterly, or yearly!

20 No essay scholarships to apply for ASAP!

Too cool to pay for school no essay scholarship.

Award Amount:  $1,000

Scholarship Deadline:  Quarterly (last day of the month in September, December, March, and June)

PS - this is one of no essay scholarships awarded by Access Scholarships (that's us!). It's open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students studying in the United States, and is an easy way to win $1,000. 

Niche $10,000 No Essay Scholarship

Award Amount:  $10,000

Scholarship Deadline:  Rolling

ScholarshipPoints No Essay $2,500 Monthly Scholarship

Amount : $2,500 

Deadline : Expires on the last day of each month

Eligibility: The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship is a monthly no essay scholarship open to all high school and college students ages 16 and older, who are US residents!

Smart Owl No Essay $1,000 Scholarship

Amount : $1,000 (4 awards per month!)

Deadline : Expires on the 28th or 29th of each month

Eligibility: The Smart Owl Scholarship is a monthly no essay scholarship open to all high school and college students ages 16 and older, who are US residents!

Sallie Mae College Scholarship

Award Amount : $2,000

Scholarship Deadline : Monthly

Eligibility- Open to high school juniors & seniors and all college students

CollegeVine No Essay $2,000 Scholarship

Award Amount:  $2,000

Scholarship Deadline:  December 31

Open to high school students of all years (must be a US resident).

Bold $25,000 Scholarship

Amount:  $25,000

Deadline:  Continuous

CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship

Award Amount:  $2,500

Scholarship Deadline:  Last day of each month

Niche No Essay Scholarship

Scholarships360 $10,000 scholarship.

Scholarship Deadline:  Rolling 

Open to high school sophomores and juniors in the US. 

Appily Easy Money Scholarship

Around the corner from college scholarship.

Award Amount : $1,000

Scholarship Deadline : December 31, June 30

Open to all high school students, including students with DACA status and international students who are planning on attending a higher education institution in the US! 

Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount:  $25,000

Scholarship Deadline: Rolling

Christian Connector Scholarship

Eligibility:  Open to high school juniors and high school seniors who are interested in or planning to enroll in a Christian college or university.

Direct Textbook Photo Essay Scholarship

Award Amount:  $500

Discover Student Loans Scholarship Contest

Scholarship Deadline:  January 4

Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  February 27 and October 10

Create A Greeting Card Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  March 9

Frame My Future Scholarship

Award Amount:  $2,000 each (5 awards)

Scholarship Deadline: March 15

ULoop Dorm Survey Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline:  June 30

Frequently asked questions about no essay scholarships

Are no essay scholarships legit.

No essay scholarships are 100% legit!

No essay scholarships are created to be more like contests or sweepstakes. Generally, all you have to do to be considered is enter some information on an application page and you're good to go. This is in contrast with other more labor-intensive scholarships, that require a greater amount of work and time commitment (think: essays, letters of recommendation, videos, interviews).

The fact that no essay scholarships don't require a whole lot of effort (they're definitely the easiest opportunities out there!) doesn't mean that they aren't just as real as other scholarships that do have more detailed eligibility and application requirements to apply. In fact, no essay scholarships can sometimes be just as competitive as full-ride scholarships , given the fact that so many students apply for these opportunities.

At the end of the day, each and every scholarship we feature in our database and in our blog posts aims to guide students in the direction of legitimate opportunities to help you navigate the journey of paying for college.

What are some common qualities of a no essay scholarship?

The most identifiable quality of a no essay scholarship is the fact that it doesn't require an essay! Rather than asking students to upload an essay on the application page, these scholarships generally will ask for the completion of a form, or for students to upload a photo, video, or other unique type of submission. The fact that these scholarships can often be completed much more quickly and easily than other scholarships is what makes them so great.

You'll also find that the majority of no essay scholarships are open to a wide variety of students, and they usually won't have any specific eligibility requirements such as only being open to students in certain majors or with a certain minimum GPA.

Who is eligible to apply for no essay scholarships?

When it comes to eligiblity, as I mentioned just above, no essay scholarships are usually open to a wide range of students. For example, a no essay scholarship might be open to students ages 13 and older in the US, or maybe it's open to all high school students in the US. These eligibility criteria are very generous and intended to give all (or nearly all) students who want to apply an opportunity to do so.

How difficult is it to win a no essay scholarship?

Because no essay scholarships are usually open to so many different types of students, along with the fact that they often require very little effort on the part of the student (and run more like sweepstakes than real in-depth scholarships), means that they are difficult to win, and the process is unpredictable.

Luckily, because these scholarships require so little time commitment to apply, not winning one of these types of scholarships doesn't necessarily indicate that you've wasted your time applying, since it likely didn't take that much time in the first place!

How can I increase my chances of winning no essay scholarships?

No essay scholarships are open to such a wide variety of students in terms of eligible areas of study, state residency, and year in school. This, in combination with the fact that the winners for these scholarships are generally always selected at random, means that increasing your chances of winning one of these scholarships is very, very difficult.

In the spirit of full-transparency: the only way that you can actually increase your chances of winning no essay scholarships is by applying for all of them and not missing any deadlines.

For example, take Tallo's monthly no essay scholarships . They pick at least 12 winners each year, usually at the end of each month. If you want to maximize your chances of winning one of Tallo's no essay scholarships, you should set a reminder to make sure that you apply for them every month, so that you don't miss out on an opportunity to win.

Most of the no essay scholarships I've come across are for small amounts, such as $1,000. Why is this the case?

Most no-essay scholarships are for small amounts (think: $500 - $2,000) because, in comparison to other scholarships that have lots of application requirements, no-essay scholarships tend to run more like contests.

Organizations love to give back to students in any and all ways possible, and they also like to try to make student's lives easier by offering easy scholarship opportunities.

However, from the perspective of private organizations, many of them would rather save their scholarships of higher amounts to be distributed through competitive opportunities where they can select students on the basis of merit, leadership, and other qualities. That's why you'll probably never come across a full-ride scholarship that doesn't require an essay or extra submission of some sort!

Where can I find more scholarships to apply for?

There are tons of resources and places out there that you can use to find "harder" scholarships to apply for to pair with your efforts in applying to the easy ones.

The first place I recommend you go is over to the Access Scholarship Search Engine or Blog, where you can find all types of scholarships based on criteria such as home state, area of study, ethnicity, and more.

After that, I recommend you also do some surfing of the web, as well as outreach to your guidance counselor or financial aid office to help you find local scholarships and even more nuanced opportunities.

Important tips and things to keep in mind with no essay scholarships

Tip #1: apply often..

Many of these scholarships run continuously on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Set a reminder for yourself to revisit these scholarships each month and reapply to give yourself the best chance at winning one!

Tip #2: Find ways to get a leg up.

Scholarships with no essays that have any sort of additional component (like an art or video submission) will tend to give you a "leg up" because they involve more than some luck.

Take full advantage of scholarships like these by putting your best foot forward with that extra submission!

Tip #3: Make no essay scholarships one piece of the puzzle.

Scholarships with no essays should be a key component of your scholarship application strategy because of how easy they are to apply for.

However, it's important to remember they should be balanced with other scholarships that have more specific and stringent requirements.

When you apply for essay-based scholarships, you're given the opportunity to tell the committee about you, who you are and why you should be selected for the opportunity. The winners for these scholarships, unlike their no-essay counterparts, are not chosen at random, so if you choose these scholarships carefully, apply for ones that are specific to your qualities, and write strong essays, you'll have the best chances of winning at the end of the day!

General tips for applying for all kinds of scholarships

Navigating the world of scholarships can be stressful and confusing to say the least. Follow these tips to make sure you’re covering all of your bases and giving yourself the greatest possible chance at success!

#1: Get yourself organized before you dive right in.

Just like with any other part of the college / financial aid process, organization is crucial to success when it comes to searching and applying for scholarships.

My top organization-related recommendation for students is to start by creating a readily-accessible folder on your computer where you can then create subfolders for your scholarship essays, transcripts, and other application materials. This is also the place where you’ll want to house your scholarship tracker , which will help you keep track of scholarships you find, upcoming deadlines, and your overall progress.

#2: Do your brainstorming.

You likely wouldn’t start an essay on the American Revolution without doing some initial brainstorming and planning first. The same rule should apply for when it’s time to search for scholarships.

Sit down with a pen and paper or a blank word document open, and start to bullet out a list of traits and things that you feel make up who you are as a person. These things should be both academic and personal. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here’s a sneak peek into what my own personal list might look like:

-I am from New Jersey

-I am a business student with an interest in marketing

-I like to play sports (tennis, basketball, etc)

-I hold leadership positions in my extracurriculars

-I identify as female

-I am a twin

-I am left-handed

-I enjoy doing crossword puzzles

-I go to college in Wisconsin

I could go on and on with this list, but I won’t bore you! What I’m trying to get at though is that creating a list like this to track your hobbies, academic pursuits, and other things that make up who you are can be incredibly helpful in allowing you to find scholarships that are highly specific to you.

PS - For some students, this may also fall under the initial organization step of the process, but ultimately it doesn’t matter when you do it as long as it gets done.

#3: Know where to look.

Knowing what types of scholarships you want to search for doesn’t really matter if you don’t know where to actually search for them! Here are a few ideas on where you can get started in searching for scholarships:

- Scholarship search engines like AccessScholarships.com, which allow you to search through thousands of scholarship opportunities all in one place

- Normal search engines , such as Google (the more specific you can be here, the better)

-Your school’s college prep, guidance, or financial aid page/website

- Social media (you can follow scholarship accounts and hashtags that might be relevant to help you discover local scholarships)

- Family, friends, teachers, coaches, and other people in your community who might know of local or community-based scholarships that you’re eligible for

#4: If a scholarship has an essay or additional type of submission, make sure you put your absolute best foot forward.

This is, in my opinion, the biggest key to help students see success in actually winning scholarships.

You can have a 4.0 GPA and solid letters of recommendation, but if you don’t also take the time to carefully craft, edit, and perfect the essay (or other additional submission), you’re missing out on giving the scholarship committee the opportunity to learn more about who you are as a person and why you’re a great fit to win the award.

#5: Keep those grades up.

Although this eligibility requirement can definitely vary, many scholarships require students to have at least a 2.5 or 3.0 GPA. Sometimes, the minimum requirement can be even higher, such as a 3.75/4.0.

While grades certainly aren’t the end-all-be-all, keeping your GPA up (as high as you possibly can!) will make sure that you are opening yourself up to as many opportunities as possible.

#6: Apply often.

Unfortunately, applying for scholarships is not a “one and done” process. To give yourself the highest chance at seeing success, you should apply for scholarships as often as you can, or whenever you come across an opportunity that you think is worth applying for.

Many students find it helpful to set specific goals in this area, like to apply for 3 scholarships each month. Ultimately, the goal you set should be one that is specific and realistic, based on all of the other things that you’re juggling!

#7: Ask for feedback along the way.

If you don't ever take the time to assess your weak spots, how can you possibly improve?

Asking for feedback throughout the scholarship process, whether it be from a committee, a teacher, or someone who is helping you along the way, is crucial to helping you grow and becoming a stronger applicant. 

Getting feedback is especially important when it comes to the scholarship essay piece of the puzzle. When we write and edit, we tend to overlook our own mistakes because we're so used to making them. Sometimes it takes an extra set of eyes on an essay to help lead you in the direction of success.

No-essay scholarships: To conclude...

To summarize, no-essay scholarships can be a great addition to any overall scholarship strategy for high school, college, and graduate students.

Since no-essay scholarships often operate on a monthly or quarterly basis, you can give yourself a better chance at winning these scholarships if you enter in every application period that you're eligible for.

Although no-essay scholarships usually aren't for large amounts, the process of entering to win is usually an easy one, so there's no harm in applying for these scholarships to round out your strategy and yes, give you a break from all those essays!

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Top 40 Weird Scholarships in April 2024

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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Searching for scholarships can be a long and complicated process, and it’s usually a good idea to take a few different approaches to your search. You can find scholarships based on your demographics, your academic interests, your extracurriculars… or you can apply to some scholarships that are just plain weird. Our team has custom-selected the top weird scholarships out there to help spice up your scholarship application process. Let’s get into the scholarships!

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We helped over 4 million students find scholarships in 2023

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The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

• The scholarship requires a fee to apply
• The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
• The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
• Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
• The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
• The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
• The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
• There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
• The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
• There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!

* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system. ** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements. ***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high… Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education. Show Less

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Offered by Duck Tape

Are you a high school student with a love for innovative fashion design? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Stuck… Show More

Are you a high school student with a love for innovative fashion design? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest! Each year, the contest awards between $1,000 and $15,000 to the ten applicants who submit the most impressive prom dresses and tuxedo designs, made entirely from duct tape. The contest is offered by Duck Brand Duct Tape, a company with a long history of selling top-notch duct tape for a variety of purposes, now including making formal attire! If you’re a high school student wanting to put your fashion and creativity skills to the test, we encourage you to apply to the Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. Don’t duck out! Show Less

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!

Ocean Awareness Art Contest

Offered by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

Are you an 11 - 18 year old who has a passion for saving the environment and/or the ocean? Additionally, would you like to make… Show More

Are you an 11 - 18 year old who has a passion for saving the environment and/or the ocean? Additionally, would you like to make a statement about the impact of climate change through writing, artwork, or even dance? You might consider applying for the Ocean Awareness Art Contest! Dedicated to encouraging the next generation to get involved in ocean conservation (and environmentalism as a whole), the contest asks its applicants to create a piece of artwork that reflects an impact/aspect of the current environmental crisis and its effect on the ocean. Each year has a specific theme to focus on, with this year being climate change. If you would like to make a statement about climate change’s impact on the ocean through art, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Minecraft Scholarship

Offered by Apex Hosting

Are you a high school or college student with a love for Minecraft? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the… Show More

Are you a high school or college student with a love for Minecraft? If so, we may just have the perfect opportunity for you: the Minecraft Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship offers $2,000 to one applicant who best writes about how Minecraft can positively influence one’s education and career development. The scholarship is offered by Apex Hosting, a Minecraft server provider dedicated to supporting both new and experienced server administrators. If you’re a high schooler or college student with a love for Minecraft, it’s time to put your passion to good use and apply to the Minecraft Scholarship! Show Less

Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Offered by Unigo

Are you a big fan of The Walking Dead, or maybe Z Nation? Ever thought about what you would do in the case of a… Show More

Are you a big fan of The Walking Dead, or maybe Z Nation? Ever thought about what you would do in the case of a zombie apocalypse? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship! Each year, this scholarship awards $2,000 to the applicant who, in 250 words or less, best describes their escape plan if there were a zombie outbreak at their school. The scholarship is offered by Unigo in hopes of helping some creative, zombie-obsessed students pay off some of their postsecondary education. If you’ve been inspired by the zombie shows and movies from the past few decades and have come up with a plan of your own, we encourage you to apply to the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship! It’s due exactly when you’d expect: on Halloween. Show Less

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

George & Susan Carter Scholarship

Offered by Washington Wine Industry Foundation

The George & Susan Carter Scholarship annually awards a $1,000, auto-renewing scholarship to one Washington state resident/student pursuing a post-secondary degree in viticulture or enology.… Show More

The George & Susan Carter Scholarship annually awards a $1,000, auto-renewing scholarship to one Washington state resident/student pursuing a post-secondary degree in viticulture or enology. This scholarship was created to help students of limited means achieve their educational goals by providing financial assistance for up to four years of study at the associate, bachelor, or graduate level. To learn more about the George & Susan Carter Scholarship, we recommend checking out this summary of each of the WWIF’s Scholarship’s Requirements. If you’re a student from and attending school in Washington State with a passion for studying viticulture or enology, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more. Show Less

WJA Student Scholarships

Offered by Women's Jewelry Association

The WJA Student Scholarships are funded by the Women's Jewelry Association, an organization that helps women in the jewelry and watch industries advance and develop… Show More

The WJA Student Scholarships are funded by the Women's Jewelry Association, an organization that helps women in the jewelry and watch industries advance and develop professionally through networking, education, leadership development, and the provision of member services. Every year, their WJA Student Scholarships award up to $7,000 to multiple female or female-identifying students who are currently enrolled in a jewelry, metalsmithing, or watch program. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details. Show Less

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be… Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month. Show Less

BrightSprout Crossword Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by My Crossword Maker powered by BrightSprout

The BrightSprout Crossword Scholarship celebrates the creativity and hard work that goes into crafting a successful crossword puzzle. My Crossword Maker, the sponsor of the… Show More

The BrightSprout Crossword Scholarship celebrates the creativity and hard work that goes into crafting a successful crossword puzzle. My Crossword Maker, the sponsor of the scholarship, believes that education should be accessible to all students, regardless of their background. Their annual scholarship rewards one talented student with a great prize. Unlike traditional scholarships, they award the scholarship to the best puzzle-maker in the land. To apply, students must create and submit a 15x15 newspaper-style crossword puzzle on Crossword Hobbyist according to the instructions provided. Join My Crossword Maker in celebrating the art of crossword puzzle-making and apply for the BrightSprout Crossword Scholarship! Show Less

John Kitt Memorial Scholarship

Offered by American Association of Candy Technologists

The John Kitt Memorial Scholarship is funded by the American Association of Candy Technologists, an organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the confectionery… Show More

The John Kitt Memorial Scholarship is funded by the American Association of Candy Technologists, an organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the confectionery industry. Each year, their John Kitt Memorial Scholarship awards $2,500 to one (1) college sophomore, junior, or senior attending a four-year U.S. university with a demonstrated interest in confectionery technology. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details. Show Less

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

Collegiate Inventors Competition

Offered by National Inventors Hall of Fame

The Collegiate Inventors Competition is funded by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, an organization that recognizes inventors, promotes creativity, and advances the spirit of… Show More

The Collegiate Inventors Competition is funded by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, an organization that recognizes inventors, promotes creativity, and advances the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Every year, their Collegiate Inventors Competition awards up to $10,000 to multiple university students in the U.S. who create an original invention in their field. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details. Show Less

NFDMA Women’s Auxiliary Scholarship

Offered by National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association

The NFDMA Women's Auxiliary Scholarship is a great opportunity for aspiring funeral directors to earn some funding for their schooling. To apply, candidates must provide… Show More

The NFDMA Women's Auxiliary Scholarship is a great opportunity for aspiring funeral directors to earn some funding for their schooling. To apply, candidates must provide a letter of reference from a licensed funeral director (ideally a member of NFD&MA) and another from a friend, counselor, school official, or clergyman. Don't miss out on this chance to further your education and career in the funeral industry. Show Less

$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeVine

Easy scholarship open to current high school students and college applicants. A free CollegeVine account with a completed chancing profile required to enter.

Rodeo Ticket Student Scholarship

Offered by Rodeo Ticket

Are you a post-secondary student in the U.S. who has attended a rodeo before? If so, you might consider applying for the Rodeo Ticket Student… Show More

Are you a post-secondary student in the U.S. who has attended a rodeo before? If so, you might consider applying for the Rodeo Ticket Student Scholarship! Dedicated to supporting rodeo enthusiasts of all backgrounds, the scholarship awards $500 to one passionate applicant each year. To apply, you must submit a 750-1,500 word essay in which you explain what inspired you to attend a rodeo, and what you learned through the experience. Winners will also have their photos posted on Rodeo Ticket’s social media and website. If you’re a rodeo-goer who wants to detail your experience(s) through writing, we encourage you to apply!  The scholarship cycle runs from January 1 to August 15th of each year. Show Less

Rubincam Youth Award

Offered by National Genealogical Society

Are you interested in your personal family history and genealogy? If so, consider applying for the Rubincam Youth Award! The Rubincam Youth Award is open… Show More

Are you interested in your personal family history and genealogy? If so, consider applying for the Rubincam Youth Award! The Rubincam Youth Award is open to middle and high school students who submit an appropriately prepared genealogy. The scholarship is offered by the National Genealogical Society, a genealogical interest group founded in 1903 in Washington, D.C. They were the first national genealogical organization and have long paved the way in the field of genealogy. The Rubincam Youth Award honors Milton Rubincam, a passionate genealogist with many years of service contributing to the National Genealogical Society and the field of genealogy. To honor his legacy, this award aims to encourage and recognize our youth as the next generation of family historians. Each year, the scholarship awards a $500 cash prize to one (1) high school student and a $250 cash prize to one (1) middle school student. It also includes a plaque and a one-year NGS membership. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

How to win weird scholarships

Now that you’ve got a list of some reliable weird scholarships, it’s time to get to work on your applications. There are many ways to ensure that your application stands out from the pack. One of the best ways to do this is to write a stellar essay. We can help you through that process, starting with the very beginning of the essay , which is oftentimes the hardest part for students! We can also help you adjust your writing to 250 and 500 word limits. Here are a few more materials to help you through your applications:

• How to write an essay about yourself
• How to write a “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay
• “Show, Don’t Tell” essay primer
• Ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships
• How to win local scholarships

Frequently asked questions about weird scholarships

How should i change my application approach when i apply for weird scholarships.

Weird scholarships are your opportunity to be your truest self! In the application, embrace who you are. This can be the perfect opportunity to write a quirkier than usual essay or be extra creative with a potential project. Weird scholarships are usually really niche, so the scholarship selection committee will appreciate authenticity.

How do I tell if a weird scholarship is a scam?

In your scholarship search, you may come across some opportunities that seem a bit shady. In these situations, there may be something else “weird” going on. Take a look at these tips for identifying common  scholarship scams . This will help you stay safe in your scholarship search.

Where else can I look for scholarship funding?

Weird scholarships are a great way to finance your education, but they’re not the only one. Make sure to expand your scholarship search into other categories. Our  scholarships search tool  is a great opportunity to find scholarships that range across all of your interests and demographic information. All of our opportunities are vetted and auto-update as they close and new ones open.

How can I supplement weird scholarships with other financial aid?

As great as scholarships are, they are not the only source of college funding. Remember to take advantage of need-based financial aid, especially federal opportunities. Make sure that you  fill out the FAFSA  to test your eligibility for institutional aid and federal grants such as the  Pell Grant .

Other scholarship lists to explore

• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• Top scholarships for women
• Easy scholarships to apply for
• Top no essay scholarships
• Top scholarships for college students

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38 Weird Scholarships for Unique Students in 2023

Are you a left-handed high school senior?  A Pokemon master?  A graduate student with a passion for tattoo removal? Believe it or not, there’s a scholarship for you.

As it turns out, there are more wacky and weird scholarships than you can imagine. And they’re here to help you make education affordable. Explore this list and find where you fit. When you’re ready, Going Merry makes applying a breeze . 

1. Stuck at Prom Scholarship

2. collegiate beef advocacy program, 3. national marbles tournament, 4. amish descendant scholarship fund, 5. getting real about distracted driving, 6. the unima-usa scholarship, 7. foreclosure.com scholarship, 8. starfleet scholarships, 9. gypsy lore society young scholars’ prize, 10. american fence association scholarships, 11. michael moody fitness scholarship, 12. dolphin galleries scholarship for the visual & creative arts, 13. future designer scholarship, 14. cosmetology scholarship, 15. square cow movers scholarship for community impact, 16. “be bold” no essay scholarship, 17. triumph over adversity, 18. sarah e. huneycutt scholarship, 19. tiffany green operator scholarship, 20. heisman high school scholarship, 21. two ten higher education footwear design scholarship, 22. cleveland browns foundation marion motley scholarship, 23. greater than gatsby annual scholarship, 24. skin care ox: beauty + wellness scholarship for women, 25. the zombie apocalypse scholarship, 26. american association for nude recreation education foundation, 27. american association of candy technologist’s john kitt memorial scholarship, 28. the asparagus club scholarship, 29. american fire sprinkler association scholarship, 30. national potato council scholarship, 31. doodle 4 google scholarship, 32. tall clubs international foundation scholarship, 33. “yes for liberty” constitution bee scholarship, 34. vegetarian resource group scholarship, 35. create-a-greeting-card, 36. flying musicians association solo program, 37. alpine scholarship, 38. bmw/sae engineering scholarship.

Start your search with these 38 unique college scholarships for high school students :

Amount : Up to $10,000

Niche : Crafty prom attireGet ready to create the ultimate prom attire with duct tape! With the Stuck at Prom Scholarship , you’ll be literally stuck at prom using Duck brand duct tape to assemble your outfit. High School Juniors and Seniors will create and wear prom attire assembled with the crafting tape, then take a photo, and submit their creation for public voting. There are 4 scholarship awards in total: 2 for the Dress Category and 2 for the Tux Category.

Amount: $2,000

Niche: Beef advocate

Don’t start beef. Instead, advocate for it and potentially earn a college scholarship! The Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program connects high school graduates to beef industry experts to access mentorship, cattlemen and cattlewomen, to help improve leadership skills.

Amount: Varies

Niche: Mibster

Fellow mibsters – a.k.a. marble shooters – the National Marbles Tournament awards 4 college scholarships per year. The requirements? Applicants must be between the age of 7-14 and have won a local marble championship. Gamers unite in Wildwood, New Jersey for a tournament of over 1,200 marble games for this wacky college scholarship contest. 

Amount : $20,000 worth of scholarships

Niche: Amish lifestyle

To qualify for the Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund , students must have grown up Amish and have a family who is continuing to live an Amish lifestyle. Students must also have earned their GED or high school diploma. The ADSFund aims to help Amish and former Amish students fund their college education.

Amount : $1,000

Niche: Educate people on the dangers of distracted driving

To raise awareness for distracted driving, scholarship applicants will design an advertisement to educate people on the dangers of not paying attention behind the wheel, while including a bit of humor or irony in the ad. The Getting Real About Distracted Driving scholarship is a creative opportunity to help fund your college tuition and do some community service! ( Like this scholarship? Also check out our Scholarship Bundle on safe driving .)

Amount: $1,000

Niche: Puppetry

The UNIMA-USA Scholarship awards American puppeteers who desire to study puppetry abroad. Scholarship applicants must either have professional experience in puppetry, a puppetry degree, or a demonstrated commitment to the art of puppetry in order to apply for this wacky scholarship.  

Amount: Up to $4,000

Unusual ask : Write about renting vs. owning a home

These college scholarships aim to educate the community about various topics in real estate. In order to apply to the Foreclosure.com Scholarship , simply enter the essay contest with a paper between 800 and 2,000 words about the pros and cons of renting versus owning a home. The first place winner receives a $4,000 scholarship while second and third place winners receive a $1000 scholarship.  

Niche : Star Trek fans

Star Trek fans can apply for these unique STARFLEET Scholarships worth $1,000. Applicants must have been members of STARFLEET for at least one year before applying for this unusual scholarship. STARFLEET is made up of hundreds of local chapters with the aim of providing a base for Star Trek fans to interact. 

Award : $500

Weird ask: Essay on Romani culture

The Gypsy Lore Society Young Scholars’ Prize aims to promote the study of Gypsies and Travelers in Romani culture. This unique scholarship is open to both college students and graduate students alike. The award will be given to the writer of the best unpublished paper on the topic, and Gypsy Lore Society members are given priority.  

Award: $5000

Niche : Family involved in fence industry

The American Fence Association awards these little-known college scholarships each year at FENCETECH. Recipients must either be employed in the fence industry or be the immediate family member of an employee in the industry. Additionally, American Fence Association Scholarship applicants must have a B average GPA and have done at least 40 hours of community service. Winners do not need to be members of the AFA to qualify. 

Amount: $1,500

Niche: Fitness-related career

High school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students may apply. The Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship supports students focusing on health and fitness related careers. Academic achievement and extracurricular activities are taken into applicant consideration but there is no GPA requirement.

Niche: Arts major or minor

Students must pursue an arts related major or minor for their higher education in order to apply for this unique scholarship. The Dolphin Galleries Scholarship asks for the works to relate to the expression of culture in the modern age. The art will be evaluated on originality, creativity, artistic skill, and substance. International students may apply.

Niche: Designer

College students with a flair for the arts and an interest in greeting card design are encouraged to apply to this Future Designer Scholarship . Applicants to this design-a-greeting-card scholarship will enter using original artwork. CardsDirect hints at wanting December holiday-themed works from scholarship applicants!

Amount: $2,500

Niche: Studying cosmetology

Students studying cosmetology or any related field may apply to this Cosmetology School Scholarship sponsored by Beauty Schools Directory. Example majors are esthetics, nail technician, fashion design, electrology, and barbering.  

Niche: Interested in helping the community

Students with an interest in community service are encouraged to apply to the Square Cow Movers Scholarship for Community Impact. The scholarship asks applicants to delve into explaining the important relationship between community projects and businesses in their essay contest.

Amount: $25,000

Niche: Risk-takers

Bold.org believes the future of our world will be molded by earnest, determined risk-takers. If that sounds like you, the “Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship contest should be on your list. The award amount is generous and will go a long way to help offset student loans. The winning profile will demonstrate a high degree of boldness and students who apply early have a greater chance of winning!

Niche: Tenacious learners

Each of us face challenges in everyday life. But for those living with a disability, even daily tasks like completing homework or being a full-time student can seem impossible. The Triumph Over Adversity Scholarship seeks to award determined high school students who have either personally overcome adversity to experience academic success or aided a friend in doing so. 

Amount: $20,000

Niche: Female golfers

If you’re a female student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who’s interested in golf, but not quite ready to play at the collegiate level, the Sarah E. Huneycutt Scholarship is an excellent opportunity to further your education and love of the game. The award adds to the college fund of one lucky recipient for four years of college or university at an accredited school in Florida. If you’re interested in exploring more scholarship programs specific to female college students, check out our comprehensive list .

Amount: $10,000

Niche: Music lovers

In the world of unusual scholarships, this one is just the right kind of weird – think jam sessions, music festivals, and live concerts. Funded by the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation, the Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship goes to support a student in their pursuit of a career in live entertainment. Win this essay contest by convincing the judges of your love for music and its impact on your career aspirations!

Niche: Community-minded athletes

The word “Heisman” conjures images of standout collegiate football players. But the Heisman High School Scholarship has a different focus: highlighting student-athletes with notable achievements off the field and in their communities. If your financial aid package wasn’t quite enough and you’re passionate about your community, this award and other community service-focused scholarships can help put a little extra money into your college fund!

Amount: $3,000

Niche: Sneakerheads

Ever thought about turning your love of sneakers into a career? The Two Ten Higher Education Footwear Design Scholarship could make that dream a reality. This unusual scholarship goes to a student studying design with a specific focus on footwear. Applicants must submit three different designs from their portfolio, so sharpen those pencils!

Niche: Football fans 

The Cleveland Browns want to support the next generation of Ohio-based sports executives and educators. If that sounds like a win to you, check out the Cleveland Browns Foundation Marion Motley Scholarship . This scholarship award supports two passionate students for four years of higher education. 

Niche: Content creators

Jay Gatsby is an American icon. Every depiction of him in popular culture is perfectly lit, shot, and edited – just like the photographs that’ll win the Greater Than Gatsby Annual Scholarship ! This scholarship program is targeted toward artistic-minded students, regardless of GPA, with dreams to pursue visual arts higher education and a career in photography or any related art form. 

Niche: Beauty buffs

Put your encyclopedic knowledge of face masks and eye creams to good use! The Skin Care Ox: Beauty + Wellness Scholarship for Women is a scholarship program for female students with a love for wellness and clean beauty. To be eligible for this weird scholarship, simply write a compelling essay about your commitment to a healthy lifestyle as a student. Winners receive a basket of organic beauty goodies in addition to financial aid!

Niche: Thrill seekers

The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship takes the cake for the most unusual scholarship! This creative essay contest asks students to imagine their school has been overrun by zombies, and then come up with a plan for survival. With no GPA requirement or letters of recommendation, applying for this scholarship money is much less scary than outrunning a hungry zombie. 

Niche: Nudists

If nude recreation – like swimming, hiking, or playing volleyball – is important to your mental health and wellbeing, check out this unique scholarship from the American Association for Nude Recreation Education Foundation. This scholarship contest rewards those with previous experience with the American Association for Nude Recreation.

Amount: $5,000

Niche: Dessert people

Talk about a delicious deal! The American Association of Candy Technologists’ John Kitt Memorial Scholarship rewards college students who are studying food science with an extra-sweet $5,000 scholarship. The scholarship money is paid in two installments throughout one school year. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in order to be eligible for this financial aid. 

Niche: Veggie vendors

If you envision a career selling asparagus at the farmers market or your local independent grocer, the Asparagus Club Scholarship can put some extra cash into your college fund. This award is open to students from college sophomores up to graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and above. 

Niche: Lucky students 

This scholarship opportunity requires nothing but luck and an intention to enroll in college. The American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship is chosen entirely at random and regardless of financial need or GPA. The AFSA has two competitions – one directed at high school seniors entering college and another for anyone of any age seeking a second chance at higher education after receiving their GED or high school diploma equivalent. 

Niche: Spud Lovers

Sponsored by the Potato Leadership, Education and Advancement Foundation, the National Potato Council Scholarship is a great target for graduate students with a focus on agricultural studies. Ideal candidates for this award will be conducting research that benefits the potato industry. The winner will be chosen based on a combination of criteria including academic achievement and areas of study related to the potato industry. 

Amount : $30,000

Niche : Illustrating Google

The Doodle for Google Scholarship is an award for artistic high school students who may submit a doodle illustrating the name “Google” using any materials. Students must also include a doodle description – an artist statement explaining the doodle and how it represents something that inspires the student. Doodles will be judged based on artistic merit, creativity, and theme communication (how well the student expresses the theme in the artwork and written statement). 

Niche: Tall people 

If you’re exceptionally height-advantaged, the Tall Clubs International Foundation Scholarship could be the scholarship for you. The application calls for high school students, either men and women under 21, who are entering their freshman year of college. The minimum height requirements for membership in Tall Clubs International is 5’ 10” for women and 6’ 2” for men. There’s no financial need or GPA requirement.

Amount: $3,500

Niche: History Buff

If you’re a U.S. history buff at a Kansas High School, the “ Yes for Liberty” Constitution Bee Scholarship is worth a look. Scholarship applicants will go through a four-part round of questions about the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, Founding Documents, and Federalist Papers. Applicants will run through true and false questions, and work through a series of multiple-choice questions. The final three scholarship awards will be determined by an oral presentation.

Amount: $5,000 – $10,000

Niche: Vegetarianism

Vegetarians and supporters alike – this group wants to know how you promote vegetarianism in your high school or community. An anonymous donor sponsors the Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship contest with two different award amounts: two $5,000 prizes and one $10,000 prize.

Amount: $10,000, plus $1,000 for your school

Niche: Greeting card creator

Show off your design skills by creating your own greeting card and submitting it to win the Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship . Students are encouraged to include original art to apply to this scholarship contest. Ages 14 and up may enter, from high school to college students.

Amount: First solo in flight training with instructor

Niche: Musicians wanting to fly

This very specific scholarship program is geared toward musicians who want to learn how to fly. Through the Flying Musicians Association Solo Program high school juniors and seniors in good standing must be nominated by their music director. FMA will then sponsor the student’s first solo in flight training with a participating flight school, or with a flight instructor who is FAA-certified.

Niche: Interest in Alpine culture

Students interested in studying Alpine culture in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and surrounding areas, are encouraged to apply for the Alpine Scholarship . Scholarship provider Minnesota Krampus, a nonprofit organization, promotes cultural traditions of St. Nikolaus and his Krampus. College students from any major may apply as long as their major supports the study of topics that involve the Alps and its people, including language, history, politics, music, and folklore.

Amount: $1500

Niche: Engineering aficionados

Across the globe, BMW is synonymous with luxury, technology, and innovation. To foster the next generation of trailblazers, BMW encourages interested high school students to apply for the BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship . The ideal awardee will demonstrate an extracurricular interest in the fields of engineering, technology, or math and an intention to pursue a degree in one of those subjects. 

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30 NO-ESSAY Scholarships for the Class of 2023

With so many application deadlines and SAT test dates piling up, applying for scholarships can quickly become overwhelming. Especially when those scholarships make you jump through hoops by writing essays and submitting transcripts. The stress of writing a scholarship essay on top of keeping up with school can deter students from taking advantage of free money . That’s not the case with these no essay scholarships. From surveys to sweepstakes these easy scholarship applications are a breeze. These programs want to help busy students like you pay for school, without adding extra stress to your life. Calling Class of 2023, these scholarships are looking for you! 

Applying to these scholarships is a no-brainer. Want more opportunities to score free money? 

Check out our other scholarship lists! 

Our Top Scholarship Pick

The $25,000 “be bold” no essay scholarship.

Rolling monthly application deadlines. Next deadline: June 1, 2023

Award: Awards $25,000

Overview: The $25,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile. No-Essay Scholarship in just a few clicks! Fund your education with verified new scholarships, available only on Bold.org. New scholarships are added daily, and membership is 100% free for students.

$2,000 Nitro Scholarship

Deadline: March 3, 2022 

Award Amount: $23,410 20 winners, $1,170 each

Overview: The Skin Grip Diabetes Scholarship will be awarded to 20 individuals who live fearlessly and fight to make the world a better place despite their diagnosis.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a high school senior or any undergraduate in a 2- or 4-year degree program who has diabetes. To apply, please upload a short video (can be filmed via cell phone, Zoom, etc) two minutes max, answering this question:

How do you live fearlessly with diabetes?

$1,000 Cappex Easy College Money Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2023

Award Amount: $2,000

Overview: Apply to Nitro’s monthly No-Essay Scholarship in seconds for a chance to win $2,000!

2022 HireAHelper Skilled Trade & Technology Scholarships

Deadline:  July 17, 2023.

Award: $2,000

Overview: Growing demand and lack of qualified workers in skilled trades like the moving industry means it’s a great time to go back to school and enter these lucrative and fast-growing industries. To help keep up with demand and assist the next generation of professionals, HireAHelper will award a $2,000 scholarship four times a year to eligible students.

Kahoot Live Scholarship

Deadline: May 26, 2023

Award Amount: $500

Overview: Do we have any Swifties in the house? If so, this Kahoot scholarship is just for you! We will quiz you on all things Taylor Swift to test out just how much of a Swiftie you really are.

Hop on our Instagram live on Thursday, May 25 at 9 PM Eastern to join us as we give away another $500 scholarship to the winner of this Swifie-fied Kahoot game!

As always, we must have at least 1,000 viewers on the live stream and 1,000+ players in the Kahoot game to award the scholarship, and you must be a current or future college student with a Bold.org profile to participate.

ScholarshipPoints Scholarships

Deadline: See Website

Award Amount: Up to $10,000

Overview: Complete the form to be automatically entered into our $10,000 scholarship!

Scholly No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: June 1, 2023

Overview: Are you looking to secure funding for college or graduate school?

We’ve partnered with Scholly to create this exclusive scholarship for high school students, transfer students, college students, and current or prospective graduate students.

CampusReel No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount:$500

Overview: Are you on the hunt for financial aid for college?

We’ve partnered with CampusReel to create this exclusive scholarship for high school students, transfer students, college students, and current or prospective graduate students.

AFSA High School Senior Contest

Deadline: January 1, 2024.

Overview:  The High School Senior College Scholarship Contest is open to high school seniors who are citizens or aliens legally residing in the USA. Scholarship funds are payable to the winner’s college/university or certified trade school in the United States; winner must enroll for classes beginning no later than Fall 2022 session. Winner selection is NOT based on financial need, GPA or demographic criteria. Home-schooled students may apply as long as course of study is equivalent to that of a senior in high school.

GoSkills Scholarship

Deadline: Fall Deadline: Sept. 15 (11:59PM PST) Fall Award Date: Oct. 15 Spring Deadline: March 15 (11:59PM PST) Spring Award Date: April 15

Overview: Okay, Female high school and college students, here is your time to debut your online business ambitions. There are open-ended questions on the application, but it’s more like a friendly conversation. The questions ask you about your concerns and your role models. Besides the application, you need to provide a link to your business plan (GoSkills provides instructions for your business plan right above the area for the link). If you don’t get excited about writing an essay, try your hand at mapping a business plan

Nitro Pay For College No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $10,000

Overview: We’ve partnered with Nitro to create this exclusive no-essay scholarship for anyone thinking through how to pay for college.

Nitro is a leading financial aid and loan resource platform, guiding you on everything from the FAFSA to best practices for federal and private loans.

By applying, you’ll automatically get registered for Nitro, setting you up for success in funding your education in the most effective way. The scholarship will be awarded to applicants who get the most out of the Nitro platform.

Bold.org No-Essay Community Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000

Overview: This scholarship is for students who recognize the value of a strong community, and are always on the lookout for ways to help their friends and strengthen their community. It will be awarded to a student who has invited many friends to join Bold.org.

To invite a friend, visit your Invite Friends page on the Bold.org dashboard to copy your unique invite code and text it to your friends. For each friend who creates a profile, your chances of winning the Community Scholarship go up.

AFSA $2,000 College Scholarship

Deadline: January 1, 2024

Overview: The Second Chance College Scholarships Contest is open to citizens and aliens legally residing in the USA with High School Diploma, GED or equivalent. Scholarship funds are payable to the winner’s college/university or certified trade school in the United States; winner must enroll or already be enrolled for Spring 2022 session. Winner selection is NOT based on financial need, GPA or demographic criteria.

Expand Your Horizons Scholarship

Deadline: April 28, 2024

Overview: Getting the most out of life requires both the courage to explore the world, and the kindness and openness to welcome and accept all those you meet along the way.

One student whose profile demonstrates an openness to learning about other cultures and sharing their own will receive $2,000 to help them continue on their path to travel and learn.

This may include studying new languages, traveling to study in a new place, teaching or learning art styles or cooking methods from a new culture, or anything else that demonstrates openness to new cultures in your school, work, or hobbies.

Launchy Web3 Scholarship

Deadline: April 30, 2024

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: Chain Catalyst by Launchy is a free newsletter for web3 builders and investors.

We’ve partnered with Chain Catalyst by Launchy to create this exclusive scholarship. By applying, you’ll automatically be subscribed to the Chain Catalyst by Launchy newsletter, getting web3 tips, news, and insights delivered directly to your inbox.

The scholarship will be awarded to applicants who get the most out of Chain Catalyst by Launchy.

Scholarships4Moms

Deadline: June 15, 2023

Overview: Over $1.2 million in scholarships given away. You could be the next winner!

CARiD.com Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2023

Overview: CARiD is giving away $1,000 to offset your educational expenses for college! Just getting the essentials can add up quickly and CARiD wants to help – books, food, backpacks, some sweet spinners for your commuter vehicle, or whatever else you need to get ready for school! Most importantly – CARiD believes in higher education and wants to help you achieve your goals!

Barbara Lotze Scholarship

Deadline: December 1, 2023

Overview: Undergraduate students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula and high school seniors entering such programs are eligible. Successful applicants receive a stipend of up to $2,000 and a complimentary AAPT Student Membership for one year. The scholarship may be granted to an individual for each of four years.

Richard “88 Fingers” Turner, Jr. Music Scholarship

Deadline: August 1, 2023

Overview: Richard “88 Fingers” Turner, Jr. is a beloved husband and talented pianist.

Known for his dexterity and musical talent, Richard has inspired the next generation of aspiring African American musicians. In order to truly thrive in the industry, it’s critical for musicians to have a strong educational foundation, which can often be inaccessible due to the high cost of college.

This scholarship seeks to honor Richard Turner, Jr. by supporting African American musicians in their pursuit of education.

Any African American two or four-year undergraduate student who is pursuing a music degree and career may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, submit a 2-3 minute video of yourself performing.

“A Bold Mind” Psychology No-Essay Scholarship

Overview: Psychology is a great career field for students with a deep sense of curiosity about human behavior and the mind.

This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about psychology so they can afford to pursue their education.

Any student who is pursuing psychology may apply for this exclusive no-essay scholarship!

“Science for Life” Biology and Health Sciences No-Essay Scholarship

Overview: Biology and health sciences can require significant education which can be difficult for the average student to afford without becoming buried in debt.

This scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing biology and the health sciences so that they can complete their degrees no matter their financial status.

Any student who is interested in studying biology or the health sciences may apply for this no-essay scholarship opportunity!

Milk Road Crypto and Web3 No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: August 16, 2022

Packed with insights, analysis, and entertainment, The Milk Road helps you get smarter about crypto without ever feeling dumb, regardless of how much you already know.

We’ve partnered with The Milk Road to create this exclusive scholarship. By applying, you’ll automatically be subscribed to The Milk Road, giving you essential crypto insights straight to your inbox.

This scholarship will be awarded to applicants who get the most out of The Milk Road. You will be a strong applicant if you:

• Read The Milk Road every day
• Share The Milk Road with your friends
• Apply what you learn to accelerate your education and career

CollegeXpress No-Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,200

Overview: Are you a high schooler preparing to navigate through your college experience?

We’ve partnered with CollegeXpress to create this exclusive scholarship for high school students who are interested in college resources, an opportunity related to our 30 other no-essay scholarship awards.

This scholarship is also unique in that it will favor students who apply earlier—who are bold and seize the day without procrastinating.

The Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award Sweepstakes

Overview: Sign up for emails to get helpful college tips and resources, and enter for the chance to win a scholarship! Throughout the year, 12 eligible students or parents will be randomly selected to win a $5,000 Discover Student Loans Scholarship Award to help cover college expenses.

Huntington’s College Scholarship Sweepstakes

Deadline: June 30, 2023

Award Amount: $4,000

Overview: Scholarship contest for college-bound students. Simply submit this Official Entry form by the deadline posted in the Official Rules and you could win a $4000 College Scholarship!

Italian Catholic Federation Scholarships

Deadline: See Website 

Award Amount: Up to $1,000

Overview:  Since 1964, the Italian Catholic Federation has awarded over $2,000,000.00 in scholarships to more than 6,000 high school students, of the Catholic faith, attending college. Each spring, the Italian Catholic Federation receives nearly 400 applications for its yearly scholarship awards. Applications are received from students in public as well as Catholic high schools in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Illinois.

No Essay Smart Owl Scholarship

Deadline: May 29, 2023

Award Amount: $7,000

Overview:  Apply Me, Inc. (“ScholarshipOwl”) is pleased to offer this scholarship sweepstakes (“Scholarship Sweepstakes”) in which you can apply for a chance to win a scholarship to be paid by ScholarshipOwl directly to your qualified high school, college or university.

For What It’s Worth Scholarship

Overview: We’ve partnered with For What It’s Worth to create this exclusive scholarship. By applying, you’ll automatically be subscribed to the For What It’s Worth newsletter, getting tips and news delivered directly to your inbox so you can invest in the world that you want.

The scholarship will be awarded to applicants who get the most out of For What It’s Worth. You will be a strong applicant if you:

• Read For What It’s Worth every week
• Share For What It’s Worth with your friends
• Engage with For What It’s Worth’s content

Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest

Deadline: June 7, 2023 

Overview: We’re giving away $20,000 in cash scholarships to high school students who make the best prom attire out of Duck® Brand Duct Tape! New this year? You can document your journey to prom perfection in a short video or written essay. Plus, once the voting period starts, a live voting counter lets you see the results in real time.

“A Bold Life” No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: July 31, 2023

Overview: Regardless of where you find yourself today, remember that you only have one life to live, and it’s up to you to make it count. Embracing the world with boldness can help you do that.

To encourage people to create an adventurous and exciting life as they define it, the “A Bold Life” No-Essay scholarship exists to support a student who will do what it takes to live life to the fullest.

The scholarship is open to all students and non-students from any field of study. The only requirement is that you’re committed to overcoming fear and relentlessly pursuing a life that will leave you fulfilled.

More Helpful Guides:

How to Find—and Win—Scholarships: Your Complete Guide

How I Landed My Dream Internship

Make a List, Check It Twice: A College Applications Guide

Three Difficult Conversations to Have About Affording College

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to products and services. We may receive commissions for purchases made through these links.

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Top 33 No Essay Scholarships for January 2023

Jennifer Finetti Nov 2, 2022

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Are you fed up with writing tedious essays over and over again to apply for scholarships? We feel you. The good news is – in many cases you don’t have to! In fact, there are lots of great scholarships that don’t require an essay at all.

These no essay scholarships come in all sorts, shapes and sizes. Some of them are quick scholarships that you can apply to in a few minutes, while others focus on various creative achievements or talents in specific areas. For example – filmmaking, physics, or even duct tape prom creations! Their amounts can also vary from $100 to a few thousand dollars.

In this post, we will cover the top no-essay scholarships, but first, let’s go over some tips that will make your application easier:

Tips for applying to no essay scholarships

1.competitions are better than randomized drawings.

Scholarships that are easy to apply to attract many students. Yet, many of them are essentially randomized drawings that you’ll have reduced odds of winning.

The fastest path to earning scholarships

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships.

On the other hand, scholarship opportunities that require applicants to submit something can help your chances greatly. Submitting a video, a portfolio, or a photograph you took may take a little time and effort, but it may well be worth your while.

2. Don’t give up

If you don’t win a scholarship, apply again. Many “no essay scholarships” reopen each month.

3. Check out similar scholarship categories

If you don’t want to put too much time into essays, you might want to consider applying for social media scholarships. Some of these may ask you to submit a brief text as part of your social media post, but this is far shorter than what an essay scholarship would require.

Now, let’s dive right into our top picks.

Best no essay scholarships for December 2022

1. $10,000 CollegeXpress

Deadline: May 1, 2023

2. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest

Deadline: March 23, 2023

Award amount: $10,000

3. $ 10,000 Unigo Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2022

4. Frame My Future Scholarship

Deadline: April 1

Award Amount: $5,000

5. Scholarship Points $2,500 Monthly Scholarship

Deadline: Monthly

6. $2,500 Christian College Scholarship Drawing

Deadline: May 31

7. CollegeExpress Monthly Scholarship

Deadline: Last day of each month

Award Amount: $2,500

8. The James Alan Cox Foundation Student Photography Scholarship

Eligibility: High school, college, and graduate students who submit photojournalistic images

Deadline: November 15, 2022

Award amount: $2,500

9. Smart Owl No-Essay Scholarship

Deadline: 28th or 29th of each month

Award amount: $2,222

10. Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers

Deadline: December 1

11. Nitro College Scholarship

Award amount: $2,000

12. Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship

Eligibility: Current high school freshman, sophomore, or junior interested in attending a Protestant university or college.

Deadline: May 31, 2023

Award amount: $1,500

13. Annual Catholic College Scholarship

Eligibility: Current high school freshman, sophomore, or juniors interested in attending a Catholic university or college.

14. College Ave Student Loans Scholarship

Deadline: Last day of every month

Award amount: $1,000

15. Ascent Monthly Community Champions Scholarship

Deadline: 16th of every month

16. Too Cool to Pay for School No Essay Scholarship

Deadline: Quarterly (last day of the month in September, December, March, and June)

Award Amount: $1,000.

17. Around the Corner from College Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, June 30

Award Amount: $1,000

18. Cappex Easy Money Scholarship

Deadline: Rolling

19. Lounge Lizard Web Design Scholarship

Eligibility: High school seniors and college students with an interest in Web Design

Deadline: February 19

20. One Young Earth Filmmakers Contest

Eligibility: College and high school students who are no more than 25 years of age

Deadline: June 25, 2023

21. DoSomething Easy Scholarships

Deadline: November 9

22. Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship

Deadline: First day of every month

23. $1,000 Culinary Scholarship

24. C.I.P. Scholarship

25. $1000 HeadsetPlus.com 2022 College Scholarship

26. Movavi Scholarship

Deadline: December 15

27. Direct Textbook Photo Essay Scholarship

Award Amount: $500

28. Courage to Grow Scholarship

Award amount: $500

29. $500 Vote Scholarship

Deadline: October 8

30. Discover Student Loans Scholarship Contest

Deadline: January 4

31. BigFuture Scholarships (class of 2023 only)

Deadline: Ongoing, through February 28

Award Amount: $500 – $40,000

32. Direct Textbook Photo Essay Scholarship

33. National “Don’t Wait to Reach Your Potential” Scholarship

Are no essay scholarships worth it?

“No essay scholarships” are easy and convenient. All you need to do is enter some information on an application page and you’re good to go. However, you shouldn’t rely on them. The best approach is to balance them with other scholarships that have more specific requirements that you’ll have a better chance of winning.

Applying for essay-based, video, or social media scholarships allows you to tell the committee about who you are. You can be selected for your submission rather than be chosen at random.

No matter what your scholarship application strategy, ScholarshipOwl is your go-to solution. In fact, we’ve got over $800,000 in scholarships available right now! Join ScholarshipOwl today to access a wide variety of scholarships that will fit exactly what you are looking for!

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Top no-essay scholarships for easy application: unlock free college funding.

In an era where student loan debt is soaring to unprecedented levels, the quest for scholarships has become more critical than ever. One avenue that has gained popularity is the realm of “ no essay scholarships ” — a lifeline for students seeking quick and straightforward ways to fund their education without the hassle of lengthy essay submissions. This article explores the landscape of no-essay scholarships in 2023, shedding light on their significance, application process, and the impact they can have on alleviating the burden of rising college costs.

Table of Contents

Maximizing Success in No-Essay Scholarship Applications: A Strategic Approach

In the pursuit of no-essay scholarships, students often find themselves drawn to the allure of a streamlined application process, free from the burdensome task of essay writing. However, as the popularity of these scholarships grows, so does the competition. To navigate this landscape effectively and increase your chances of success, consider adopting a strategic approach outlined in the following key points:

1. Seek Competitions Over Randomized Drawings:

While the simplicity of no-essay scholarships is enticing, many operate as scholarship sweepstakes, offering a low probability of winning. To boost your chances, target opportunities that assess additional materials, such as videos, portfolios, or photographs submitted by applicants. This not only distinguishes you from the competition but also enhances your overall application.

2. Exercise Caution Against Scholarship Scams:

The convenience of no-essay scholarships makes them a hotspot for scammers. Before applying, ensure you’re not divulging personal information that could compromise your identity. Never agree to pay a fee for entering a scholarship competition. To navigate potential scams effectively, familiarize yourself with the red flags outlined in our guide on how to spot scholarship scams.

3. Persistence Pays Off:

Many no-essay scholarships, particularly those conducted through random drawings, announce monthly winners and reopen applications. To maximize your chances of securing a scholarship, make it a habit to revisit these opportunities each month and reapply. Persistence can be a key factor in turning the odds in your favor.

4. Explore Similar Scholarship Categories:

For those seeking to minimize essay-related commitments, exploring alternative scholarship categories is a wise strategy. Video scholarships and easy scholarships, although potentially requiring short essays, generally demand less time and effort than traditional applications. Diversifying your application portfolio across various categories broadens your opportunities.

5. Balance Your Scholarship Strategy:

While no-essay scholarships offer a convenient way to seek educational funding, it’s crucial not to over-rely on them. Diversify your scholarship strategy by exploring local scholarships facilitated by community organizations and high school counselors. A balanced approach increases your chances of securing funds from various sources.

6. Don’t Overlook Financial Aid Opportunities:

If you have demonstrated financial need, federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant, stands as an accessible and straightforward source of funds for your higher education journey. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on time is pivotal in gaining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Don’t underestimate the power of financial aid as a significant contributor to your educational funding.

In adopting these strategic measures, students can approach no-essay scholarship applications with a well-rounded and informed perspective. By navigating the terrain intelligently, you position yourself for success in securing the financial assistance needed to pursue your academic aspirations.

The Student Loan Crisis

To appreciate the relevance of no-essay scholarships, it’s essential to understand the backdrop against which they operate. Student loan debt in the United States has reached staggering heights, approaching $1.6 trillion. This figure surpasses the nation’s credit card debt, making it a formidable financial challenge for students and graduates alike. By delving into the dynamics of the student loan crisis, we can better comprehend the urgency of alternative funding solutions such as no-essay scholarships.

The spiraling student loan debt has reached unprecedented levels, inching close to a daunting $1.6 trillion in the United States. This figure, surpassing even the colossal credit card debt, poses a formidable financial challenge for both current students and graduates. In the following sections, we will dissect the intricate layers of the student loan crisis, exploring its origins, current status, and the profound impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.

The Rising Costs of Education

The escalating costs of education, outpacing inflation, present a significant hurdle for aspiring students. Tuition at four-year public colleges has doubled since 1988, and federal grants, once a reliable source of support, now cover only 29% of the expenses at public colleges. The financial strain on students has led to a reliance on loans, with 69% of 2018 graduates shouldering an average debt of nearly $30,000. No-essay scholarships emerge as a beacon of hope in mitigating this financial burden.

As the costs of education continue to skyrocket, the financial burden on students has become more acute. Four-year public colleges, in particular, have witnessed a doubling of tuition since 1988, creating a considerable gap in funding. Federal grants, once considered a robust support system, now cover a mere 29% of the expenses associated with public college attendance. This dire financial landscape has forced 69% of the graduating class of 2018 to resort to loans, with the average graduate accumulating a staggering debt of almost $30,000.

Understanding No-Essay Scholarships

No-essay scholarships, as the name suggests, do not require applicants to submit lengthy essays. Instead, they often feature alternative application materials such as videos, pictures, or creative projects. Some scholarships, however, have no application requirements at all. This diversity makes them accessible to a wide range of students across different educational levels.

In the realm of scholarship applications, no-essay scholarships stand out as a unique and accessible option for students. Unlike their traditional counterparts, these scholarships do not demand lengthy essays. Instead, they embrace alternative methods of application, allowing students to showcase their skills and talents through videos, pictures, or creative projects. Moreover, some of these scholarships come with no application requirements whatsoever, simplifying the process even further and broadening their appeal across various educational levels.

Qualifications for No-Essay Scholarships

No-essay scholarships stand out for their simplicity and accessibility. Key qualifications include the absence of an essay requirement, open eligibility to various students, and a quick and straightforward application process. The broad eligibility criteria make these scholarships appealing to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, providing a versatile funding option for diverse educational pursuits.

The allure of no-essay scholarships lies in their simplicity and accessibility. These scholarships typically share common qualifications: the absence of an essay requirement, open eligibility to a wide range of students, and a streamlined application process. This makes them an attractive funding option for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students alike, offering a versatile solution to the financial challenges associated with pursuing diverse educational paths.

Why Choose No-Essay Scholarships?

The appeal of no-essay scholarships lies in their ease of application. With minimal time and effort required, busy students can apply to multiple scholarships, increasing their chances of securing much-needed financial assistance. While recognizing the value of traditional essay-based scholarships, the article emphasizes the practicality and efficiency of no-essay scholarships for students juggling academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and professional commitments.

Amidst the myriad of scholarship options, the attractiveness of no-essay scholarships is underscored by their straightforward application process. The minimal time and effort required make them a practical choice for busy students who are balancing academic commitments, extracurricular activities, and professional responsibilities. While acknowledging the merit of traditional essay-based scholarships, this article highlights the efficiency and accessibility of the no-essay alternative, positioning it as a pragmatic solution for those navigating the complexities of higher education.

Types of No-Essay Scholarships Available

A comprehensive overview of the various types of no-essay scholarships reveals the breadth of opportunities available to students. From scholarships that require just a few clicks to apply to those with creative elements like videos or photographs, the options cater to different preferences and skill sets. This section showcases the diversity within the realm of no-essay scholarships.

The world of no-essay scholarships is diverse, offering a spectrum of opportunities for students with varying interests and talents. Some scholarships require no more than a few clicks to apply, while others encourage creativity through videos, photographs, or other artistic expressions. This section aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the types of no-essay scholarships available, emphasizing their flexibility and inclusivity.

Finding No-Essay Scholarships: The Bold.org Platform

Navigating the landscape of no-essay scholarships becomes more accessible with platforms like Bold.org. This section provides insights into how students can utilize Bold.org to create a profile, match with relevant scholarships, and filter opportunities based on interests, characteristics, and educational levels. The platform’s role in simplifying the scholarship search is highlighted, empowering students to discover tailored funding options.

In the digital age, platforms like Bold.org have emerged as valuable tools for navigating the landscape of no-essay scholarships. This section delves into the functionalities of Bold.org, offering insights on how students can leverage the platform to their advantage. From creating a personalized profile to matching with relevant scholarships and filtering opportunities based on individual characteristics, interests, and educational levels, Bold.org is pivotal in simplifying the scholarship search. By empowering students with tailored funding options, these platforms contribute to a more efficient and effective scholarship application process.

When to Start Applying for No-Essay Scholarships

Timing is crucial when it comes to scholarship applications. While students can start applying at any point in high school, the article encourages early engagement, particularly for high school juniors and seniors. Insightful tips guide readers on when and how to initiate their scholarship journey, emphasizing the importance of starting early to maximize opportunities.

The optimal timing for initiating the application process for no-essay scholarships is a key consideration. While the flexibility exists for students to begin their application journey at any point during high school, this section encourages early engagement. Insightful tips are provided, guiding readers on when and how to embark on their scholarship journey. Emphasis is placed on the importance of starting early to maximize opportunities, ensuring that students are well-positioned to navigate the competitive landscape of scholarships.

Tips for Winning No-Essay Scholarships

While no-essay scholarships offer a streamlined application process, standing out among applicants remains essential. This section provides actionable tips for increasing the likelihood of winning scholarships, including seeking out more restrictive scholarships, applying early and frequently, and making one’s profile unique to leave a lasting impression.

The streamlined nature of no-essay scholarships doesn’t diminish the importance of standing out among applicants. In this section, readers will find actionable tips to enhance their chances of securing these scholarships. Strategies such as seeking out more restrictive scholarships, applying early and frequently, and crafting a unique profile to leave a lasting impression are explored. By providing practical advice, this section equips students with the tools needed to navigate the competitive landscape and emerge successful in their pursuit of no-essay scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions about No-Essay Scholarships

Addressing common concerns and inquiries, this section provides clarity on the legitimacy of no-essay scholarships, strategies for improving the chances of winning, the number of scholarships one can attain, tax implications, application numbers, and the existence of GPA requirements. By dispelling doubts and providing comprehensive answers, the article aims to empower readers with the knowledge needed to navigate the world of no-essay scholarships confidently.

As students explore the landscape of no-essay scholarships, they inevitably encounter questions and concerns. This section serves as a comprehensive guide, addressing common inquiries and dispelling doubts. Topics covered include the legitimacy of no-essay scholarships, strategies for optimizing success, the potential number of scholarships one can attain, tax implications, application numbers, and the presence (or absence) of GPA requirements. By providing thorough and accurate information, this section empowers readers to navigate the world of no-essay scholarships with confidence and clarity.

Understanding the Landscape of Student Loan Debt

Delving deeper into the overarching issue, the article explores the factors contributing to the surge in student loan debt. Rising tuition rates, outpacing wage growth, and the changing dynamics of financing education are examined. By understanding the root causes, readers gain a more profound insight into the urgency of seeking alternative funding avenues.

The pervasive issue of student loan debt demands a closer examination of its contributing factors. In this section, readers are guided through an exploration of the dynamics that have fueled the surge in student loan debt. The escalating tuition rates, which have outpaced wage growth, coupled with the evolving dynamics of financing education, are dissected to provide a comprehensive understanding. By unraveling the root causes, readers gain a more profound insight into the urgency of exploring alternative funding avenues.

Disparities in Student Loan Distribution

Student loan debt is not distributed evenly across demographics, giving rise to racial and gender-based gaps. The average debt differs between white and Black borrowers, and women, despite constituting a majority of college students, bear a disproportionate amount of student debt. This section explores the implications of these disparities and highlights the importance of scholarships tailored to disadvantaged groups.

The burden of student loan debt is not borne evenly across demographics, leading to pronounced racial and gender-based disparities. This section delves into the disparities in average debt between white and Black borrowers. It also addresses the disproportionate amount of student debt carried by women, who, despite constituting a majority of college students, face unique challenges. The implications of these disparities are examined, underscoring the importance of scholarships specifically tailored to address the financial challenges faced by disadvantaged groups.

Connecting the Dots: Scholarships for Underrepresented Groups

Bringing the narrative full circle, this section reinforces the significance of scholarships designed for racial minorities, first-generation students, women, and other underserved groups. By showcasing the scholarships available on Bold.org and similar platforms, the article underscores the role of targeted financial support in addressing disparities in student loan debt.

In the final section, the article brings the narrative full circle, emphasizing the pivotal role of scholarships tailored for underrepresented groups. Racial minorities, first-generation students, women, and other underserved demographics are highlighted, and the article showcases specific scholarships available on Bold.org and similar platforms. By illuminating the existence of targeted financial support, the article underscores the potential for scholarships to address and mitigate the disparities in student loan debt faced by marginalized and underrepresented groups. Embark on your scholarship journey with confidence!

Explore a plethora of opportunities at Scholarshipsowl.com, where educational dreams come to life. Maximize your chances of success by applying strategic tips and discovering a diverse range of scholarships tailored to your unique strengths. Don’t let financial barriers hinder your path to education—visit http://scholarshipsowl.com/ today and seize the opportunity to shape your academic destiny! Your future begins with the right scholarship, and Scholarshipsowl.com is here to guide you every step of the way. Start your scholarship adventure now!

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10 “No Essay” Scholarships for International Students in 2024-25

The pursuit of higher education, especially on an international level, often comes with a significant financial burden. But what if we told you that there are scholarships out there that don’t require you to spend countless hours writing essays or gathering extensive documentation? That’s right, these “No Essay” scholarships are designed to make your life easier and provide you with an opportunity to win funds for your education without the usual academic hustle.

Here, we present to you a carefully curated list of 10 “No Essay” scholarships for international students in 2024-25. Each scholarship offers a unique approach to helping you secure financial aid for your college journey. We will dive deep into the details of each scholarship, including eligibility criteria, application processes, benefits, and deadlines. So, whether you’re a creative thinker, a survey enthusiast, or simply looking for a straightforward way to earn scholarship funds, there’s something here for everyone.

Are you ready to embark on a scholarship journey that doesn’t involve late-night essay writing sessions? Let’s explore these opportunities and discover how you can fund your dreams of international education without the essay burden.

1. Cirkled In Scholarship

The Cirkled In Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for high school students, including international students, to win financial aid for their college education. What sets this scholarship apart from the rest is its straightforward and essay-free application process. In this section, we will delve into the details of this scholarship, the platform, eligibility criteria, and how to maximize your chances of winning.

Cirkled In Scholarship Overview: Cirkled In is an innovative online platform designed to help students showcase their achievements, experiences, and skills in a digital portfolio. This platform not only makes the scholarship application process easy but also offers a comprehensive tool to create a dynamic profile for college admissions and future opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• High school students in the United States and international students are eligible.
• The scholarship is open to students in grades 9-12.
• The application process is based on creating an engaging profile on the Cirkled In platform.

Application Process: To apply for the Cirkled In Scholarship, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Create a free account on the Cirkled In platform.
• Fill in your profile with information about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and other experiences.
• Make sure your profile is complete and compelling, as it will serve as your application.

Benefits and Amount: The Cirkled In Scholarship varies in amount and the number of recipients each year. The more comprehensive and impressive your profile, the higher your chances of receiving the scholarship. This scholarship can help offset the cost of your college education, making it a valuable resource for students seeking financial aid.

Deadline: The scholarship does not specify a deadline, but it’s advisable to create and maintain your profile well in advance to maximize your chances.

2. Niche “No Essay” Scholarship

Niche, formerly known as College Prowler, is a platform dedicated to helping students make informed decisions about higher education. The Niche “No Essay” Scholarship is one of the easiest scholarships to apply for, and it is open to both U.S. and international students. In this section, we will explore the details of this scholarship, its eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Niche “No Essay” Scholarship Overview: Niche offers various scholarships, and one of their most popular options is the “No Essay” Scholarship. As the name suggests, this scholarship doesn’t require you to write essays or submit extensive documentation. Instead, it offers a monthly drawing where students can enter to win money for their education.

• The scholarship is open to U.S. and international students.
• Applicants must be at least 13 years old.

Application Process: Applying for the Niche “No Essay” Scholarship is a breeze. Here’s what you need to do:

• Visit the Niche website and locate the “No Essay” Scholarship.
• Click on the scholarship link to enter the monthly drawing.
• Complete the entry form, which typically includes basic information about yourself, such as your name, email address, and graduation year.

Benefits and Amount: The Niche “No Essay” Scholarship varies in amount, and it’s awarded monthly. Each month, one lucky student is randomly selected as the winner. This scholarship offers a simple and quick way to potentially earn funds for your education.

Deadline: Since this scholarship operates on a monthly drawing basis, there are multiple chances to win throughout the year. Keep an eye on the scholarship page for updates and deadlines.

3. $2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship by Niche

Building on the success of their “No Essay” Scholarship, Niche also offers a $2,000 scholarship option. This scholarship is similar to the “No Essay” Scholarship but provides a higher amount to the lucky winner. Here, we’ll dive into the specifics of this scholarship, its eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Niche $2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship Overview: The $2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship by Niche offers students a chance to win a substantial amount of money for their education. Like the standard “No Essay” Scholarship, it’s straightforward to apply for and doesn’t require lengthy essays.

• The scholarship is open to both U.S. and international students.

Application Process: Applying for the Niche $2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship follows a simple process:

• Visit the Niche website and find the scholarship.
• Fill out the entry form, which typically includes basic information such as your name, email address, and graduation year.

Benefits and Amount: The Niche $2,000 “No Essay” College Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity to win a $2,000 award. The scholarship is awarded monthly, making it accessible to students year-round.

Deadline: Just like the standard “No Essay” Scholarship, this scholarship operates on a monthly drawing basis. Be sure to check the scholarship page for specific deadlines and updates.

4. ScholarshipPoints Scholarship

The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship offers a unique approach to helping students secure funding for their education. Instead of essays, this scholarship rewards students for participating in various activities and engaging with the ScholarshipPoints platform. In this section, we will explore how this scholarship works, its eligibility criteria, and the application process.

ScholarshipPoints Scholarship Overview: ScholarshipPoints is a scholarship rewards program that encourages students to earn points by participating in different activities on their platform. These activities can include taking surveys, reading articles, and interacting with their community.

Application Process: To apply for the ScholarshipPoints Scholarship, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Create a free account on the ScholarshipPoints platform.
• Start earning points by participating in the available activities.
• Accumulate points over time.

Benefits and Amount: The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship offers a unique system where you earn points for your activities. The more points you accumulate, the higher your chances of winning a scholarship. The scholarship amounts vary, and they are typically awarded quarterly.

Deadline: The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship operates on a quarterly schedule, so be sure to check the platform for specific deadlines and updates.

5. Quick Entry Scholarship

The Quick Entry Scholarship offered by Bold.org is designed to be a simple and accessible scholarship opportunity. It doesn’t require lengthy essays or complex application processes. In this section, we’ll delve into the details of the Quick Entry Scholarship, eligibility criteria, and how to maximize your chances of winning.

Quick Entry Scholarship Overview: The Quick Entry Scholarship is a part of Bold.org’s mission to make scholarship opportunities more accessible to students. This scholarship offers a straightforward application process and aims to reward students for their academic and personal achievements.

• Specific eligibility criteria may vary based on individual scholarships available on the Bold.org platform.

Application Process: Applying for the Quick Entry Scholarship follows a simplified process:

• Visit the Bold.org website and find the Quick Entry Scholarship.
• Review the scholarship details and requirements.
• Complete the application form, which often involves answering a few questions about yourself and your achievements.

Benefits and Amount: The Quick Entry Scholarship offers various amounts and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific scholarship available on Bold.org. These scholarships aim to reward a wide range of achievements.

Deadline: Be sure to check the Bold.org platform for the specific deadlines and requirements for each available scholarship.

6. VIP Voice Scholarship

The VIP Voice Scholarship is a unique scholarship opportunity that doesn’t require traditional essays or extensive documentation. Instead, it offers students a chance to participate in surveys and sweepstakes for a chance to win scholarships. In this section, we will explore the details of this scholarship, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

VIP Voice Scholarship Overview: VIP Voice is a market research company that rewards its members for participating in surveys and sweepstakes. As a part of their offerings, they provide scholarship opportunities for students.

• Membership with VIP Voice is required to participate.

Application Process: Participating in the VIP Voice Scholarship is relatively straightforward:

• Join VIP Voice by creating a free account.
• Participate in surveys and sweepstakes on the platform.
• Accumulate points and exchange them for scholarship entries.

Benefits and Amount: The VIP Voice Scholarship offers various amounts, and the number of scholarships available can vary. Your chances of winning depend on your participation in surveys and sweepstakes.

Deadline: VIP Voice provides ongoing surveys and sweepstakes, and scholarship opportunities may vary. Regularly check the platform for updates and details.

7. Unigo $10K Scholarship

Unigo, a platform dedicated to helping students make informed decisions about higher education, offers the $10K Scholarship. This scholarship is distinctive in that it doesn’t require lengthy essays; instead, it encourages applicants to express themselves creatively. In this section, we will explore the specifics of this scholarship, its eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Unigo $10K Scholarship Overview: Unigo’s $10K Scholarship provides students with a unique opportunity to express themselves creatively and share their aspirations and experiences.

Application Process: Applying for the Unigo $10K Scholarship involves creative expression:

• Visit the Unigo website and locate the scholarship.
• Review the scholarship details, which typically include a creative prompt.
• Submit your creative response based on the prompt.

Benefits and Amount: The Unigo $10K Scholarship offers a substantial award of $10,000. This scholarship values creativity and unique expressions of personal experiences and aspirations.

Deadline: Specific deadlines for the Unigo $10K Scholarship may vary, so check the scholarship page for details.

8. $1,000 Nitro Scholarship

The $1,000 Nitro Scholarship, offered by Nitro College, provides students with a straightforward application process that doesn’t involve traditional essays. Instead, it requires you to complete a short online survey. In this section, we will explore the details of this scholarship, its eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Nitro Scholarship Overview: Nitro College aims to help students and families make informed financial decisions about higher education. The $1,000 Nitro Scholarship is a part of their commitment to supporting students.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Application Process: Applying for the $1,000 Nitro Scholarship is a straightforward process:

• Visit the Nitro College website and locate the scholarship.
• Review the scholarship details, including the survey questions.
• Complete the online survey, which is usually related to financial aid and college expenses.

Benefits and Amount: The $1,000 Nitro Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to help students with their educational expenses. The survey provides valuable insights into financial decision-making.

Deadline: Specific deadlines for the $1,000 Nitro Scholarship may vary, so check the scholarship page for updates.

9. Scholarship Owl “You Deserve It” Scholarship

Scholarship Owl’s “You Deserve It” Scholarship offers a streamlined application process without the need for extensive essays. Instead, it encourages students to apply by filling out a short form. In this section, we will explore the details of this scholarship, its eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Scholarship Owl “You Deserve It” Scholarship Overview: Scholarship Owl is a platform that streamlines the scholarship application process. The “You Deserve It” Scholarship is designed to make scholarships more accessible to students.

• Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Application Process: Applying for the “You Deserve It” Scholarship is straightforward:

• Visit the Scholarship Owl website and locate the scholarship.
• Complete the application form, which typically includes basic information about yourself.

Benefits and Amount: The “You Deserve It” Scholarship offers a range of scholarship amounts to help students with their educational expenses. The exact amount may vary.

Deadline: Specific deadlines for the “You Deserve It” Scholarship may vary, so check the scholarship page for updates.

10. Do-Over Scholarship by Unigo

The Do-Over Scholarship offered by Unigo provides students with a unique scholarship opportunity that doesn’t involve traditional essays. Instead, it asks applicants to reflect on their biggest mistake and what they learned from it. In this section, we will explore the specifics of this scholarship, its eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Do-Over Scholarship Overview: Unigo’s Do-Over Scholarship encourages students to reflect on their past experiences and lessons learned. It offers a different approach to scholarship applications.

Application Process: Applying for the Do-Over Scholarship involves reflecting on your past experiences:

• Review the scholarship details, which typically include a prompt related to a past mistake.
• Submit your response, sharing your biggest mistake and the lessons you’ve learned.

Benefits and Amount: The Do-Over Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for self-reflection and provides a $1,500 scholarship to the selected winner.

Deadline: Specific deadlines for the Do-Over Scholarship may vary, so check the scholarship page for updates.

In the world of scholarships, the opportunity to secure financial aid often comes with the requirement of writing extensive essays and providing voluminous documentation. But what if we told you that there are alternative paths to fund your dreams of international education without the essay burden? The 10 “No Essay” scholarships we’ve explored here provide a refreshing and accessible route for students seeking financial support for their college journey.

From creating compelling profiles to participating in surveys, sharing your unique experiences, or reflecting on your past mistakes, these scholarships offer various avenues for securing funds. They value creativity, engagement, and diverse experiences as much as academic achievements, making them inclusive options for students from all walks of life.

As an international student, you can now take the plunge into the world of scholarships with confidence, knowing that there are opportunities designed to simplify the application process. These scholarships recognize your potential and your aspirations, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your education and personal growth.

While the world of scholarships can sometimes seem complex and competitive, these “No Essay” scholarships stand as beacons of accessibility and inclusivity. So, seize the opportunity, explore these scholarships, and take that critical first step towards achieving your educational dreams without the essay-induced stress.

As the scholarship landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed, proactive, and persistent in your pursuit of financial aid. Keep an eye on deadlines, review eligibility criteria, and make the most of these no-essay scholarships as they become stepping stones to your educational journey.

In conclusion, whether you’re an imaginative thinker, a survey enthusiast, or someone who learns from their mistakes, the path to financial aid is open to you. Your journey to international education is now more accessible than ever, thanks to these scholarships that empower your educational dreams without the essay burden.

Your future awaits, and these scholarships are here to help you reach your destination. So go ahead, apply, and let your educational dreams take flight, one “No Essay” scholarship at a time.

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The 10 Best No Essay Scholarships

So many students have been there before. 

They filled out their application to the best of their abilities, they applied to every internal scholarship imaginable at their hopeful college, and they calculated their odds of winning certain awards ad nauseum. 

And then the acceptance letter comes in, and it’s cause for such a wonderful celebration. Getting into university is incredibly difficult, and you’ve done it. 

But then there’s the second letter—the financial aid award letter. And for so many students, that award just isn’t enough to keep a student from navigating debt for many years to come. 

Even for those students who can utilize internal, university-wide funding to mitigate their tuition costs, having external funding sources will always make a big difference in one’s attempts to finance their education. 

But there are a lot of scholarships out there. And many of them will provide wonderful opportunities, but in order to make the most of one’s scholarship hunt to ensure they will receive enough external aid to impact their tuition costs, they’ll need to apply for a lot of scholarships. 

School, work, and attempts to make the most of one’s teenage/early 20s can make the prospect of writing dozens of scholarship essays and answering a plethora of scholarship questions daunting. 

But there are scholarships out there that provide actual money, which one can apply to in mere minutes. And although the odds of winning such scholarships can be slim, it never hurts to cast as wide of a net as possible. 

And no-essay scholarships are a simple addition to one’s list of scholarship applications that increase one’s chances of receiving funding without increasing the number of hours one spends on the scholarship hunt. 

As such, this article will break down 10 of the best no-essay scholarships out there. 

In making this list, attention was given to the legitimacy of the scholarship organization, the amount of funding each scholarship provided, and the range of students who would be eligible to apply for the scholarship. 

In no particular order, here are the ten best no-essay scholarships that will make easy additions to your scholarship list. 

Big Future’s $40,000 Scholarship

Big Future is an organization that helps students with the step-by-step process of applying for college. 

Big Future is a service offered by the larger College Board website, a non-profit organization that seeks to aid students in their quest to both attend college and succeed while there. 

In order to apply for the $40,000 scholarship , students must make an account on the Big Future section of the College Board website and subsequently begin steps to plan for college. 

Completing steps to prepare for college on Big Future include making a list of potential colleges, preparing for a standardized test, applying for colleges, and more. 

Each year, roughly 25 winners are selected to receive the $40,000 scholarship. Winners’ profiles can be found here . 

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

Bold.org is a scholarship website that hosts a wide array of no-essay scholarships. Many of the no-essay scholarships on Bold.org are not available elsewhere and are centered around various themes (i.e. international travel, the arts, etc.). 

One of the largest of Bold.org’s many exclusive no-essay scholarships is their Be Bold , $25,050 scholarship. 

This scholarship is awarded annually to a Bold.org user, and previous winners can be found at the bottom of the scholarship’s page. 

In order to increase one’s likelihood of winning this scholarship, students attain “bold points,” which can be gained by watching advertisements, providing feedback to the website, or otherwise. 

Niche No-Essay Scholarship

Niche is a trusted source for all things college.

They provide rankings for the world’s best universities in a wide array of subject matter, they collect data on acceptance rates, and they are a hub of information for anything a student may need to know regarding their school of choice. 

And alongside this, they also aid students on their scholarship hunt. 

As part of this, they provide a $2,000 no-essay scholarship which is given to students on a monthly basis. 

In order to apply, students need only create an account on Niche.com via the scholarship application. 

Previous winners of the no-essay scholarship can be found on Niche’s website . 

Nitro College No-Essay Scholarship

Nitro has a remarkably easy no-essay scholarship.

In order to apply, students do not even need to make an account on Nitro’s website, but instead merely have to provide the school they hope to attend and their contact information, and they are set to apply. 

Each month, Nitro selects a winner of the $2,000 no-essay scholarship. Previous scholarship winners can be found at the bottom of the scholarship application page. 

Nitro is a website dedicated to helping students understand all things financial regarding the college experience. This includes information on scholarships, loans, and tools to help calculate one’s cost of college. 

CollegeXpress $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship

CollegeXpress hosts an annual no-essay scholarship competition , where one winner will receive a generous scholarship worth $10,000. 

By making an account on the CollegeXpress website via the no-essay scholarship portal, students are automatically enrolled for the chance to win the $10,000 scholarship. 

CollegeXpress is another organization that does not merely offer one no-essay scholarship but several. 

For example, after applying for the $10,000 no-essay scholarship, students can apply for the $2,000, “Favorite Color” scholarshi p—where students only need to answer what their favorite color is in order to apply. 

College Covered $5,000 No-Essay Scholarship

College Covered is an organization owned by Discover that seeks to aid students in financing their education while simultaneously promoting Discover’s student loans. 

Because College Covered seeks to aid students in all things financial, it is no wonder that they also host a variety of scholarship competitions. 

One of the largest of these scholarship competitions is the $5,000 no-essay Discover student loans no-essay scholarship. 

In order to apply, all a student needs to do is provide their basic contact information. 

$1,000 Dorm Survey Scholarship

ULoop is a hub for all odds and ends associated with college preparation. 

Whether it be finding a roommate, a tutor, or finding a place to live, ULoop strives to be a marketplace for all of one’s miscellaneous college needs. 

To best achieve this goal, ULoop naturally needs to harvest a fair amount of data regarding a wide array of colleges to provide accurate and up-to-date information. 

This is where the $1,000 Dorm Survey Scholarship comes in. 

To apply for this scholarship, students fill out a brief questionnaire regarding their experiences living in dorms at their particular university. 

Alongside the dorm survey, students can also enter the off-campus apartment survey scholarship contest, which has an award of $1,000. 

Winners of both scholarships are announced annually, and previous winners can be found on ULoop’s website . 

Tallo $1,000 Scholarship

Tallo is an app where students can update schools, scholarship competitions, and employers regarding their various academic or professional achievements. 

Through this platform, professionals and students connect to develop meaningful relationships. 

By joining the Tallo app, students join a network of over 1 million students and professionals and have access to a scholarship database that includes over $20 billion in scholarships.

When a student joins Tallo, they are automatically enrolled in the $1,000, no-essay scholarship contest. 

Joining Tallo and completing a profile is considered the application for this scholarship. 

Scholarship Owl $7,000 Scholarship

Scholarship Owl is a scholarship database that both seeks to connect students with scholarship opportunities and to provide education to students regarding how scholarships work during the process. 

Their $7,000 scholarship does not require an essay and merely requires that students create a profile on the Scholarship Owl website. 

Although only 1 in 140,000 students win, approximately every applicant is considered equal during the scholarship drawing. 

As such, no one student has a significantly greater chance of winning the no-essay scholarship compared to another. 

ScholarshipPoints $10,000 Scholarship

ScholarshipPoints hosts a variety of no-essay scholarship contests, with the largest of these having a $10,000 value .

ScholarshipPoints operates by having students gain “scholarship points” by doing things like surveys, watching ads, or engaging with website sponsors. 

Then, students spend these points to enter scholarship sweepstakes. 

One point spent is the equivalent of 1 entry in the random drawing of scholarship winners. 

The more points one spends in entering a scholarship, the more likely it is that a student will win the said scholarship. 

As such, not only do Scholarship points offer the large, $10,000 no-essay scholarship, but several no-essay scholarships in which spending scholarship points takes the place of writing a formal scholarship application. 

Even if the chances of winning can be slim for some of these scholarships, it is real money that real winners have received in the past.

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You may have thought that scholarships were only for those who had great grades or were top athletes. Well, think again! There are a lot of organizations willing to give you some college cash in recognition of your interesting habits, unusual attributes, or willingness to do something a little bit quirky!

Here's a complete collection of the best weird, unusual scholarships we could find. The good news is they're often a lot easier to apply to than other scholarships.

Why Do These Weird Scholarships Exist?

These scholarships mostly come from three main sources:

Special Interest Groups and Clubs

These organizations are very passionate about certain topics—like asparagus or Star Trek—and they love to see students who share those passions. By offering these crazy scholarships, they're encouraging students to actively stay involved in these areas of interest.

People Who Want to Help People Just Like Them

You'll notice a number of unique scholarships based on last name or physical features. These tend to be from people or groups who feel they are special for some reason, and want to share the wealth with others who are lucky enough to have the same trait.

Quirky Companies Out for a Laugh

Some of the most unusual scholarships are from companies that are just looking to have a good time, and they want to share the love with students who get their sense of humor and are willing to do something a little daring.

So even if you didn't think you were the scholarship-winning type of student, remember that there are scholarship opportunities out there for almost anyone, including...

Scholarships for People With Interesting Physical Attributes

The Scholarship for Redheads

This scholarship is awarded to a natural red-head who is a junior or senior in high school with a GPA of 2.5+. You have to submit two photos to prove the authenticity of your gingery locks, and also create a creative piece—can be an essay, picture, or video, that tells what it means to you to be a red head.

The deadline is in early April, and the prize is a one-time award of $500.

The Tall Club Scholarship

The Tall Club Scholarship is awarded to exceptionally tall high school seniors. If you are female and over 5'10", or male and over 6'2", this scholarship could be for you! Apply through your local Tall Club (there are 53 branches nationwide). You'll have to provide transcripts and test scores, letters of recommendation, details about extracurricular activities and awards, a photo and an essay. Awards vary by chapter but are up to $1,000. The deadline is March 1.

The Left-Handed Scholarship

If you're left-handed, you're in luck! The Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania is for you. The college selects a left-handed student with a top academic record to receive the award which ranges from $1,000-$1,500. Grades and financial circumstance are also taken into consideration.

Scholarships for People Who Have Prepared for the End of the World (or Want to Save the World)

Zombie apocalypse scholarship.

If you've spent time thinking over how you would fare if the world were overrun by the walking dead, then the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship is for you! Students aged 14 and older can apply by writing a 250 word essay about what would happen if their school were overrun by zombies.

The deadline is October 31, and the award is $2,000.

Superpower Scholarship

The Superpower Scholarship awards $2,500 to a student who, in 250 words or less, best answers the question, "Which superhero or villain would you want to change places with for a day and why?" You have to be 14 years of age or older to apply. The deadline is March 31st.

Scholarships for People Who…Sound Like a Duck

Chick and sophie major duck calling contest.

High school seniors are eligible to compete for this scholarship in Stuttgart, Arkansas every fall. The student best able to woo ducks will be awarded $2,000. There are also prizes for second place ($1,000), third place ($750), and fourth place ($500). The deadline is December 31, 2022

Scholarships for People Who Love Sweets, or Want to Be Sweets

American Association of Candy Technologists John Kitt Memorial Scholarship

College sophomores, juniors, and seniors who love candy so much that they want to study it should apply for this scholarship. You'll need to be majoring in food, chemistry, or biological sciences with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have shown an interest in candy technology through a project or research.

One student will win a scholarship of $5,000, paid in two installments. The deadline has yet to be announced for 2023-2024, but will likely be in April 2023. 

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

The Flavor of the Month Scholarship is open to students aged 14+ who write a 250-word essay that answers the question, "If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?"

The prize is $1,500 and the deadline is July 31st.

Scholarships for People Who REALLY Love Star Trek

Starfleet Scholarship Program

Trekkies are in luck when looking for college funding. The Starfleet Scholarship Program awards up to $1,000 scholarships to students (senior year of high school or above) who have been Starfleet members for at least a year prior to applying. Applications are open January 1st to June 30th of each year.

Scholarships for People Who Have a Lucky Last Name

John Gatling Grant Program

This scholarship at North Carolina State University awards $10,000 to in-state students and $15,000 to out-of-state students who are lucky enough to be born with the last name "Gatling" or "Gatlin". You need to be able to show proof that you were born with the name, and the application is turned it at the same time you apply for financial aid. The next application deadline is February 15th.

Charles Downer Scholarship Fund

This scholarship gives students attending Harvard and who have the last name "Downer" a chance to get some money. Preference is given to students who are descendants of Joseph or Robert Downer of Wiltshire, England or descendants of Harvard graduates of the class of 1889. Award amount and submission date varies.

Leavenworth Scholarship

The Leavenworth Scholarship at Hamilton College in New York is for—you guessed it—students with the last name "Leavenworth." The award amount isn't specified, and applications are accepted through the school.

Zolp Scholarship

Catholic students attending Loyola University Chicago with the last name Zolp are in for a treat—they are eligible to win money if they file their birth certificate along with their applications. Award amount varies depending on availability of funds and the number of applicants. The deadline is March 1st.

Scholarships for People Who Have a Sense of Humor About Fashion

Stuck at Prom

The Stuck at Prom contest rewards students who create entire prom outfits from Duck Tape, and then wear them to a school-organized prom. Applicants must submit photos of their handiwork—which is usually quite impressive! One student in each category, dress or tux, gets a full scholarship for themselves, plus one individual grand prize winner gets a bonus. Every year there are 21 winners. Keep in mind that this contest is not open to students in Maryland, Quebec, Vermont, or Colorado. First place is $10,000 and 8 runners up get $500. The individual bonus is $500. The contest period typically ends in June.

Scholarships for People Who Are Lazy and Sober

The deppen scholarship and the voris auten scholarship.

Do you stay away from drugs and alcohol? Do you also stay away from physical activity? If so, Bucknell University in Pennsylvania offers two endowed scholarships to students who fit that description and have also lived in Mount Carmel, PA for ten years and attended a Mount Carmel public high school. This scholarship is awarded by the scholarship committee after you've been admitted to Bucknell University.

Scholarships for People Who Love to Write Essays

Ayn rand scholarships.

If you want to get some practice writing essays on really long books, never fear! Short essays (of around 1,000 words on Ayn Rand's really long books can make you eligible to win some serious cash. Different topics are available depending on grade level, and awards vary. This year, the fund expects to give out over 230 prizes totaling $70,000. The deadline for this scholarship is April 28, 2022. 

Scholarships for People Who Hate to Write Essays

No Essay Scholarship

The No Essay Scholarship claims to be the easiest scholarship out there—no tedious essay writing here! College students (or prospective college students) simply need to enter their details online for a chance to win $2,000. A new winner is chosen every month, and you can re-apply as much as you like!

Scholarships for People Who Are Gay Pilots

National Gay Pilots Association

The National Gay Pilots Association gives LGBT students and allies who are interested in professional aviation a chance to help cover some college costs. Students should be at least 18 years old, have a private pilot license, have accomplishments in aviation, and have contributed to the LGBT community. Students must also be an NGPA member at the time of application. Scholarship amounts vary, and there are multiple submission windows throughout the year. 

Scholarships for People Who Are Passionate About Specific Kinds of Food

Vegetarian resource group.

Students who are committed to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian lifestyle can win up to $10,000 for school from the Vegetarian Resource Group. You'll have to write an essay about your experience being vegetarian and promoting it within your community, and at least three letters of recommendation. One award of $10,000 will be given, as well as two $5,000 prizes. The deadline is February 20, 2023.

Beef Industry Scholarship

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Beef Industry Scholarship awards ten $1,500 scholarships every year to high school seniors or undergrads who are pursuing careers in the beef industry. You'll have to have demonstrated a commitment to the beef industry, write an essay about solving a problem in the beef industry, and have two letters of recommendation from professionals in the beef industry. And if your love affair with beef is long-lasting, you can re-apply every year!

Asparagus Club Scholarship

The National Grocers Association awards this scholarship to college juniors and seniors who are pursuing careers in the grocery industry. Scholarships are $2,000 per semester and can be renewed for up to four semesters if a 2.5+ GPA is maintained. Five scholarships are awarded per year.

Scholarships for People Who Like to Make Others Laugh

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

This scholarship for you budding comedians out there. Students over the age of 14 can apply for a $1,500 scholarship by telling a funny or embarrassing story (real or made up) in 250 words or less that makes the judges laugh out loud. Deadline is August 31st. 

Scholarships for People Who Love Golf But Don't Play It

Western golf association evans scholars foundation.

If you are dedicated to the art of being a golf caddie, you are in luck. The Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation gives out hundreds of full-ride scholarships to students who can show a record of successful and regular caddying throughout high school (spanning at least two years). You should also have strong academics and a good ACT score, and be able to demonstrate financial need. The scholarships are available at 18 colleges across the country that have scholarship houses—winners are expected to be active members in the house. Applications are due October 15th.

Scholarships for People Just Love Applying for Scholarships

Scholarship for aggressive scholarship applicants.

Debt.com sponsors this scholarship. The main idea? They want to award students who have shown persistence and courage in applying for all the free college money that is out there. All you have to do is apply for loads of scholarships (past winners have applied for over 30 each—and don't worry, you don't have to win them!) and send copies of the submission receipts, along with a letter saying a bit about yourself, your goals, and how you felt doing all those applications. You can win $500. The best part? They choose a new winner every 2 months, so you have a lot of chances to try for this one!

What's Next?

If you want to apply to some great scholarships not listed above, check out our guides to the National Merit Scholarship , McDonald's Scholarship , and Tylenol Scholarship .

Did you know that sometimes getting a scholarship is as easy as applying to your school of choice? Check out this list of schools that automatically offer scholarships based on grades and test scores .

Need a letter of recommendation for a scholarship? Here's how to get one .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Mary Ann holds a BA in Classics and Russian from the University of Notre Dame, and an MA from University College London. She has years of tutoring experience and is also passionate about travel and learning languages.

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Bold Lifelong Learners No-Essay Scholarship

One of the most unique traits of humans is our ability to not only deeply study or understand a subject, but to codify that information in such a way that we can share our learnings with other humans. This is how we continue to evolve as a species and build the world’s knowledge base.

Today though, the cost of learning a new skill that can change your life is lower than ever; whether it be through a bootcamp, a nano-degree, or through a series of MOOCs. The democratization of education has made re-skilling not only affordable, but considering how quickly the workforce is changing, it’s almost essential.

Education is an opportunity, but also a mindset. And we believe that it’s important to foster this mindset within people of any age.

The Bold Lifelong Learners No-Essay Scholarship exists to support lifelong learners that want to acquire a new skill that will be transformative in their lives, whether it be learning to code, digital marketing, writing, or whatever will have a lasting impact on their lives.

All students who have a passion for learning are eligible to apply for this scholarship opportunity.

Winners and Finalists

February 2022

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The application deadline is May 29, 2022. Winners will be announced on Jun 29, 2022.

Your privacy is a top priority on the Bold.org platform, and you can find our privacy policy in full here . You may opt out of communications from Bold.org at any time, and unless we’ve first notified you and gotten your consent, you’ll never receive communication from any third parties related to personal information you give us.

Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.

The winner will be publicly announced on Jun 29, 2022. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.

Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.

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68 Weird Scholarships for College Students In 2024

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In need of some random scholarships? Here are some unique and weird scholarships for college that are available in 2024.

Looking for unusual scholarships for college students in 2024!?

If you’re on the hunt for college funds, there are thousands of college scholarships available based on the state you live in , academics , athletics , college major , and other general criteria. BUT , did you know that there are also a bunch of  unusual and weird scholarships out there?

We’ve rounded up some of the weirdest (and unique) college scholarships that make applying for money a LOT more fun (listed in order by the application deadline ). Plus, many of these interesting scholarships require minimal or NO writing!

Here are over 63 weird scholarships you can apply for in 2024:

1. Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

• Deadline : February 20th, 2024
• Award: One award of $10,000 and four awards of $5,000
• Who Can Apply? Graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities
• Details & How to Apply: Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

This is one of the unusual scholarships being offered in 2024. The Vegetarian Resource Group awards $30,000 annually to high school vegetarians or vegans. Applicants will be judged on compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle. You must be graduating high school in the spring of 2024 to apply.

2. Courage to Grow Scholarship

• Deadline: February 29th, 2024 (end of every month)
• Award: $500
• Who Can Apply? All junior and senior U.S. high school and college students with a 2.5 GPA
• Details & How to Apply: Courage to Grow Scholarship

In 250 words or less, tell Courage to Grow why you deserve the scholarship. You’ll also need to fill out the application, and you can continuously apply every month.

3. “No Essay” College Scholarship

• Deadline : February 29th, 2024 (a new winner is selected monthly)
• Award: $2,000 (one winner per month )
• Who Can Apply? All U.S. high school and college students, as well as any US citizen or Visa holder looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year
• Details & How to Apply: No Essay Scholarship

Don’t like to write? The $2,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is one of the easy and fun scholarships as there is NO essay required! The scholarship can cover tuition, housing, books, or any education-related expenses. The monthly winner will be determined by random drawing and then contacted directly.

4. Sweet and Simple Scholarship

• Deadline: February 28th, 2024
• Award: $1,500
• Who Can Apply? Ages 14 and up who are enrolled at an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education
• Details & How to Apply: Sweet and Simple Scholarship

This may not be a weird scholarship, but it’s definitely short and sweet. All you have to do is write 250 words about a meaningful gift you received – that’s it!

5. Scholarship for Aggressive Scholarship Applicants

• Deadline: July 15, 2024
• Who Can Apply? All high school and college students
• Details & How to Apply: Scholarship for Aggressive Scholarship Applicants

Love applying for scholarships? Debt.com wants to award students who have shown tenacity and courage in applying for ALL the free college money that is out there. This is one of the more obscure scholarships that awards persistence!

All you have to do to enter is apply for TONS of scholarships. Don’t worry. You don’t have to win them! You just send in copies of all of your submission receipts to Debt.com, along with a letter saying a bit about yourself. Include your plans in life and how you felt submitting all those applications.

Debt.com is purposefully vague with its rules to give students who seek the most scholarships the best chance of winning, but if you have questions, you can contact them and ask away .

6. Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA) Sony Pictures Scholarship

• Deadline: May 17, 2024
• Award: $4,000
• Who Can Apply? Any full-time advanced program or graduate student with a 3.0 GPA pursuing a career in moving image archiving
• Details & How to Apply: AMIA Sony Pictures Scholarship

These rare scholarships may make a difference when it comes to affording tuition. In 1,000 words, explain your education, work experience, career goals, and interest in archiving moving images for a chance to win the grand prize. The AMIA also has a $4,000 scholarship aimed at women pursuing careers in audiovisual archiving.

7. American Board of Funeral Service Education Scholarship

• Deadline: March 1st or September 1st (annually)
• Award: $1,500-$2,500 each (5+ winners every period – will vary on the number of applicants)
• Who Can Apply? Undergraduate and Post Graduate students enrolled in funeral services or mortuary science programs
• Details & How to Apply: ABFSE National Scholarship

Dying to get into the funeral business? Here is one of the odd scholarships available to you. In hopes of garnering applicants into the field of funeral and mortuary sciences, the American Board of Funeral Service Education has put together a scholarship program for undergraduate and postgraduate students . Applicants must have completed at least one full semester of coursework focusing on funeral and mortuary sciences to be eligible.

8. Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship

• Deadline: April 1, 2024
• Award: Up to $5,000
• Who Can Apply? College-bound high school seniors who have been affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
• Details & How to Apply: Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship

If you have been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation has an amazing scholarship opportunity. It goes from various ninth-place winners getting $500 to one grand prize of $5,000. The foundation awards tons of entries, so it’s definitely worth looking into.

9. Tall Clubs International Scholarship

• Deadline: March 1st, 2024
• Award: $1,000
• Who Can Apply? Incoming freshmen who are at least 5’10 (female) and 6’2 (male)
• Details & How to Apply: Tall Clubs International Scholarship

You can actually get a scholarship for being tall! If you fit the requirements, head on over to the website and fill out an application . There are a few important dates to be aware of in the scholarship process, so be sure to mark them on your calendar.

10. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship

• Award: $10,000 plus a $1,000 prize for your school (one winner)
• Who Can Apply? Must be 14 years or older at the time of entry and be enrolled in High School, College, University, or home school program that results in a degree or diploma
• Details & How to Apply: Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship

Have a knack for drawing? One of the fun and random scholarships you can apply to is The Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to give high school and collegiate-level students the opportunity to design an original greeting card. All artwork must be original. It can include photography and graphic design. Non-winning greeting cards may still be selected for publishing. In this case, the artist will be compensated.

11. Doodle for Google Scholarship

• Deadline: March 14th, 2024
• Award: $5,000 for finalists, $55,000 grand prize scholarship + $50.000 tech package for school
• Who Can Apply? All students K-12 (including homeschool)
• Details & How to Apply: Doodle for Google

Do you like silly scholarships? Try Doodle for Google. Every year, Google chooses a theme and students are encouraged to draw a logo based on the entry. Five finalists will win a $5,000 scholarship plus some Google hardware and swag. If you score the main prize, you’ll get a $55,000 scholarship, Google hardware and swag, a $50,000 technology package for your school or a non-profit of the winner’s choice, and a trophy for you and your school. Additionally, a few winners will receive unique awards like the Biggest Smile Award or the Good Neighbor Award.

12. National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarship

• Deadline: March 15th, 2024
• Award: $2,500 to $10,000
• Who Can Apply? Undergrads studying the food industry & graduate students pursuing a degree in supply chain
• Details & How to Apply: National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Scholarship

This no-essay scholarship has been made possible with donors including Burger King and other restaurants. If you’re looking for a restaurant-related degree, make sure you set your timers for March 15th!

13. Gypsy Lore Society Young Scholars’ Prize

• Deadline: March 31st, 2024
• Who Can Apply? History majors studying Romani studies that are undergrad students, grad students past their 1st year of study, or phD students (up to three years after being awarded the degree)
• Details & How to Apply: Gypsy Lore Society Young Scholars’ Prize

This one may not be weird, but it’s definitely one of the more obscure scholarships. The Gypsy Lore Society Young Scholars’ Prize was created to support those studying Gypsies and Travelers in Romani culture. If you’d like to apply, you must write a paper between 30 and 40 double-spaced pages about Romani studies.

14. Duck Tape “Stuck at Prom” Scholarship

• Deadline: Be on the lookout in Spring 2024.
• Awards: $10,000 for Best Dress (one winner) + $10,000 for Best Tux (one winner), plus 8 Tux and Dress runner-up prizes that include $500 cash scholarships and Duck Brand prize packs ($100 value each).
• Who Can Apply? Students 14 years of age or older who attend a high school or home school association during the 2023 – 2024 calendar year.
• Details & How to Apply: Duck Tape “Stuck at Prom” Scholarship

When it comes to out-of-the-box, weird scholarships, this one takes the cake! To be eligible for this scholarship, students just need to be enrolled in high school or a home association high school and create prom attire made entirely of duck tape!

Since not every student can go to prom, you don’t have to necessarily wear your creation to prom to participate. Creations will be judged on workmanship, originality, use of colors, accessories, and use of Duck Brand Duck tape. If you love strange scholarships, apply for this one!

15. Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

• Deadline: March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, and December 31st (quarterly)
• Details & How to Apply: Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship

Here’s another one of the silly scholarships! There is no essay required and it’s super easy to enter. All you have to do is fill out the application and hit submit. Plus, you can re-enter every quarter!

16. Superpower Scholarship

• Award: $2,500
• Who Can Apply? U.S. students ages 14 and up
• Details & How to Apply: Superpower Scholarship

Looking for more funny and crazy scholarships? Channel your inner hero and let the Superhero Scholarship know which superhero or villain you want to change places with for a day and why. You have 250 words or less to make your case!

17. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

• Deadline: April 1st, 2024
• Award: $15,000 maximum per year (one winner every two months)
• Who Can Apply? Current college students with financial need who participate in progressive movements for social change
• Details & How to Apply: Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

If you have a passion for activism and peace, the Davis-Putter Scholarship may be for you. You have to write a personal statement of 1,000 words about something you’re passionate about getting justice for in your community.

18. Asparagus Club Scholarship

• Deadline: April 15th, 2024
• Award: Scholarships start at $1,000
• Who Can Apply? Full-time enrolled rising college freshman through post graduate studies who have a GPA of at least 2.5 and a major in Business, Food Management, IT, or other with the intent to pursue a career in the independent grocery industry
• Details & How to Apply: Asparagus Club Scholarship

Want to pursue an education in the grocery industry? Founded in 1909, the name Asparagus Club was selected for the group to symbolize the concept that one single tip of asparagus standing alone would fall. When tied together in a bunch, they could stand upright (we love a weird scholarship metaphor)!

These strange scholarships are worth applying to! They are awarded for up to four semesters, provided that the recipient continues to meet eligibility requirements. Scholarship winners will be notified in early summer and disbursements are usually made in August.

19. National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarships

• Award: $1,000 – $15,000
• Who Can Apply? Black nursing students who are part of the NBNA
• Details & How to Apply: NBNA Scholarships

When you become a member of the NBNA, you have access to over 20 scholarships!

20. Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests

• Deadline: April 25th, 2024 for 8-12 Scholarships & College-Age Scholarship TBD
• Award: Up to $10,000 per winner – Over 230 prizes, totaling more than $70,000
• Who Can Apply? 8th-12th Grade Students and College Undergraduate & Graduate Students (contest date TBD)
• Details & How to Apply: Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contests

Like reading thought-provoking books? Or just like to argue for and justify your point of view? There are several Ayn Rand Institute essay contests available that would be write for you! ✏️ These may be overlooked scholarships, but they shouldn’t be! There is a lot of prize money to be won and you can spend the prize money however you wish!

12th Graders, College Undergraduates, and Graduate Students are eligible to enter the Atlas Shrugged writing contest (deadline TBD). The first-place winner will be awarded $10,000 (one winner), 2nd place winners will each get $2,500 (three winners), and the 3rd place winners will get $500 (five winners).

The Anthem writing contest is open for 8th – 12th-grade students (deadline April 25th). The first-place winner will get $2,000 (one winner), 2nd place winners will get $500 (three winners), and 3rd place winners will get $100 (five winners).

11th and 12th Graders can enter The Fountainhead writing contest (deadline April 25th). The first-place winner will get $5,000 (one winner), 2nd place winners will each get $1,250 (three winners), and the 3rd place winners will get $250 (five winners).

21. All About Education Scholarship

• Deadline: April 30th, 2024
• Award: $3,000
• Who Can Apply? U.S. residents ages 14 and up
• Details & How to Apply: All About Education Scholarship

If you like random scholarships, try this one! All you have to do is write how $3,000 would ease the stress of college tuition in 250 words or less.

22. Crossword Hobbyist Scholarship

• Deadline: May 3rd, 2024
• Award: $1,000 (one winner) + a lifetime subscription to My Crossword Maker
• Who Can Apply? Current or incoming undergraduate students who are enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester
• Details & How to Apply: Crossword Hobbyist Scholarship

Do you enjoy puzzles? Why don’t you try creating your own and apply to this unique and fun scholarship? The Crossword Hobbyist rewards one lucky winner for creating and submitting one 15×15 newspaper-style crossword puzzle on MyCrosswordMaker.com . With so many crossword puzzles in existence, you can easily find some inspiration!

23. Fifth Month Scholarship

• Deadline: May 31st, 2024
• Who Can Apply? U.S. residents ages 14 and up who are enrolled in an accredited postsecondary insitution
• Details & How to Apply: Fifth Month Scholarship

During the fifth month of the year, aka May, you can write in 250 words why the number 5 is so important. This may be a pretty weird scholarship, but it’ll get you $1,500 if your silly (or serious) entry is chosen!

24. Allied Health Scholarships

• Deadline : June 1st, 2024 for the Fall 2024 semester & November 1st, 2024 for the Spring 2025 semester
• Award: $1,000 for each semester entry
• Who Can Apply? Ages 18 and up pursuing a degree in the allied health industry with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Details & How to Apply: Allied Health Scholarships

Aspiring allied health professionals, aka those who study optometry, dentistry, nursing, medicine, clinical psychology, and pharmacy, can apply. Simply write an essay of 500-1,000 words regarding why you want to join the allied health industry.

25. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

• Deadline: June 10th, 2024
• Award: Up to $1,500
• Who Can Apply? Worldwide students ages 11 through 18
• Details & How to Apply: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

For this impactful, not-so-weird scholarship, you’ll be following the prompt, “Tell Your Climate Story”. Answer how climate issues and solutions have affected you or your community. You can use any means of the arts to complete this prompt, including art, music, creative writing, poetry, dance, multimedia, and film.

26. GoFoodservice Scholarship

• Deadline: June 15th, 2024
• Who Can Apply? High school or current college students who study Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management
• Details & How to Apply: GoFoodservice Scholarship

Don’t overlook this obscure scholarship! All you have to do is write 500 words about why you became interested in seeking a Culinary or Hospitality career.

27. Boom & Bucket’s Scholarship

• Deadline: March 31, 2024
• Award: $1,000 paid directly to the school as a tuition payment
• Who Can Apply? Students pursuing a heavy machinery-themed program who are already enrolled in school or plan to in the next 12 months.
• Details & How to Apply: Boom & Bucket’s Scholarship

To enter this unique scholarship, students who study, or plan to study, heavy machinery-themed program have the choice of either writing a 500-word essay or filming a 2-minute video about who they are and what makes them excited about their field of study.

28. SmarterCollege Scholarship

• Deadline: February 29, 2024
• Who Can Apply? High school seniors 17+, college students, and college graduates paying back loans.
• Details & How to Apply: SmarterCollege Scholarship

This may be the easiest scholarship to apply for. There’s not even an essay and there is no limit to how many times you can win!

29. BMTX Annual Financial Empowerment Scholarship

• Deadline : July 12th, 2024
• Who Can Apply? Any US citizen enrolled or has been accepted into an accredited university with a 3.0+ GPA.
• Details & How to Apply: BMTX Annual Financial Empowerment Scholarship

It’s never too late to complete your education, and this scholarship is perfect for anyone looking to attend college above high school age. On top of the essay and references, you’ll need to submit a creative video.

If you’ve already grasped the role finances play in your life, you’re one step ahead of applying for this unusual scholarship. You’ll need to fill out the electronic application and record a 30-60-second video explaining how important financial empowerment is to your future. You’ll also need to provide an unofficial transcript and proof of enrollment/acceptance. Winners are announced in August.

30. Flavor of the Month Scholarship

• Deadline : July 31st, 2024
• Details & How to Apply: Flavor of the Month

Although this is kind of a weird scholarship, we couldn’t be happier it exists. All you have to do is answer the question, “If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?”

31. Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship

• Deadline: March 1, 2024
• Award: $1,000 each (four winners)
• Who Can Apply? Aviation students who blog on a weekly basis about school, flight training, and interest in aviation
• Details & How to Apply: Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship

Future pilots, you have to apply for this rare Calvin L. Carrithers Aviation Scholarship! You’ll need to blog your progress weekly, which is actually a great way to document your school experience!

32. Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) Scholarship

• Deadline: TBA
• Award: Varies
• Who Can Apply? Undergraduate and Graduate students under 25 who have hemiplegia or hemiparesis
• Details & How to Apply: Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA) Scholarship

Those who have had a stroke can apply for this incredible scholarship. You must submit a physician’s statement and an essay about your goals for the future.

33. Clubs of America Scholarship

• Deadline: August 31st, 2024
• Who Can Apply? Undergrads with at least a 3.0 GPA
• Details & How to Apply: Clubs of America Scholarship

Here’s another one of the random scholarships we’ve found. Simply write about your career aspirations in at least 600 words. Although it’s optional, you can also submit a YouTube video!

34. AFSA 2nd Chance College Scholarship

• Award: $1,000 each (5 winners)
• Who Can Apply? Citizens or aliens legally residing in the USA who have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Details & How to Apply: AFSA 2nd Chance College Scholarship

Fill out some basic information and answer a short, eight-question multiple-choice quiz about fire sprinkler safety. Winner selection is NOT based on financial need, GPA, or demographic criteria. Scholarship winners are randomly selected by a computer-generated drawing from among valid entries received.

35. Shout It Out Scholarship

• Deadline: September 30th, 2024
• Details & How to Apply: Shout it Out Scholarship

In 250 words or less, what’s one thing you feel like shouting to the entire world? If you didn’t think you could get college funds by doing something as simple as this, we’re glad to have found the right awesome yet weird scholarship for you!

36. Digital Responsibility Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

• Who Can Apply? All U.S. high school and college students
• Details & How to Apply: Digital Responsibility Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Take the pledge to never text and drive and explain why in 140 characters. If selected, you’ll have to write an essay, and you may be selected for the scholarship.

Digital Responsibility also sponsors other impactful, albeit strange, scholarships like the E-Waste Scholarship where you must state, in 140 characters or less, the main reason one should care about e-waste. Another one is the Digital Privacy Scholarship where you must explain how you are taking responsibility for your digital profile.

37. Association For Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) Steel Premier Intern Scholarship

• Deadline : October 14th, 2024
• Award: $7,500 and a paid internship
• Who Can Apply? Undergrad and grad students in North America majoring in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, data science, safety or industrial hygiene with at least a 2.5 GPA
• Details & How to Apply: AIST Foundation Steel Scholarship

If you have a strong interest in the iron and steel industry, AIST is offering both a scholarship and a paid internship! This way, you’ll bulk up your resume while saving money for college.

39. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

• Deadline : October 31st, 2024
• Award: $2,000
• Who Can Apply? Ages U.S.residents ages 14 and up
• Details & How to Apply: Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

Speaking of strange scholarships, have you heard of the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship? Believe it or not, binging those zombie movies and shows is about to pay off! In 250 words or less, you have to answer the prompt of what you would do if your campus, including all your friends and the staff, have been taken over by a zombie apocalypse and what you would do to survive.

40. Francis Ouimet Scholarship

• Deadline: December 1st, 2024
• Award: $1,500 – $15,000
• Who Can Apply? Senior high school or college students who have worked in Massachusetts golf courses for 2+ years
• Details & How to Apply: Francis Ouimet Scholarship

If you’ve worked 2+ years in a Massachusetts golf course, you’re eligible for this Francis Ouimet Scholarship. Applications are now open, and the amount you’re rewarded varies.

41. Alice W. Rooke Scholarship

• Deadline: Varies, but email [email protected] for specific information.
• Award: One-time $5,000
• Who Can Apply? Pre-med graduates studying to become a doctor
• Details & How to Apply: Alice W. Rooke Scholarship

This scholarship is for those who have already graduated as pre-med students and are attending or have been accepted to an accredited medical or osteopathic school, college, or university. DAR.org also has a variety of other scholarships for those in the medical field to check out.

42. Imagine America Foundation Scholarship for Adults

• Deadline: Varies, but applications are open now.
• Who Can Apply? Aspiring students 19 and older
• Details & How to Apply: Imagine America Foundation Scholarship

If you put college on hold or couldn’t immediately attend, this scholarship is here to help. Imagine America also provides scholarships for high school students, military members, and those interested in trade school.

43. ABPA Harrington-Arthur Scholarship Essay Competition

• Deadline: CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Be on the lookout in spring 2025.
• Who Can Apply? Students ages 13 to 19
• Details & How to Apply: ABPA Harrington-Arthur Scholarship Essay Competition

Answer a prompt in 700-1,200 words regarding the importance of safe drinking water. Note that the prompt may vary slightly by next year.

44. CME Beef Industry Scholarship

• Deadline: Closed for now, but likely opens October 1st.
• Award: 10 scholarships of $1,500 each
• Who Can Apply? Undergraduates pursuing a career in the beef industry (can study education, communications, production, research, or any other area involved with the beef industry)
• Details & How to Apply: CME Beef Industry Scholarship

If you’re looking to join the beef industry, the CME Beef Industry is looking to help you achieve your education. You’ll need to write an essay, a letter of intent, and two letters of recommendation.

45. Worthy Women’s Scholarship

• Deadline: CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Be on the lookout in late February – early March.
• Award: $1,000 – $2,500
• Who Can Apply? Women students ages 30 and older
• Details & How to Apply: Worthy Women’s Scholarship

This may be one of the more overlooked scholarships, but it’s so easy to apply that it’s worth your time. With this scholarship, you’ll choose one of three prompts about a dream, guidance, or culture and write about it in 300 – 500 words.

46. The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship

• Deadline : Varies, but should be in late March.
• Award: Up to $10,000
• Who Can Apply? Adult students looking to attend college who are past high school age
• Details & How to Apply: The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship

It’s never too late to complete your education, and this scholarship is perfect for anyone looking to attend college above high school age. On top of the essay and references, you’ll need to have a clearly defined career goal and objective, which isn’t too hard if you’re eager about what you’re studying! You’ll need to answer two essay questions with two references.

47. CVS Health Minority Scholarship for Pharmacy Students

• Deadline : CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Check back in Spring 2024.
• Award: $8,000
• Who Can Apply? US residents who are minorities (Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and/or Pacific Islanders) enrolled in a pharmacy program with at least a 2.0 GPA
• Details & How to Apply: CVS Health Minority Scholarship for Pharmacy Students

The CVS Health Minority Scholarship awards various students of color $8,000 to complete their pharmacy studies. Make sure you qualify with the requirements and submit any necessary transcripts and recommendation letters.

48. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

• Deadline : CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Try again in May 2024.
• Award: $5,000 – $10,000
• Who Can Apply? Students pursuing a healthcare-related career like medical school, nursing, or pharmacy
• Details & How to Apply: Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

For over 30 years, the Tylenol Future Care Scholarship has been helping future healthcare workers jump-start their careers. Ten students will be chosen for $10K and 25 will be selected for $5K.

49. National Potato Council Scholarship

• Deadline: CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Check back in June 2024.
• Award: $10,000 (one winner)
• Who Can Apply? Graduate students conducting research for the benefit of the potato industry
• Details & How to Apply: National Potato Council Scholarship

Interested in conducting research on potatoes? Here is one of the weird and obscure scholarships available to you. The National Potato Council provides annual funding to graduate research students who exhibit both leadership qualities and overall academic prowess.

The winner is selected based on a number of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership abilities, potato-related areas of graduate study, and more. Awards are typically dispersed in August of each year and are applicable to both fall and spring semesters.

This also made Scholarships.com ‘s roundup of the weirdest scholarships!

50. James Allen Cox Foundation Student Photojournalists Scholarship

• Deadline : CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Be on the lookout in July.
• Award: $2,500 (6 winners) + Digital SLR Cameras (5 winners)
• Who Can Apply? College and graduate students
• Details & How to Apply: James Allen Cox Foundation Student Photojournalists Scholarship

If you’re studying photojournalism, this scholarship is for you. One graduate student will be awarded the scholarship money for video work, and four undergraduate college students will be awarded scholarship money for video work and one for still photography.

If high school students want to put their photography to the test, five high school students will be given a Digital SLR Camera for a still photography entry. Note that high school students will not get any monetary rewards.

51. Make Me Laugh Scholarship

• Deadline: August 31, 2024
• Details & How to Apply: Make Me Laugh Scholarship

Not a weird scholarship but a hysterical one! Make these judges laugh in 250 words with a story that can be real or completely made up!

52. Ludo Frevel Crystallography Scholarship

• Deadline: October 10, 2024 (Applications open in August 2024)
• Who Can Apply? Graduate students studying crystallography-related fields during 2024
• Details & How to Apply: Ludo Frevel Crystallography Scholarship

Calling all aspiring crystallographers who study crystals, metals, and more! You must apply to this Ludo Frevel Crystallography Scholarship if you’re in a graduate program. It’s one of the helpful and unusual scholarships available to you!

54. American Quarter Horse Foundation

• Deadline: November 1, 2024 (Applications accepted starting August 1, 2024)
• Award: Up to $50,000
• Who Can Apply? Those studying Equine Welfare, Genomics, Infectious Diseases, Microbiome of the Horse, or nutrition.
• Details & How to Apply: American Quarter Horse Foundation

We heard about this scholarship on Lend EDU . Official directions will be added once the application is open, but it’s a one-year grant. The amount awarded varies on what you’re studying.

55. The UNIMA-USA Puppetry Scholarship

• Deadline: December 1, 2024 (Applications accepted starting October 1, 2024)
• Who Can Apply? American puppeteers looking to study puppetry outside the U.S.
• Details & How to Apply: UNIMA-USA Puppetry Scholarship

Talk about strange scholarships! This offbeat scholarship is for those with a passion for puppetry! Apply for it if you’ve ever wanted to take your puppeteer skills to the next level by studying abroad in places like Prague, London, or Paris! Winners will be announced in January 2025.

56. The Redhead Scholarship

• Deadline: April 4, 2024
• Award: $500 for grand winner (up to $5,000 in prizes)
• Who Can Apply? High school juniors and seniors with red hair
• Details & How to Apply: The Redhead Scholarship

Natural redheads are some of the most rare people on the planet and one of the obscure scholarships they can apply to receive is The Redhead Scholarship. Applying is super easy. You just need to submit some current and childhood photos along with a personal statement and your transcript.

57. AACT John Kitt Memorial Scholarship for Candy Technologists

• Deadline: May 15, 2024
• Who Can Apply? College sophomores, juniors, and seniors in 2024-2025 with a 3.0 GPA and a demonstrated interest in confectionary technology
• Details & How to Apply: The John Kitt Memorial Scholarship

How sweet is this fun scholarship? If you have a future career in candy, consider submitting an application! You’ll need a letter of recommendation and demonstrated interest in confectionary technology.

58. Our World – Underwater Scholarship Society

• Deadline: CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Be on the lookout for the next deadline which is around January 2025.
• Award: Up to $30,000
• Who Can Apply? Scuba divers aged 21 to 26 who do not yet have a graduate degree
• Details & How to Apply: Our World – Underwater Scholarship Society

Scuba divers, this is one scholarship that pays BIG so you don’t want to overlook it! If you want to pursue a career that involves underwater life, this may be the scholarship for you. It is applicable for those with an interest in careers like an underwater photographer, marine biologist, scientific researcher, or conservation specialist. To get started, check out the requirements on their website and gather up your letters of recommendation and proof of dive history.

59. STARFLEET Scholarship

• Deadline: June 1, 2024
• Award: Varies (multiple recipients)
• Who Can Apply? STARFLEET members studying engineering, technology, medicine, veterinary sciences, the arts, business, or education at a college, technical school, or community college.
• Details & How to Apply: STARFLEET Scholarships

Calling all Trekkies! Fans of Star Trek who belong to STARFLEET are eligible for some odd scholarships. There are 5 scholarships being awarded in various areas of study. You must have belonged to STARFLEET for at least a year to be considered. Be prepared to write an essay and submit letters of recommendation.

Not part of STARFLEET? There are two scholarships available to non-members , including one for women in STEM fields!

60. Getting Real About Distracted Driving Scholarship

• Deadline: CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Be on the lookout for a deadline like on December 31st, 2024.
• Who Can Apply? Students attending, planning to attend, or continuing a program at a university
• Details & How to Apply: Getting Real About Distracted Driving Scholarship

One of the more random scholarships, this one asks applicants to use their humor to make a safety announcement. Take the pledge to not text and drive and create an ad to encourage others to do the same! Your advertisement should emphasize the dangers of distracted driving.

61. The Boren Awards Fellowship and Scholarship

• Deadline: CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Be on the lookout for applications to open winter 2024.
• Award: Up to $25,000
• Who Can Apply? U.S. graduate and undergraduate students, respectively, who are studying languages that are uncommon to learn in the US.
• Details & How to Apply: The Boren Awards Fellowship and Scholarship

If you’re looking to study a language, studying abroad is the perfect opportunity. The Boren Awards has both a fellowship and scholarship where they will award money to students, preferably those willing to be abroad for 25 weeks.

62. Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Scholarship

• Who Can Apply? Women who are Arizona residents ages 19 and older
• Details & How to Apply: Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship allows Arizona women to return to community college to complete their goals. Recipients are required to attend one Arizona BPW Foundation per year.

63. Jeannette Rankin Foundation

• Deadline : CLOSED. Sorry, gang! Be on the lookout for applications to open winter 2024.
• Who Can Apply? Low-income women and non-binary students 35 and older looking to continue their education.
• Details & How to Apply: Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant

Inspired by the first female congresswoman, the Jeannette Rankin Fund provides an unrestricted amount of grants to women ages 35 and above who have a low income and want to better their lives by attending university.

The fund also has two other scholarships – the Emerge Grant and the National Tribal College Scholar Grant – for those 25 and over.

64. The “I Have a Dream” Scholarship 

• Details & How to Apply: I Have a Dream Scholarship

Don’t pass up unusual scholarships with easy applications! Whether you have a dream goal or a strange dream last week, you can be rewarded for that! The I Have a Dream Scholarship will reward you for any dream you have. In 250 words or less, just answer the prompt, “We want to know… what do you dream about? Whether it’s some bizarre dream you had last week, or your hopes for the future, share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college.”

65. Tallo’s College Scholarships

Tallo has a series of scholarships you can gain access to when you make an account. They’ve matched $20 billion in scholarship money which has covered tuition, books, room and board, and more. Don’t miss out on any of their opportunities!

Appily is a platform where students can find colleges that are the right fit, connect them, and supply unusual and random scholarships that will help them make this a reality. It’s all the tools you need in one convenient place!

67. Adobe Creative Scholarships

Adobe Creative actually offers eight scholarships and fellowships (yes, 8!) to support the dreams of all ages and backgrounds. Check out their website to see which one is for you, and a few are already open!

68. PSAT National Merit Scholarship

Many people write off the practice SATs every high school student takes as merely practice, but you could be rewarded for a good score! Students in their junior year are eligible to receive the National Merit Scholarship based on their scores on the PSAT. To learn more and how to be eligible, check out their website .

One last Hip Tip!   Unigo is a great place to search for other unusual college scholarships besides the ones listed above.

They have a huge database with millions of different random scholarships available. Plus, it’s free to sign up! They provide helpful college reviews , have a student loan finder , publish informative articles , and more. They offer other awesome resources that allow students to make the best decisions about college.

Already a college student? Take advantage of over 100 college freebies and discounts !

About the writer:

Kara is a writer and photographer from the Midwest. Her creative work has appeared in various publications over the past decade. With a background in finance, she loves to be money-savvy.

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Comments 43.

Four out of five our kids went to college on full tuition scholarships. The way to get them is work, work, work and do community service and prep for that SAT! Apply to private universities because they are the ones that have scholarships to give away but do it by early Dec in your junior year. By February all the scholarship money has been awarded and it often for the full four years.

Great tips! Thanks Lana!

Smart kids who worked hard. Congratulations!! Can you please guide a little bit more what kind of community service & which universities? Trying to collect info before my kiddo gets there.

Private colleges, especially smaller ones are easiest. Any service that gets you teen out in the community and serving others is good. Our youngest three were in Civil Air Patrol all through high school.

Check to see if your library or local university subscribe to the Foundation Center. https://gtionline.foundationcenter.org/ (there is a “locations” link at the bottom) They have a search engine for individual grants and scholarships. Some you might never have known existed!

The most amazing scholarship out there is The Evans scholarship. Full tuition and quarterly stipend.

Average kids with 3.0’s, play sports, do community service, and are part of leadership clubs, parents earn 80,000 a year…. get screwed all the way around.

Plan ahead, especially if you have an average well balanced kid.

Full ride scholarships are very hard to come by.

Totally agree!

I agree with you on this 100%! I have three in college, all had straight A’s, one was valedictorian, one ranked 3rd in class the other ranked 5th. All played sports and were involved in FFA, 4-H, did community service, etc. They had the most luck with local scholarships, which were great, so appreciative to have received them, but hardly a drop in the bucket compared to the total cost.

As someone mentioned before, check out private colleges. Don’t let the sticker price scare you! One of my kids attends a private college and has received several scholarships, awards, grants directly from that college that has made his tuition cheaper than his siblings who are in public college! Plus, the professors go above and beyond to make sure he not only succeeds but excels! (This has not been OUR experience with the public colleges.) One of my kids was offered a sports scholarship (NOT a full ride) at a private college but it wasn’t a good fit for him. (I loved it, but I’m not the one going!) My impression while visiting the campus and talking with professors was the same as I have with the private college my other son attends, they care about your child’s success!

So, with the experience I have had with this college roller coaster ride! My advice is: 1. Plan ahead! (Don’t assume because your child is a stellar student colleges will throw money at them to attend!) Save, save, save! 2. Apply for as many scholarships as possible and apply early! Don’t procrastinate! 3. Check out private colleges! They have funds that will usually make the cost cheaper than a public school.

Obviously, there are people with better advice and different experiences. This has just been my experience so far, I’m sure there is more to come!

Yep, daughter with 3.5 GPA, average ACT and did work, sports and volunteering gets NO $$ at our state school and very little in the way of federally subsidized loans. Low to average parental income. Private school did offer a scholarship that makes it about the same cost as the state school but she wants the state school. Why are there no scholarships for well rounded kids that aren’t superstars?

This is an amazing resource! Thank you HIP2SAVE!

You’re very welcome, Heather!

I was very fortunate in undergrad at USC. I received academic and need based scholarships. Being a 1st generation college student also gave me the diversity edge for admission and scholarships. Grad school, on the other hand, is when I became all too familiar with the plight of student loans.

Thank you Hip2Save for the information, I’ve passed it on to my niece in college.

Oh good! You’re SO welcome!

Thanks for posting. I am a non traditional student. I am trying to return to school to finish my BA after being gone for 10 years… eek. I am at that point where I need it in order to move up at work.

Some people don’t realize that the pre-SAT test that everyone takes is also a scholarship opportunity (called National Merit). You get a little stipend for being a semi finalist and a bigger stipend for being a finalist. Also, some major private colleges will pick from the finalist pool students to give extra money to (you have to be applying to that school, obviously). My neighbors kids were both finalists. One ended up with a full ride to Vanderbilt. The other ended up with a half tuition scholarship to Villanova. I believe they each applied for a got several other scholarships. Early prep helped my neighbor’s kids get a college degree without going into debt! I say this because I took the PSAT 20 years ago without any prep and didn’t realize there was any money attached to it. I ended up being a semi finalist and got a stipend for $500 x 4 years ($2000 total). I don’t know if the numbers changed over the last 2 decades, but that certainly paid for all my books and lab fees for the year. I remember distinctly regretting that I didn’t study or prepare for the PSAT. I shared this with my neighbor as her kids were starting high school

Thank you I did not know this! My son just took the PSAT for the first time with no prep and I was really confused about why there would be prep classes for it! He has several more years to keep taking it, but now I know I should enroll him in the prep!

PSAT national Merit Scholarship is extremely hard to get. I would focus on other scholarships. If your kid attends a large school the chances are really slim. My kid was runner up and got honorable mention, he gets $0 for that!

Not sure if they still do this. I’ve got a young relative in college now who was named a national merit scholar and he didn’t get any money for college from it.

National merit offers 3 different types of scholarships. First is through the National Merit and is from $500-$2500. The second is corporate sponsored. The last is school sponsored. So the amount of money depends on the school and the state your relative picks. Usually, private schools (except ivy league) are more generous with their scholarship money. But at the very least, if you relative was named a scholar, he should have at least gotten a one time $500-$2500. Schools like Villanova and Vanderbilt definitely give school sponsored national merit scholarships that can be as much as a full ride. However, state schools offered no additional help. I hope that helps

If you have a learning disability or a physical disability, check with your state’s rehabilitation department for scholarship money. I know several people who have gotten 4 year full tuition and books paid this way.

These are awesome! Also, if you have student loan debt, check out the Givling trivia app. Here’s a link to a CNBC article about them. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/14/ways-to-reduce-your-student-debt-without-using-your-paycheck.html?fbclid=IwAR1xTxWkJXKwmfl6YtrZ8tWlmvCRU1qE0D3gt5U0yb6RrEeYf6cNJKrembw

They crowd fund, but you can play and be eligible without spending a penny. They have weekly trivia with nice cash prize, they have two random $10000 drawings, while also crowdfunding $50,000 for a student loan or mortgage (if you don’t have either, you can put the money into an approved investment fund). If you sign up, I’d love it if you use my invite code, RB798402.

In 2019, I applied for the first time for an unusual scholarship: https://www.collegexpress.com/scholarships/annual-video-contest-scholarship-for-students/2037264/ I didn’t get it, and I was a little disappointed. But I found out that there are a lot of such programs and you can try your hand at it every year. There really are plenty of scholarship opportunities for students, no matter what anyone says.

My daughter is completing her sophomore year of college, here are a few tips that worked for us:

1. Start thinking about college the summer after freshman year. Have the discussions about what type of school your student wants to attend (small vs large; distance from home, etc) 2. We started visiting colleges after Sophomore year and my daughter found the school that she fell in love with (we did too) after visiting 6 schools. 3. Junior Year – set up a meeting with the school (s) your student has narrowed down their list to. 4. Work on finding scholarships to apply to – some you can apply to even junior year of high school. Two Facebook groups I have found extremely helpful are: Wendy Roever Nelson and Merit Scholarship Deep Dive. Wendy publishes a monthly list of scholarships due at the end of the month – it is a great list with basic information so you know if it is a scholarship your student should apply to. 5. Have your student go in and start asking questions and get to know the college and career person(s) at their high school. They will publish a list of local scholarships. Local scholarships are easier to get because there are less applicants. 6. Have your student write an essay about them selves and what they are pursuing. My daughter’s speech teacher made them do that at the start of senior year – and then present it. It was wonderful because it got her to really focus on who she was, what she wanted scholarship givers to know about herself. This really was an important assignment because it helped her so much with all of the scholarships she applied for. She would tweak the essay based on the scholarship type and requirements. Once she had the speech written she also showed it to the college and career center person who reviewed it. Any essays she had to write for scholarships at the beginning of applying she would set up a time and go in and have the woman review. 7. When you search for scholarships – search for ones for your students intended major but then also search for ones based on attributes of your student: there are scholarships for kindness, for siblings with a sibling with a disability, etc. Also remember, the company you work for might provide scholarships too. 8. Be organized. Use a spreadsheet to track the scholarships applied for, upcoming due dates, what the scholarship application requires. Have your student obtain a few copies of their transcript because some require it. 9. Identify people to write references when requested by the scholarship. This is where it really is important that your student has built relationships with teachers, coaches, organizations in the community so the reference ends up being very personal. Keep in mind senior year a lot of students are asking for reference letters. Tell your student to be proactive and ask early – not last minute. 10. Talk to people – you would be surprised how many great ideas you will get from others about scholarships their students got. 11. Make sure you fill out the FAFSA form early when the application period opens. It now opens Oct 1st – much earlier than it used to. Even if you do not think you will qualify for aid – it is still often required that you fill it out for some scholarships from the college and overall. 12. If you do not qualify for any assistance with FAFSA – if you have any unique circumstance, contact the financial aid office to discuss. They do have exception forms and will often help you. For us – we have very high medical bills each year due to me having a chronic illness that requires many specialized scans and hospitalizations a year and so my daughter’s college had me send in an itemized list of our medical bills for the year and they have given her a $2000 donor scholarship and also let her work a work study job on campus. We really appreciated that. 13. It is a lot of work but definitely worth it to pursue scholarships. 14. Private colleges/universities do tend to give much more generous scholarships so if at first the price tag scares you – my daughter’s did look further and you will typically find that your student will be awarded a very nice scholarship for the 4 years. My daughter’s scholarship from her private university resulted in us paying less than we would have at our state school. And she wanted to go private. So that price tag of $45000 suddenly became much more doable after she received her scholarship. Also – have your student apply to the school(s) as soon as they can. My daughter was able to apply in the summer before senior year and was accepted. The pressure of applying and getting accepted was off and she focused her year on finding scholarships. We were lucky because we looked early and she found the school she wanted. Many of her friends didn’t even start to look until senior year and some then chose schools they had not even visited yet. And these were very good students. I was surprised but I think many people wait thinking you do this all senior year when in fact you can be visiting colleges throughout high school.

I hope the information I shared is helpful. Sorry if it is a bit long. Good luck to all your students.

Thanks a bunch for taking the time to share this helpful list! ❤️❤️We have just started talking more seriously with our kids about what college or type of further education would be best for each of them.

Thanks for sharing all this, and taking the time to write it all out. I love how you laid everything out too. I’m sending what you wrote to a few friends now. Thanks again.

I am OBSESSED with the gorgeous Duct Tape creations I’ve seen from the winners of the prom challenge. The construction is out of this world, and I’m so impressed, I’D give them a scholarship, if I could! 💕 Thanks for sharing this H2S! Does anyone have any insight into helping homeschoolers find assistance? My oldest will be starting 8th grade in the fall, and I’m starting my research now. I don’t want to snooze and loose!

If your local high school offers a concurrent community college degree program I highly recommend enrolling your student to save money. It cuts 2 years off a bachelors degree. They start in their junior year. My state paid some of the tuition and the school district provided transportation. My kid is graduating high school with the college degree in a few weeks. He will entering into year 3 in the fall of a bachelors degree. Keep in mind you’ll probably need to stay in your state for maximum credit transfer.

I don’t have any kids going to college, nor am I, but I love reading about these unexpected scholarships. I didn’t even know scholarships like this existed.

Tips from a Been There, Done That parent: (One child had a perfect ACT score, 17 AP tests, and got a full scholarship to our state university; second child went to a private college and we paid about half of the “sticker price”, they applied during early application and was awarded several school scholarships).

Colleges: they are a business – “Recruiting Future Graduates”. Don’t focus on college’s “sticker price”.

Demonstrate Leadership!!! Create a “Brag Binder” – show to college admissions, easier way for student to talk about themselves.

Scholarships make up only 5% of all aid. Spend time studying for ACT/SAT (for better score) instead of applying for scholarships. College endowments are awarded on first come, first served; are usually rewarded for top 25% applicants. (Apply early!)

Improve academic skills: reading, test-taking class, take ACT/SAT test-prep class. College selection: Career (general career path) -> Major -> College (keeping college values in mind)

Visit colleges Spring of Junior year. Rank colleges before visiting (so that non-academic amenities get in the way of education choice)

Pick at least 6 colleges to apply to. Check college graduation rates. Financial aid will be given to those that have other choices (why? To “woo” student). Financial aid is a “first come, first served” process.

After receiving offers from colleges, you can use the lower offers to share with a preferred school to see if they can better their offer. College Awards Appeal: MUST come from student Be respectful, ask directly, make it easy for them to say yes. Never say “negotiate” (colleges hate that term) If possible be specific (example: “College X has awarded me $10K, can you match that?”)

Brag Binder: Newspaper clippings Honor Roll notices Announcements Thank-you letters Examples of leadership Training certificates Scout photos Volunteer records Degrees / Diplomas Certifications of achievement Charitable activities Membership certificates/IDs Sports officiating credentials Junior Achievement projects Business cards Newsletter mentions Articles you have written Special commendations Letters of appreciation Performance reviews/bonuses

(Some of the above info is personal knowledge learned from other parents before me; other info is from a Thrivent Financial College Planning seminar I went to)

Those silly scholarships are clever ways to collect your private information. Don’t bother.

One million percent in favor of community colleges. Colleges are businesses. Many schools have programs where you can get four year degrees while never leaving the campus of the community college, HUGE money saver. If your kids work, have them ask their employers about scholarships too. My son worked at a grocery store and applied for scholarships every year. Over the 4 years he was awarded over $10,000 which was sooooo helpful.

Take AP courses in HS. That would lessen your kids’ college tuition and work load in college, and probably graduate a semester or two early. Don’t forget if your spouse was/in the military, free tuition to state schools and universities. Our kids went to UC schools and the VA paid for the tuition. They got some scholarships so it helped a little for dorms and food. But planning ahead is the key. We opened 529 plans when they were young, and we used the funds for the dorm/apartment, food, books. That and they worked through college for their personal expenses. We still gave them allowances, but when they started working part time and paid internships, they said they didn’t need their full allowance 😀. Both graduated in 4 years, which is hard in University of California system due to impacted classes, etc. And they graduated without student loans and enough money in the bank to start on their own ( with roommates) without our help 🙂

Thanks for that helpful info, riss! I’m sure other readers will find it to be very helpful.

Could you please tell me where I can find the information about VA tuition help? Is this for all states or just State school in California?

Just apply and hope for the best. Your child will get in somewhere. Where they go to school doesn’t govern who they become. Very few jobs need a top school listed on the resume, especially the 4 year college. What matters is where the MBA is from.

During lockdown we lived in NJ. Our son was a senior at the time. He took the SAT once because testing centers kept closing due to Covid. Our son had no extracurricular activities, barely any community service had an average SAT score but did graduate high school with honors. He applied to 4 colleges and was accepted to all and received scholarship money at all the colleges.

When you apply, you automatically are considered for college sponsored scholarships. We didn’t know this. One private school gave $60,000 scholarship.

I wouldn’t go sweaty with the notebooks and meetings and charts. It’s too stressful and too much work.

Stupid question…my daughter is starting her Junior year of high school. If she applies for some of these scholarships now and is awarded some money, where does the money go? Do they send it to us and we hold it until she starts college or do they hold it until she starts college?

Great information! I especially like #10. If my 8th grade son grows 2 inches in the next 4 years he will definitely apply for that one.

Glad this post was helpful, Colorado Amy! Good luck to your son! 🤞🙌❤️

Thank you for this post. I will have two kids in college next fall and we can use every penny we can find. This is so helpful!

YAY! SO happy to hear you found this post helpful, Kerri! You’re welcome! Good luck on all of the scholarship opportunities your kids apply for! 🤞❤️

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25 college scholarships high school seniors can still apply for

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Prices keep going up for college students. This year, attending some American colleges and universities is expected to cost students more than $90,000 a year.

Granted, that’s based on figures for tuition, room and board and other expenses from some of the country’s most elite private institutions. Even so, the Education Data Initiative reports that the average private college student living on campus actually spends about $55,840 per year, with $38,768 of it going towards tuition and fees). And students at public universities spend an average of about $26,027 per year.

That’s still quite a chunk of change, even if you’ve decided it’s worth the cost . In fact, college prices have risen by 169% since 1980, according to a report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce . If you’re a high school senior or college student (or the parent of one) who is trying to figure out how to pay these bills, you may want to consider some of the scholarships available to defray costs.

And while the deadlines of some scholarships have passed, there are still lots of options if you act fast. Here are 25 scholarships for high school seniors.

Scholarships That Award Over $15,000

1. breakthrough junior challenge: $250,000.

Deadline to apply:  June 25, 2024

Who’s eligible : High school students

This generous scholarship is offered by the philanthropists Yuri and Julia Milner, who have a special interest in science and technology. To apply, you create a 2-minute video that explains a scientific or mathematical theory or principle.  Think creatively and incorporate elements like diagrams, simulations and physical demonstrations.

If you submit the most impressive video, you’ll receive a $250,000 scholarship to college. Your teacher will receive $50,000, and your school will receive $100,000 for a science lab. Apply here .

2. Niche ‘No Essay’ Scholarship: $25,000

Deadline to apply:  May 31, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Niche is a ranking and review site that runs a scholarship directory and offers many of its own scholarships. This one couldn’t be easier to apply for. Start by creating a Niche account. Then fill out the online application; the winner will be determined in a random drawing by June 15, 2024. They will contact you if you were selected. Apply here .

3. ‘Be Bold’ No-Essay Scholarship: $25,055

Deadline to apply: May 1, 2024

Who’s eligible: Any student of any age or education level

Bold.org is a scholarship search website. To apply for any of their scholarships, you’ll need to create a free profile on the site. And the site wants to challenge you to create the boldest one.

What does being bold mean to you? The folks at the “Be Bold” Scholarship define it in three words: earnest, determined and moving. If your profile does the best job of matching this description, you could win $25,055 towards your college education. The eligibility requirements don’t mention a minimum GPA. All you need to be is … bold!  Apply here ASAP, as the scholarship favors early applicants for rolling application deadlines.

4. Ayn Rand Scholarship: ‘The Fountainhead’ Essay Contest: $25,000

Deadline to apply:  June 7, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school juniors and seniors

The Ayn Rand Institute offers rolling essay contests three times a year to encourage students to engage with this prominent novelist’s works and ideas. The upcoming summer essay contest for “The Fountainhead” is currently open.

You’ll write a double-spaced essay that’s between 800 and 1,600 words, based on a prompt question (about the book) that The Ayn Rand Institute provides. If you are one of the top three entries, you’ll receive a cash prize of up to $3,000, and the first-place entry from each season will go on to compete against the other seasonal winners for an annual grand prize of $25,000. You can spend the money on college — or anything else you like. Apply here .

5. Ayn Rand Scholarship: ‘Atlas Shrugged’ Essay Contest: $25,000

Deadline to apply:  June 14, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors, college students and graduate students

Another one of The Ayn Rand Institute’s rolling essay contests is based on her novel “Atlas Shrugged.” The upcoming summer essay contest for this novel is currently open.

You’ll write a double-spaced essay that’s between 800 and 1,600 words, based on a prompt question about the book that The Ayn Rand Institute provides. If you are one of the top three entries, you’ll receive a cash prize up to $3,000, and the first-place entry from each season will go on to compete against the other seasonal winners for an annual grand prize of $25,000. You can spend the money on college or anything else. Apply here .

Scholarships That Award Between $5,000 and $15,000

6. stuck at prom scholarship contest: $15,000.

Deadline to apply:  June 5, 2024

Who’s eligible: All high school students

Well, this is a fun one. To win the Stuck at Prom scholarship, you need to make your own prom outfit (a dress or a tux) completely out of Duck Brand duct tape or Duck Brand crafting tape. Then fill out the online entry form, which includes a place for you to upload at least one photo of yourself wearing this DIY prom outfit. You can submit up to five photos.

The entry form will ask you to supply some written details about your creation or to upload a video showing the requested details. The first-place winners for dress and tux will each be awarded $15,000, while four runners-up in each category will win $1,000 each. And this year they will also be handing out “Judges’ Choice” awards worth $1,000 each to three finalists. Apply here .

7. ScienceSaves High School Video Scholarship: $10,000

Deadline to apply:  May 6, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors

Not a big fan of writing essays? This scholarship contest asks entrants to create a 20-30 second video, answering the question, “What has science done for me?” or “What has science done for somebody I know?”

Be creative! You can use photos, video clips and text. Add the hashtag #ScienceSaves to your video before uploading it. While the grand prize winner will receive $10,000, there will also be prizes for 2nd place ($2,000), 3rd place ($1,000), and 4th place finishers ($500). Apply here .

8. Exceptional Youth Scholarship: $10,000

Deadline to apply:  May 17, 2024

Who’s eligible:  high school seniors

This scholarship is offered through The Foundation for Global Sports Development, and it’s indeed designed for an extraordinary young person. To apply, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have devoted at least 100 hours to some form of community service, volunteerism or mentorship activities.

It’s also need-based, so you’ll be required to submit a completed FAFSA form (which is the application for federal student aid) and other financial materials. You’ll also need two letters of recommendation (one from your school and one from your community). Ten graduating seniors will each receive this $10,000 scholarship. Apply here .

9. Ted and Holly Rollins Scholarship: $5,000

Deadline to apply:  June 1, 2024

Can you write a compelling essay? For this scholarship contest, you’ll submit at least 500 words that tell your life story, describe your interest in your intended field of study, and/or explain how you plan to impact the world. If you write the winning essay, you’ll be notified by July 15, 2024. Apply here .

10. Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship: $5,000

Deadline to apply:  April 15, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school students or college undergraduates who are studying or plan to study political science, cultural anthropology, geography or history

This scholarship was set up in the memory of Ryan T. Herich, who was interested in how history, culture and politics affect our world today. To apply, incorporate these themes in a 400- to 600-word essay about how you intend to make a difference in the world. Three winners (who will each receive $5,000) will be announced on May 15, 2024. Apply here .

Scholarships That Award Between $1,000 and $3,000

11. all about education scholarship: $3,000.

Deadline to apply:  April 30, 2024

Who’s eligible:  U.S. residents ages 14 and up

This scholarship is through Unigo, a college scholarship directory and search site. To apply, you have to sign up for a free account. Then submit an essay of 250 words or less responding to the question: “How will a $3,000 scholarship for education make a difference in your life?” Apply here .

12. There’s Space For Everyone Scholarship: $3,000

Who’s eligible: High school seniors, undergraduates and graduates enrolled in school

Extra Space Storage is in the business of offering self-storage facilities, but they also offer an annual college scholarship. To apply, fill out the online application form, which includes an essay on the following topic: “How have you exhibited a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, or social justice through work, service, or other extra-curricular activities, and how will your education help you continue this commitment during college and beyond?”

The company will give out eight $3,000 scholarships. Five will go to any student attending or planning to attend a college or university in the U.S., and three are reserved for employees or immediate family members of Extra Space Storage. The winners will be announced on June 21, 2024. Apply here .

13. American College Foundation Visionary Scholarship: $2,500

Who’s eligible: High school students

This is a bi-annual award in which five recipients win each time — with a total of 10 scholarships awarded each year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each. To apply, submit a completed application along with your most recent high school transcript and a 500-word essay on “Why College is Important to Me.”

The site posts photos of past winners along with their essays, so you can see what impresses the judges. The winners are announced on July 12, 2024, and the awards are distributed on July 31, 2024. Apply here .

14. Creativity Leads to Success Scholarship: $2,500

Deadline to apply:  June 15, 2024

Who’s eligible: Students who are 18 years or older and attending college or grad school by fall 2024

The Dixie Belle paint company awards $5,000 in scholarship money every year. The first-prize winner will receive $2,500, while two runners-up will receive $1,250 each.

To apply, fill out their online application and submit an essay of no more than 500 words that answers the question: “How has creativity helped you in problem solving?” If you’re a finalist, you will be notified on or about Aug. 15, 2024. Apply here .

15. Rover Scholarship: $2,500

Deadline to apply:  May 1, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors and college undergraduates

Rover.com is a pet-sitter marketplace that offers a $2,500 scholarship towards higher education. To apply, you must have a 3.0 GPA. Fill out their online form and submit an essay of 400-500 words on the following topic: “How did growing up with a pet in your life (could be a friend’s or family member’s) impact the person you are today?”

The winner will be notified by May 31, 2024. Apply here .

16. Goodwall #ScholarshipNow Challenge: $2,500

Who’s eligible: High school, college and graduate students and those planning to enroll within 12 months

This scholarship is funded by Goodwall, a skills-based social network that prepares young people for careers. To enter this scholarship contest, download the Goodwall app and create a profile. Submit a short video (between 30 seconds and three minutes long) in which you describe how this scholarship can help you reach your educational and professional goals. Make sure to add the hashtag #ScholarshipNow. Apply here .

17. RonranGlee Literary Scholarship: $2,000

Deadline to apply:  April 22, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors and college undergraduate students

If you have a knack for close reading, this is the scholarship for you. The people at the RonranGlee Literary Scholarship want to see how well you can interpret the underlying meaning in texts. To apply, choose a paragraph (preferably from an ancient literature or philosophy book) and write a short essay that is between 600 and 2,000 words, explaining what’s being conveyed between the lines.

Five winners will be announced on May 22, 2024. Apply here.

18. CollegeVine No Essay Contest: $2,000

Deadline to apply:  June 30, 2024

Who’s eligible: Current high school students and college applicants

CollegeVine is a website that provides college admissions guidance. To take part in this scholarship sweepstakes, you will need to sign up for a CollegeVine account and complete your profile. A random drawing determines the winner. If it’s you, you’ll be notified with an email. Apply here .

19. Sallie Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes: $2,000

Deadline to apply: The last day of every month (the current deadline is April 30)

Who’s eligible: High school juniors, seniors and college undergraduates (and parents can apply, too)

Sallie Mae has a search database with lots of scholarship options. But this particular sweepstakes is the easiest: Fill out a form to enter, and a winner is chosen at random every month. There’s no essay and no GPA requirement — just a form that takes less than two minutes to fill out! Apply here .

20. Ayn Rand Scholarship: ‘Anthem’ Essay Contest: $2,000

Who’s eligible:  8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students

To participate, you’ll submit an essay that’s between 600 and 1,200 words, double-spaced. For the topic, you can choose from among three prompt questions related to Ayn Rand’s novella “Anthem.”

This is significantly easier than the Ayn Rand Institute’s other two essay contests since this novella is only about 100 pages long. The top prize is $2,000, and other finalists will receive between $500 and $1,000.  Apply here .

21. Too Cool To Pay For School Sweepstakes: $1,000

Deadline to apply: Quarterly on the last day of March, June, September and December

Who’s eligible: High school juniors, seniors and college undergrads

This sweepstakes is run through Access Scholarships, an online scholarship search engine. Applying for this one couldn’t be simpler — all you need to do is fill out the online form.  Follow them on Instagram , and they’ll enter you twice. A random drawing determines the winner. You’ll get an email from them if you win. Apply here .

22. Gen & Kelly Tanabe Scholarship: $1,000

Deadline to apply:  July 31, 2024

Who’s eligible: High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students

The scholarship is funded by Gen and Kelly Tanabe, the authors of “ The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2024: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants and Prizes .” Entrants submit a 250-word personal statement about why you deserve to win this scholarship or about your academic or career goals. You can also write about any topic of your choice. Apply here .

23. ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship: $1,000

Deadline to apply: The last business day of each month (next deadline is April 29, 2024)

Who’s eligible: High school and college students who will be enrolled in school within three months of the award

ScholarshipOwl is an online scholarship matching service. Each month, they hold a random drawing for this $1,000 scholarship, and four students win every time. To participate, sign up for a free account and fill out their online application form, which doesn’t require an essay. The next draw date is May 11.  Apply here .

24. Blaze Your Own Trail Scholarship: $1,000

This scholarship contest is funded by Trail Heads, a company that makes headbands, gloves, hats and other accessories for outdoor sports. To enter, you’ll need to write a 600-800 word essay about a challenge you faced. Describe how you overcame this obstacle and how it affected you going forward. Also, you have to submit your latest transcript with your GPA.

The winner will be announced on the Trail Heads website on Aug. 6, 2024. Apply here .

25. American Heart Challenge Scholarship: $1,000

Who’s eligible: High school juniors or seniors

This scholarship is for juniors and seniors who have shown leadership skills at their school’s American Heart Challenge program, which aims to educate young people about healthy lifestyle habits while raising money to help end heart disease and stroke. To apply,  fill out a short online application and upload a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Apply here .

About the Author

Jennifer has written features and essays for over a dozen magazines, including American Baby, Cosmo, Cosmo Girl, Fit Pregnancy, Good Housekeeping, Health, Marie Claire, Parents, Parenting, Redbook, Self, Teen People, TV Guide, and YM. More.

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Niche $50,000 "No Essay" Scholarship

Cover the cost of college without writing a single essay!

Niche is giving one student $50,000 to help pay for tuition, housing, books, and other educational expenses. 

Apply below for your chance to win so you can focus on what really matters instead of worrying about finances. Good luck!

This scholarship has ended

Be sure to check out all the scholarships we offer on Niche!

Who Can Apply

All high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year. Please note: Not everyone is eligible for this scholarship. Niche sponsored scholarships and sweepstakes are for people with US citizenship or a valid Visa/US passport only. Read the scholarship rules . Questions? Visit our Scholarship FAQs .

How It Works

The $50,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is an easy scholarship with no essay required! Only one entry allowed per person. The winner will be determined by random drawing and then contacted directly and announced in Niche's e-newsletter and on the Scholarship Winners page.