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    Top 868 Writing & Essay Scholarshipsđź“ť in September 2024

    Will Geiger Written by Will Geiger
    Will Geiger

    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.

    Full Bio Linked-In

    Learn about our editorial policies

    Updated: September 26th, 2024

    Writing is an extremely important part of success in high school, college, and life in general. For some students, writing is also an intricate part of who they are and how they express themselves. If you are someone who loves English class and is genuinely excited about a new creative writing assignment, then you should keep reading! Writing scholarships, creative writing scholarships, and essay scholarships are great ways to put your talent to use.

    Whether you are planning on attending community college, a four-year program, or graduate school, we’ve got opportunities for you. Keep on reading to learn about the top scholarships for writers and creative writers including eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines!

    Read More
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    Scholarship Review Process

    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.

    Learn about our editorial policies
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    “Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship 1

    “Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic…Show More

    Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic…Show More

    Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic year) or have heard stories from those enrolled, you already know! “Gutsy” means courageous and determined, which nearly all successful graduate students are. Why else would one continue on with rigorous academics while often living on a shoestring? The rewards of graduate school are numerous, especially the more focused and advanced level of specialized study in your chosen field. Learning with like-minded people who share your passion is fulfilling, and the networking is awesome. The flipside of graduate school is the costly student loans to fund it. With this in mind, the "Gutsy" Graduate Student Essay Scholarship aims to help out a passionate graduate student who is actively looking for ways to fund their higher education journey. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Good luck on your educational journey, and we hope to read your application! Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    “College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors 2

    “College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2025 is open to just who you think: high school seniors graduating in the class of…Show More

    The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2025 is open to just who you think: high school seniors graduating in the class of…Show More

    The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2025 is open to just who you think: high school seniors graduating in the class of 2025! Here at Scholarships360, scholarships are our passion–we know that you can never have enough of them! After all, scholarships are essentially “free money” to help fund your education. We want to help out a lucky high school senior who is just starting out on their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We hope that you apply and look forward to reading your application! Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Quick Apply
    “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students 3

    “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to…Show More

    In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to…Show More

    In offering the “Scholar Dollars” Essay Scholarship for Black Students, we want to help offset the cost of attending college for Black students. Open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025) and undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year, this scholarship aims to lighten your financial worry and allow you to take fewer loans. Remember, scholarships are essentially “free money” that need not be paid back. This scholarship, specifically, aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application, and wish you much success on your academic journey! Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women 4

    “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500…Show More

    Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500…Show More

    Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women aims to help women cover the costs of pursuing their dreams. Whether that dream is starting a business, learning a foreign language, or attending college on the path to fulfilling your dream, the scholarship will cover those costs and make your journey a little easier. No matter your goals, we want to help out a woman who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. In order to apply, simply write an essay about how the $500 “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women will help you fulfill your dreams. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We encourage you to apply and look forward to reading your essay. Good luck!Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    “Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students 5

    “Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500…Show More

    Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500…Show More

    Do you like figuring out solutions to difficult problems? Well, if you’re a current or aspiring STEM major, we have one for you! Our $500 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is meant for high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 or 2025), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2023-24 academic year who are looking for ways to fund their postsecondary education in STEM. In order to apply, you must write an essay about how your passion for STEM started and how the scholarship will help you fulfill your dreams. No matter which STEM field ignites your interest, we look forward to reading your essays. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Apply today - it’s time to cell-e-brate you!Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    “A Helping Hand” Scholarship 6

    “A Helping Hand” Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult…Show More

    At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult…Show More

    At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay off the hefty costs of a college tuition. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult for students coming from low-income backgrounds or for those who demonstrate financial need. This is where our “A Helping Hand” Scholarship comes in! We're offering a $500 scholarship to help out a low-income student who is passionate about their higher education journey and is actively looking for ways to fund it. This award is open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 and 2025), as well as undergraduate and graduate students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year. In order to apply, students should submit an essay detailing how winning the scholarship would help you fulfill your dreams. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship 7

    “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…Show More

    At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…Show More

    At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship 8

    “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Underclassmen

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range…Show More

    Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range…Show More

    Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for the right student. These schools offer an affordable education to a diverse range of students in a wide range of majors. If starting your postsecondary education at a community college is right for you, we have a scholarship just for you! The “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship aims to financially support community college students who are passionate about their higher education journeys and actively looking for ways to fund it. In order to apply for the “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay explaining how earning their degree at community college will help them achieve their educational and career goals. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Underclassmen
    Quick Apply
    “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship 9

    “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter…Show More

    The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter…Show More

    The U.S. is home to over 2,000 four-year universities offering bachelor’s degrees. However, attending such universities can sometimes come with hefty costs that can deter students from attending. If you’re in a situation similar to this, we may just have the perfect scholarship opportunity for you: the “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship! With this scholarship, we aim to help out a lucky undergraduate student (enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year) who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. The scholarship is open to any U.S. citizen who is enrolled as an undergraduate at a four-year university in the U.S. during the 2023-24 academic year. In order to apply, submit an essay explaining how earning your bachelor’s degree will help you achieve your educational and career goals. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level College Students
    Quick Apply
    “Broad Horizons” Scholarship for High School Juniors 10

    “Broad Horizons” Scholarship for High School Juniors

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Junior

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    This scholarship is open to high school juniors (graduating class of 2026) who are proactive about broadening their horizons. To broaden your horizons means to…Show More

    This scholarship is open to high school juniors (graduating class of 2026) who are proactive about broadening their horizons. To broaden your horizons means to…Show More

    This scholarship is open to high school juniors (graduating class of 2026) who are proactive about broadening their horizons. To broaden your horizons means to expand your range of knowledge and experiences. It means putting yourself out there, trying new things, and meeting new people. To apply for this scholarship, tell us about one thing you have done in the past year to broaden your horizons. Whether you picked up a new hobby, learned a new skill, traveled to a new place, or spent time with different people – we want to know what you’re doing to foster growth in your life. See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the short answer response. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their response and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Junior
    Quick Apply
    “Moving Mountains” Scholarship for Hispanic Students 11

    “Moving Mountains” Scholarship for Hispanic Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    This scholarship is open to Hispanic/Latino high school juniors and seniors, college, and graduate students who have moved mountains in their life. To move mountains…Show More

    This scholarship is open to Hispanic/Latino high school juniors and seniors, college, and graduate students who have moved mountains in their life. To move mountains…Show More

    This scholarship is open to Hispanic/Latino high school juniors and seniors, college, and graduate students who have moved mountains in their life. To move mountains means to achieve something incredibly difficult. It means overcoming obstacles, persevering in the face of adversity, and achieving success against all the odds. Whether it’s passing a difficult class, completing a rigorous project, or excelling in sports, we all have our own way of moving mountains. We want to know about yours. See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the essay prompt. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    “Creativity Takes Courage” Scholarship for Art Students 12

    “Creativity Takes Courage” Scholarship for Art Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    This award is open to students studying any form of visual and/or performing arts who write an essay expressing their views on creativity and courage.…Show More

    This award is open to students studying any form of visual and/or performing arts who write an essay expressing their views on creativity and courage.…Show More

    This award is open to students studying any form of visual and/or performing arts who write an essay expressing their views on creativity and courage. The French artist Henri Matisse once said, “another word for creativity is courage.” Artists can be loved and appreciated for their work, but they also have the potential to be criticized and rejected. Releasing art into the world involves overcoming fear and self-doubt. Even the most successful artists grapple with questions like “am I good enough?” or “will people like this?” If you’re a creative student who has ever struggled with these questions, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship! See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the essay prompt. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application! Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    Making the Leap Scholarship for Transfer Students 13

    Making the Leap Scholarship for Transfer Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    The “Making the Leap” Scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are transferring to another educational institution in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. We know…Show More

    The “Making the Leap” Scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are transferring to another educational institution in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. We know…Show More

    The “Making the Leap” Scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are transferring to another educational institution in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. We know that getting from point A to point B isn’t always straightforward, and that sometimes there are twists, turns, and unexpected detours along the way. If you’re a transfer student making the leap to another school, you probably know what we’re talking about. Switching educational institutions can be challenging, which is why we’re offering a $500 scholarship to help one outstanding transfer student. See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the short answer response. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their response and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level College Students
    Quick Apply
    “Pen to Paper” Scholarship for Storytellers 14

    “Pen to Paper” Scholarship for Storytellers

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    Do you fancy yourself a wordsmith? If you value creative writing as a form of communication, we encourage you to apply for the Pen to…Show More

    Do you fancy yourself a wordsmith? If you value creative writing as a form of communication, we encourage you to apply for the Pen to…Show More

    Do you fancy yourself a wordsmith? If you value creative writing as a form of communication, we encourage you to apply for the Pen to Paper Scholarship for Storytellers! This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors (graduating class of 2024 or 2025), undergraduate, and graduate students who enjoy crafting stories and expressing ideas through the arrangement of words on paper. Whether you’re interested in poetry, short stories, novels, or screenplays, we want to hear from you. To apply for this scholarship, students must submit a 250-word piece of original creative writing. See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding essay prompts. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Happy writing!Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    “Caretakers on the Climb” Scholarship for Nursing Students 15

    “Caretakers on the Climb” Scholarship for Nursing Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    In recognition of the invaluable service that nurses provide to our communities, we’re offering a $500 scholarship to one outstanding student pursuing a career in…Show More

    In recognition of the invaluable service that nurses provide to our communities, we’re offering a $500 scholarship to one outstanding student pursuing a career in…Show More

    In recognition of the invaluable service that nurses provide to our communities, we’re offering a $500 scholarship to one outstanding student pursuing a career in nursing. Nurses are the heart and soul of our medical system. They treat the sick and injured, look after our elderly, and provide much-needed support during public health crises. They are true caretakers. If you’re a “caretaker on the climb” who could use some help paying for school, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship! See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the essay prompt. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Jan 31, 2025
    Grade Level College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship 16

    Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship

    Offered by Unigo

    1 award worth $2,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School & College Students

    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…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

    1 award worth $2,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School & College Students
    Get Started
    Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship 17

    Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Ted & Holly Rollins

    1 award worth $5,000
    Deadline Dec 1, 2024
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Ted & Holly Rollins

    Are you a college-bound high school senior with big dreams? If so, consider applying for the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior with big dreams? If so, consider applying for the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior with big dreams? If so, consider applying for the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $5,000 to one (1) applicant who writes an essay regarding life story, intended field of study, career and how you specifically will make an impact on the world. The scholarship is offered by Ted and Holly Rollins, entrepreneurs and philanthropists who believe in the importance of assisting hardworking youth in paying for college. If you’re an incoming college student in need of some financial help while you’re off pursuing your dreams, we encourage you to apply to the Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship!Show Less

    1 award worth $5,000
    Deadline Dec 1, 2024
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started
    JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest 18

    JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest

    Offered by John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

    Multiple awards worth $100 - $10,000
    Deadline Jan 17, 2025
    Grade Level High School Students

    Offered by John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

    Are you a U.S. high school student with a love for U.S. history? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the JFK…Show More

    Are you a U.S. high school student with a love for U.S. history? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the JFK…Show More

    Are you a U.S. high school student with a love for U.S. history? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest! Each year, the contest awards up to $10,000 to winning applicants who submit a 700 - 1,000-word essay following the year’s prompt. Each year's prompt relates to U.S. history, with this year’s being: “Describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Include an analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences associated with the act. ” The scholarship is offered by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts. If you love U.S. history and want to put your writing skills and history knowledge to the test, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    Multiple awards worth $100 - $10,000
    Deadline Jan 17, 2025
    Grade Level High School Students
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    TLF Undergraduate Scholarships 19

    TLF Undergraduate Scholarships

    Offered by The LAGRANT Foundation

    30 awards worth $2,500
    Deadline Feb 28, 2025
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by The LAGRANT Foundation

    The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to minority students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. This scholarship is funded by The LAGRANT…Show More

    The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to minority students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. This scholarship is funded by The LAGRANT…Show More

    The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to minority students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. This scholarship is funded by The LAGRANT Foundation, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the above mentioned fields. In order to support this goal, all 30 scholarship winners receive academic support and professional guidance for a year after being given their $2,500 award. If you’re a minority student passionate about advertising, marketing, and/or public relations, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    30 awards worth $2,500
    Deadline Feb 28, 2025
    Grade Level College Students
    Get Started
    Minecraft Scholarship 20

    Minecraft Scholarship

    Offered by Apex Hosting

    1 award worth $2,000
    Deadline Jul 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School & College Students

    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…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

    1 award worth $2,000
    Deadline Jul 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School & College Students
    Get Started
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    Top 10 essay scholarships in 2024

    Our editors hand-picked the following 10 essay scholarships with an eye for large awards, prestigious organizations, and scholarships that are open to a wide variety of students. Apply with confidence to the following essay scholarships:

    Top 5 exclusive writing scholarships

    Creative writing scholarships

    Are you a writer who loves fiction, poetry, and screenplays? If so, you can put those talents to use by applying for creative writing scholarships.

    Creative writing scholarships are a subset of writing scholarships that support students who enjoy writing poetry, fictional stories, plays, and generally using their imagination to guide their writing.

    Here are the top creative writing college scholarships that you can apply for:

    HelpTeaching.com Scholarship

    • Eligibility: High school and college students who submit a educational short story or informational article (400-800 words) for young students
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Deadline: June 1st of every year

    Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest

    • Eligibility: Teens aged 9-12 who write about their own cancer journey or a family member in a maximum of 1,500 words.
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Deadline: Late March

    YouthPLAYS New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

    • Eligibility: Students 19 years old or younger who submit an original one-act play between 10-40 minutes in length (10-page minimum). Multiple winners may receive up to $250 and publication by YouthPLAYS.
    • Amount: $250 and publication by YouthPLAYS
    • Deadline: Early May

    National High School Poetry Contest

    •  Eligibility: U.S. high school students who submit a poem 20 lines or less that is unpublished, the sole work of the entrant, and not entered in any other concurrent contest.
    • Amount: Up to $500.
    • Deadline: Rolling

    The Narrative Prize

    • Eligibility: Students who submit a short story, novel excerpt, poem, one-act play, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction.
    • Amount: $4,000
    • Deadline: Mid-June

    Also see: Top writing summer programs for high school students

    College-specific creative writing scholarships

    Some colleges and universities may also offer specific scholarships and financial aid to students with a talent in creative writing! Check with the colleges on your list for these college-specific creative writing opportunities!

    Note that some of these scholarships may have requirements for winning students that stipulate that they take a certain number of creative writing classes when enrolled in the college.

    Kenyon Writing Award

    High school seniors can apply for this scholarship program at Kenyon College which offers up to $15,000 per year of merit based aid. It is based off of your portfolio and does not take into account financial need, high school GPA, or other factors. Submissions typically have to be in by January of your senior year.

    Related: How to answer scholarship essay questions about your career goals

    Barbara Caras Memorial Scholarship for Film Students

    The scholarship is open to students in Sarasota or Manatee County, Florida who have completed at least one full year at an accredited Florida College and are majoring in Film, Computer Animation, Creative Writing, Motion Design, or Illustration. Five recipients will earn a $2,000 award. The application deadline is July 31st of the current year.

    Lycoming College Creative Writing Scholarship

    The scholarship is open to students majoring in Creative Writing at Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA and must submit five poems and/or a short story not to exceed ten pages. Six recipients will be selected and can earn up to $3,000. The scholarship deadline for the Fall 2023 Class is March 1, 2023. 

    Arkansas Tech University Gwaltney Scholarship

    The scholarship is open to ATU students who submit individual works of fiction to the Department of English. Recipients earn a one-time cash award every year. The deadline to submit your entry is 2 weeks before the end of the spring semester.

    Lake Forest College Carnegie English Essay Contest

    The contest is open to first-year students of Lake Forest College who plan to study English either through the literature or creative writing track and submit an essay, between 500 and 1,000 words answering a designated prompt. Four winners will be awarded $2,500 annually. Submission deadline is March 1, 2023.

    Austin Peay State University Creative Writing Scholarships

    The scholarships are open to undergraduate and incoming APSU students who email a 10-20 page manuscript of fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction, to Lakota Withrow at [email protected]. Awards are for $600 or $1,200. The deadline to apply is March 18th.

    Scholarship essay resources

    When it comes to writing and essay scholarships, your writing skills will be put to the test. You’ll have to adapt your writing to specific styles in order to effectively and succinctly communicate your ambitions and potential. We have a host of resources to help you perform well in this arena and stand out from the crowd.

    Frequently asked questions about writing scholarships

    Do I have to major in English to earn a writing or essay scholarship?

    You don’t! Each of these scholarships has different requirements, and although some might be geared towards English majors, there are many which are not. Remember, the only thing that makes a writing or essay scholarship is that it uses a piece of writing as a major deciding factor in its decision process. So, you could earn a writing or essay scholarship for physics, chemistry, computer science — really, anything.

    Where can I get help proofreading my scholarship essays?

    If you’re in the middle of writing scholarship essays, it’s a great idea to recruit someone to help proofread your work. Sometimes, getting an extra set of eyes on your essays can be just the ticket to make sure your writing is as effective as can be. You can try asking your high school guidance counselor. Family members, friends, and even teachers who you have close relationships with, can also be helpful.

    If you qualify, you can also apply for CollegePoint, a free resource that matches you with current college students to guide you through the college application process. They will help with every factor, including college application, selection, scholarship searching, college interviews, and more. Find out all you need to know with our review of CollegePoint’s services.

    How much should I write if there is no word limit on the application?

    If there is no word limit on the scholarship application, you should aim to write an essay that is around 500 words — somewhere between 400 and 600. If the question is very simple, you can shoot for less words than this, and if it is very complex and multi-faceted, you can shoot for a longer one. However, as a general rule for a relatively basic question, 400 to 600 words is a good range.

    Can I use AI on my scholarship applications?

    With tools like ChatGPT out there, it may be tempting to plug scholarship essay prompts into an AI and submit the result. But many scholarship organizations use anti-AI tools like ZeroGPT to filter out responses written with AI. Additionally, AI is not able to make responses on par with a well thought out human response. For the best chance at winning a scholarship, you should write your essays yourself. While ChatGPT can be a great tool to bounce ideas off of and give you inspiration for what to write about, you should not use it to write your essays for you.

    Is there a penalty for using ChatGPT on a scholarship essay?

    Although there are no universal rules surrounding AI and scholarships, most scholarship organizations are looking for human-written submissions. Many use AI detection software like ZeroGPT to filter out AI-written applications. So, for the best shot at winning a scholarship, be sure to write your essays yourself.

    Explore these other scholarship categories:

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