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    Top 673 Writing & Essay Scholarships ✍️ in August 2026

    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: August 6th, 2026

    Writing is an extremely important part of success in high school, college, and life in general. Essay scholarships make writing a crucial skill for scholarship applicants, too. 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 scholarships@scholarships360.org 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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    "Pen to Paper" Scholarship for Storytellers 1

    "Pen to Paper" Scholarship for Storytellers

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    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! Whether you’re interested in poetry, short stories, novels, or screenplays, we want to hear from you. This scholarship is open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who enjoy crafting stories and expressing ideas through the arrangement of words on paper. To apply for this scholarship, students must submit a 250-word piece of original creative writing. 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! This scholarship is due on October 31, 2026 (11:59PM EST) to mark the closure of NaNoWriMo! Even if you don't have a full novel in you, try to find the time for this 250-word essay!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship 2

    $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $10,000
    Next Deadline Aug 31, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    Note: The winner of the past cycle of this scholarship (deadline of June 30, 2026) will be announced by July 31, 2026. Stay tuned! The…Show More

    Note: The winner of the past cycle of this scholarship (deadline of June 30, 2026) will be announced by July 31, 2026. Stay tuned! The…Show More

    Note: The winner of the past cycle of this scholarship (deadline of June 30, 2026) will be announced by July 31, 2026. Stay tuned! 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. This scholarship has rolling monthly application deadlines. Students applying earlier will have a greater chance of winning. The final application date for the 2027 cycle is June 30, 2027; the winner of the $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship will be announced by July 31, 2027 on our scholarship winners page.Show Less

    1 award worth $10,000
    Deadline Jun 30, 2027
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    "College Here I Come" Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors 3

    "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 Jun 30, 2027
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2027 is open to high school seniors in the US graduating class of 2027. Here at…Show More

    The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2027 is open to high school seniors in the US graduating class of 2027. Here at…Show More

    The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2027 is open to high school seniors in the US graduating class of 2027. 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. Selection Criteria: Essay quality Academic achievement Financial need Motivation to fund education (this includes using Scholarships360 to apply for scholarships) Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their application 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! This scholarship is due on June 30, 2027 at 11:59pm EST.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jun 30, 2027
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Quick Apply
    "Scholar Dollars" Essay Scholarship for Black Students 4

    "Scholar Dollars" Essay Scholarship for Black Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Mar 1, 2027
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    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 currently enrolled high school, undergraduate and graduate students, this scholarship aims to lighten your financial worry and allow you to take fewer loans. This scholarship aims to help out a Black student who is passionate about their higher education journey and actively looking for ways to fund it. To apply, write a short essay telling us about the figure who has most inspired you on your educational or personal journey. This figure can be from African American history, from your personal life (such as a family member, teacher, mentor, or community leader), or a contemporary person making an impact today. 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! This scholarship is due on March 1, 2027 (11:59PM EST) to mark the end of Black History Month!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Mar 1, 2027
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    "Making Waves" Scholarship for Women 5

    "Making Waves" Scholarship for Women

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Mar 31, 2027
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2026-27 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $1,000…Show More

    Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2026-27 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $1,000…Show More

    Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2026-27 academic year? If so, let us help you! Our $1,000 “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 running for office, 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 an inspirational femal figure in your life. 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! This scholarship is due on March 31, 2027 (11:59PM EST) to mark the end of Women's History Month!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Mar 31, 2027
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    "Tuition Solution" Scholarship for STEM Students 6

    "Tuition Solution" Scholarship for STEM Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Nov 8, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    Our $1,000 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is open to all currently enrolled high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are looking for ways to fund their…Show More

    Our $1,000 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is open to all currently enrolled high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are looking for ways to fund their…Show More

    Our $1,000 “Tuition Solution” Scholarship is open to all currently enrolled high school, undergraduate, and graduate students who are looking for ways to fund their postsecondary education in STEM. In order to apply, you must write an essay about which area of science, technology, engineering, or math most excites you, and what have you done to explore or pursue that interest. 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! Applications are due on November 8, 2026 (11:59PM EST) in honor of National STEM Day!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Nov 8, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    "A Helping Hand" Scholarship 7

    "A Helping Hand" Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Feb 28, 2027
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay your college expenses. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult for students coming from low-income…Show More

    At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay your college expenses. Oftentimes, this is even more difficult for students coming from low-income…Show More

    At Scholarships360, we know how hard it can be to pay your college expenses. 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 $1,000 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 seniors as well as currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. 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! This scholarship is due on February 28, 2027 (11:59PM EST) in honor of FAFSA Awareness Month. In addition to applying to this scholarship, don't forget to get your FAFSA filed!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Feb 28, 2027
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    "Follow Your Own Path" Essay Scholarship 8

    "Follow Your Own Path" Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Aug 31, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    The "Follow Your Own Path" Scholarship aims to support all current students planning to pursue higher education. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path,…Show More

    The "Follow Your Own Path" Scholarship aims to support all current students planning to pursue higher education. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path,…Show More

    The "Follow Your Own Path" Scholarship aims to support all current students planning to pursue higher education. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $1,000 scholarship. 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! This scholarship is due on August 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Aug 31, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    "Commencing at Community College" Essay Scholarship 9

    "Commencing at Community College" Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2027
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Underclassmen

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

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

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

    Community college, also known as two-year college, is a golden opportunity for many students. 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 or certificate 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! Applications for this scholarship are due on January 31, 2027 (11:59PM EST).Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2027
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Underclassmen
    Quick Apply
    "Outstanding Undergraduate" Essay Scholarship 10

    "Outstanding Undergraduate" Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Nov 30, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors & 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. With the $1,000 “Outstanding Undergraduate” Essay Scholarship, we aim to help out a lucky undergraduate student 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 a high school senior or currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a four-year university in the U.S. 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! This scholarship is due on November 30, 2026 (11:59PM EST).Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Nov 30, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
    Quick Apply
    "Broad Horizons" Scholarship for High School Juniors 11

    "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 Jun 30, 2027
    Grade Level High School Junior

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    This scholarship is open to high school juniors (graduating Class of 2028) 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 2028) 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 2028) 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. Selection Criteria: Essay quality Academic achievement Financial need Motivation to fund education (this includes using Scholarships360 to apply for scholarships) Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their application 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! This scholarship is due on June 30, 2027 at 11:59PM EST.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jun 30, 2027
    Grade Level High School Junior
    Quick Apply
    "Moving Mountains" Scholarship for Hispanic Students 12

    "Moving Mountains" Scholarship for Hispanic Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Oct 15, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    The "Moving Mountains" Scholarship is open to currently enrolled Hispanic/Latino high school, college, and graduate students who have moved mountains in their life. To move…Show More

    The "Moving Mountains" Scholarship is open to currently enrolled Hispanic/Latino high school, college, and graduate students who have moved mountains in their life. To move…Show More

    The "Moving Mountains" Scholarship is open to currently enrolled Hispanic/Latino high school, 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. 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! This scholarship is due on October 15, 2026 (11:59PM EST) in honor of the end of Hispanic Heritage Month.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Oct 15, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    "Creativity Takes Courage" Scholarship for Art Students 13

    "Creativity Takes Courage" Scholarship for Art Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Apr 15, 2027
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    The French artist Henri Matisse once said, “another word for creativity is courage.” Releasing art into the world involves overcoming fear and self-doubt. Even the…Show More

    The French artist Henri Matisse once said, “another word for creativity is courage.” Releasing art into the world involves overcoming fear and self-doubt. Even the…Show More

    The French artist Henri Matisse once said, “another word for creativity is courage.” 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! The "Creativity Takes Courage" scholarship is open to students studying any form of visual and/or performing arts who write an essay on an important piece of art in their lives. This could be a song that moves you, a building in your community, a poem, a video game, a piece of clothing, a family recipe, or something you've created yourself. Get creative! Selection Criteria: Essay quality Academic achievement Financial need Motivation to fund education (this includes using Scholarships360 to apply for scholarships) Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their application 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! This scholarship is due on April 15, 2027 (11:59PM EST) in honor of World Art Day!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Apr 15, 2027
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    Making the Leap Scholarship for Transfer Students 14

    Making the Leap Scholarship for Transfer Students

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2027
    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 $1,000 scholarship to help one outstanding transfer student. 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! Applications for this scholarship are due on January 31, 2027 (11:59PM EST).Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2027
    Grade Level College 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 $1,000
    Deadline May 31, 2027
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    In recognition of the invaluable service that nurses provide to our communities, we’re offering a $1,000 "Caretakers on the Climb" scholarship to one outstanding student…Show More

    In recognition of the invaluable service that nurses provide to our communities, we’re offering a $1,000 "Caretakers on the Climb" scholarship to one outstanding student…Show More

    In recognition of the invaluable service that nurses provide to our communities, we’re offering a $1,000 "Caretakers on the Climb" 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! Selection Criteria: Essay quality Academic achievement Financial need Motivation to fund education (this includes using Scholarships360 to apply for scholarships) Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their application 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! Applications for this scholarship are due on May 31, 2027 (11:59PM EST) in honor of National Nurses Month.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline May 31, 2027
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    Designli Empowering Women in Tech Scholarship 16

    Designli Empowering Women in Tech Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Designli

    1 award worth $3,000
    Deadline Nov 15, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Designli

    Are you a female high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for technology, entrepreneurship and AI development? If so, the Designli Empowering…Show More

    Are you a female high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for technology, entrepreneurship and AI development? If so, the Designli Empowering…Show More

    Are you a female high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for technology, entrepreneurship and AI development? If so, the Designli Empowering Women in Tech Essay Scholarship is for you! This incredible $3,000 scholarship is open to young women aspiring to be business leaders in the tech industry. To be considered for this award, applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay describing: How can women stand out in the AI business development era? For information on specific prompts to choose from, please view the application section below. Apply now and unlock your potential for a better tomorrow! Prompts: As AI development shifts from writing code to orchestrating systems, how will you use modern AI tools to build an outstanding SaaS business? (Discuss how women in technology can lead this transition by focusing on user empathy and ethical product design.) Successful AI development is moving into legacy industries like logistics, healthcare, and construction. Choose any niche sector, including those listed here or any other of your choice, and explain how you would launch an AI-driven business within it. AI tools are only as good as the ethics behind them. How can women in technology stand out by prioritizing transparency and bias reduction in AI software development? Describe the human-in-the-loop business model you would build to compete in the 2026 tech landscape. (In this model, AI automates tasks while humans remain involved to validate results and ensure ethical accuracy.) How would you use AI-powered skills development to drive growth in your chosen field? (Explain how you will lead as a technical director, using AI to increase your creative leverage while maintaining human oversight.) Show Less

    1 award worth $3,000
    Deadline Nov 15, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    TLF Undergraduate Scholarships 17

    TLF Undergraduate Scholarships

    Offered by The LAGRANT Foundation

    30 awards worth $2,500
    Deadline Feb 15, 2027
    Grade Level College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

    Offered by The LAGRANT Foundation

    The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. Applicants must also be full-time students, have a…Show More

    The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. Applicants must also be full-time students, have a…Show More

    The TLF Undergraduate Scholarships are open to students studying advertising, marketing, public relations, or a related field. Applicants must also be full-time students, have a minimum 3.2 GPA, have at least one academic year left until graduation, and be available to participate in TLF's (The LAGRANT Foundation) scholarship activities in May 2027. They must also be willing to maintain contact with TLF for over a year after receiving their $2,500 award, in order to receive academic support and professional guidance from TLF mentors. The final deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. PST on February 15, 2027 (Presidents’ Day), but keep in mind applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on or before January 18, 2027 (MLK Day), will receive an additional 10 bonus points to their application. If you’re an undergraduate passionate about advertising, marketing, and/or public relations, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    30 awards worth $2,500
    Deadline Feb 15, 2027
    Grade Level College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
    Get Started
    Rainbow Chamber Foundation Scholarship 18

    Rainbow Chamber Foundation Scholarship

    Offered by Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce

    1 award worth $1,500 - $2,500
    Deadline Aug 15, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce

    The Rainbow Chamber Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors or undergraduate students who are residents or planning to attend college in Amador,…Show More

    The Rainbow Chamber Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors or undergraduate students who are residents or planning to attend college in Amador,…Show More

    The Rainbow Chamber Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors or undergraduate students who are residents or planning to attend college in Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sierra, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tuolumne, Yolo, or Yuba counties, California and self-identify as LGBTQIA+ or as an ally.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,500 - $2,500
    Deadline Aug 15, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Get Started
    Benson Law Firm Scholarship Contest 19

    Benson Law Firm Scholarship Contest

    Offered by Benson Law Firm

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Aug 15, 2026
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by Benson Law Firm

    The Benson Law Firm Scholarship Contest is back and offering a $1,000 award to the U.S. college student who creates the best video or essay…Show More

    The Benson Law Firm Scholarship Contest is back and offering a $1,000 award to the U.S. college student who creates the best video or essay…Show More

    The Benson Law Firm Scholarship Contest is back and offering a $1,000 award to the U.S. college student who creates the best video or essay explaining how bankruptcy laws help small businesses and promote economic growth. If you go the video route, be sure to keep submissions to one to two minutes in length, and publish your video on YouTube with the title "Benson Law Firm Scholarship Contest" and include this link (https://bensonbankruptcyattorney.com/scholarship-for-college-students/) in the description. Then,  share your video on the Benson Law Firm Facebook page and on your own Facebook page. If video isn't your thing, you can submit a 1,000-1,500 essay instead, and email it to BensonScholarship@gmail.com to apply. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Aug 15, 2026
    Grade Level College Students
    Get Started
    Race Entry Student Scholarship 20

    Race Entry Student Scholarship

    Offered by Race Entry

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Aug 15, 2026
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by Race Entry

    Are you an undergraduate student in the U.S. with a need for speed (i.e. previous participation in a race)? If so, you might consider applying…Show More

    Are you an undergraduate student in the U.S. with a need for speed (i.e. previous participation in a race)? If so, you might consider applying…Show More

    Are you an undergraduate student in the U.S. with a need for speed (i.e. previous participation in a race)? If so, you might consider applying for the Race Entry Student Scholarship! This $500 scholarship is funded by Race Entry, an online race registration company, in order to support students’ pursuit of health and self-improvement through race participation. In order to apply, you must write a 1,000-2,000 word essay describing what inspired you to participate in a race, the challenges you faced, and what you learned from the experience. If you’ve run a race before and can beautifully detail the experience through words, we encourage you to apply! The scholarship cycle runs from January 1st to August 15th of each year.Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Aug 15, 2026
    Grade Level College Students
    Get Started
    Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Scholarship 21

    Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Scholarship

    Offered by UNCF

    1 award worth up to $5,312
    Deadline Aug 17, 2026
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by UNCF

    How would you like to earn over $5,000 to put toward your college education? If you're a college student from Indiana, Ohio, or Kentucky, you…Show More

    How would you like to earn over $5,000 to put toward your college education? If you're a college student from Indiana, Ohio, or Kentucky, you…Show More

    How would you like to earn over $5,000 to put toward your college education? If you're a college student from Indiana, Ohio, or Kentucky, you may qualify for the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Scholarship! Worth $5,500, this scholarship is open to college students residing in select counties of these states (see list of counties in eligibility information section below) who are currently enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program. Students attending HBCUs or UNCF-Affiliated schools may receive special consideration. Additionally, preference is given to students who are interested in majoring in education and/or a STEM related field. All applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered. To apply, interested students must submit a one-page essay (a statement of career interests), a resume of activities and leadership, a recent academic transcript, and a letter of recommendation from an educator, academic advisor/counselor, employment supervisor, or a community leader with whom the student interacts. The letter should provide key details about the interactions between the recommender and the applicant, and should highlight the applicant's personality, work habits, and skills. If you'd like to discover more scholarships, there are plenty of other Ohio scholarships, Indiana scholarships, and Kentucky scholarships available through Scholarships360!Show Less

    1 award worth up to $5,312
    Deadline Aug 17, 2026
    Grade Level College Students
    Get Started
    Global Perspectives Scholarship 22

    Global Perspectives Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Rustic Pathways

    6 awards worth $250 - $1,000
    Deadline Aug 27, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Rustic Pathways

    Are you a high school or college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming school year? Furthermore, do you believe…Show More

    Are you a high school or college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming school year? Furthermore, do you believe…Show More

    Are you a high school or college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming school year? Furthermore, do you believe in the importance of making a difference in local communities around the world? If so, you might consider applying for the Global Perspectives Scholarship! To apply, you must submit an essay of 500 words or less in which you answer the year’s given prompt, which typically requires applicants to describe their previous or future interactions with the world around them. As the prompt changes each year, we recommend checking out Rustic Pathways’ site for the most up-to-date information before starting your essay. You also must submit the online application, your most recent transcript, and follow the Rustic Pathways Instagram account to apply. The scholarship winner will be awarded $1,000 to be used for educational expenses. If you’re passionate about making an impact and are looking for some help to pay off college costs, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    6 awards worth $250 - $1,000
    Deadline Aug 27, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Get Started
    Apprentice Ecologist Initiative 23

    Apprentice Ecologist Initiative

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Nicodemus Wilderness Project

    3 awards worth $1,750
    Deadline Aug 31, 2026
    Grade Level High School Juniors & Seniors

    Offered by Nicodemus Wilderness Project

    Are you a high school junior or senior who is passionate about environmental cleanup and conservation efforts? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity…Show More

    Are you a high school junior or senior who is passionate about environmental cleanup and conservation efforts? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity…Show More

    Are you a high school junior or senior who is passionate about environmental cleanup and conservation efforts? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you: the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative! Each year, the initiative asks students to conduct their own environmental stewardship project, take a few photos of their project, write an essay about it, and submit their favorite project photo as well as their essay. After doing so, you will officially be an Apprentice Ecologist and the top five projects will be published online! Further, the authors of the top three essays will be awarded $1,750 and receive a t-shirt or tote bag. The scholarship is offered by the Nicodemus Wilderness Project, an organization dedicated to “coordinating volunteer events worldwide that utilize the resources of the community to provide long-term environmental benefits for natural areas.” If you believe in the importance of conservation and want to potentially start saving money for college, we encourage you to apply to the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative!Show Less

    3 awards worth $1,750
    Deadline Aug 31, 2026
    Grade Level High School Juniors & Seniors
    Get Started
    Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship 24

    Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship

    Offered by Florida Rentals

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Aug 31, 2026
    Grade Level College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Florida Rentals

    Florida Rentals is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a full-time post-secondary student over age 18 who is currently enrolled or has been accepted to a…Show More

    Florida Rentals is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a full-time post-secondary student over age 18 who is currently enrolled or has been accepted to a…Show More

    Florida Rentals is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a full-time post-secondary student over age 18 who is currently enrolled or has been accepted to a college or university. To apply, submit a 1,000-word essay to scholarship@floridarentals.com describing your dream vacation. Let your imagination run wild and detail where you would go, what you would do, who you would bring, and what your accommodations would look like. Don't miss out on this opportunity to earn funding for your post-secondary education, and make your dream vacation a reality!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Aug 31, 2026
    Grade Level College & Graduate Students
    Get Started
    Make Me Laugh Scholarship 25

    Make Me Laugh Scholarship

    Offered by Unigo

    1 award worth $1,500
    Deadline Aug 31, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Unigo

    Are you a student in the U.S. above the age of 14 with a love for creative writing? If so, the Make Me Laugh Scholarship…Show More

    Are you a student in the U.S. above the age of 14 with a love for creative writing? If so, the Make Me Laugh Scholarship…Show More

    Are you a student in the U.S. above the age of 14 with a love for creative writing? If so, the Make Me Laugh Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,500 to one (1) student who submits an ~250-word essay answering the prompt "OMG... finding and applying for scholarships is serious business, but it's time to lighten things up a little. We don't want to know why you deserve $1,500 or how great your grades are, we simply want to LOL. Describe an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing (fact or fiction), and make us laugh!" If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,500
    Deadline Aug 31, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Get Started
    Endeavour’s Women in Tech Group Engineering Scholarship – High School 26

    Endeavour’s Women in Tech Group Engineering Scholarship – High School

    Offered by Endeavour Energy, LLC

    2 awards worth up to $10,000
    Deadline Sep 8, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Endeavour Energy, LLC

    The Endeavour's Women in Tech Group Engineering Scholarship - High School is available to women planning to pursue higher education in the engineering field. Graduating…Show More

    The Endeavour's Women in Tech Group Engineering Scholarship - High School is available to women planning to pursue higher education in the engineering field. Graduating…Show More

    The Endeavour's Women in Tech Group Engineering Scholarship - High School is available to women planning to pursue higher education in the engineering field. Graduating high school seniors and juniors pursuing early acceptance to a university are welcome to apply.Show Less

    2 awards worth up to $10,000
    Deadline Sep 8, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Get Started
    John C. Gatz Memorial Scholarship 27

    John C. Gatz Memorial Scholarship

    Offered by Community Foundation of Southern Indiana

    2 awards worth $2,500 - $3,000
    Deadline Sep 9, 2026
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Community Foundation of Southern Indiana

    John C. Gatz was a passionate, Clark-County, Indiana native with an eye for photography. Although he was 16 at the time of his untimely passing,…Show More

    John C. Gatz was a passionate, Clark-County, Indiana native with an eye for photography. Although he was 16 at the time of his untimely passing,…Show More

    John C. Gatz was a passionate, Clark-County, Indiana native with an eye for photography. Although he was 16 at the time of his untimely passing, he was already heavily involved with his school, church, and broader community - enjoying taking photographs of their wonderful times together. In his honor, his family established the John C. Gatz Memorial Scholarship to provide support to fellow Clark or Floyd County (Indiana) youth who share his passion for "capturing life." To be considered for this $2,500 - $3,000 scholarship, students must be Clark or Floyd County, Indiana residents who hold a minimum 2.75 GPA. They must also graduate from high school with a minimum CORE 40 diploma (or equivalent) and plan to pursue higher education in the upcoming academic year. Applications must include a photograph where the applicant has "captured life" along with an accompanying essay "describing how [they] have “captured life” or how this scholarship will enable [them] to “capture life.” One (1) scholarship worth up to $3,000 will be granted to a student of Providence High School, and one worth up to $2,500 to a student who resides in Clark or Floyd County. If you love capturing moments and would like to honor John's legacy, we encourage you to apply. Don't forget to also check out these scholarships for Indiana residents and photography scholarships - happy applying!Show Less

    2 awards worth $2,500 - $3,000
    Deadline Sep 9, 2026
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started
    Headway’s Scholarship for Book Lovers 28

    Headway’s Scholarship for Book Lovers

    Offered by Headway

    1 award worth $1,500
    Deadline Sep 15, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Headway

    Are you a book-loving, current or incoming post-secondary student who has demonstrated leadership in their school and/or community? If so, Headway's Scholarship for Book Lovers…Show More

    Are you a book-loving, current or incoming post-secondary student who has demonstrated leadership in their school and/or community? If so, Headway's Scholarship for Book Lovers…Show More

    Are you a book-loving, current or incoming post-secondary student who has demonstrated leadership in their school and/or community? If so, Headway's Scholarship for Book Lovers may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,500 to one (1) high school senior, current undergraduate, or graduate student who holds a minimum 3.0 GPA and submits (1) a complete transcript of grades, (2) an essay or video, and (3) a letter of recommendation. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,500
    Deadline Sep 15, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Get Started
    Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships 29

    Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships

    Offered by Acorn Equality Fund

    Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $4,000
    Deadline Sep 25, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Acorn Equality Fund

    Are you an LGBTQ+ individual, an LGBTQ+ ally, or the child of LGBTQ+ parents? Further, do you live in Illinois and will soon be attending…Show More

    Are you an LGBTQ+ individual, an LGBTQ+ ally, or the child of LGBTQ+ parents? Further, do you live in Illinois and will soon be attending…Show More

    Are you an LGBTQ+ individual, an LGBTQ+ ally, or the child of LGBTQ+ parents? Further, do you live in Illinois and will soon be attending a postsecondary educational institution? If so, you may be eligible for the Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships! Each year, the scholarships provide between $1,000 and $4,000 to eligible applicants. There are six separate scholarships available: Acorn and Feeney Scholarships, Central Illinois Friends Scholarship, Korty & Morton Scholarship, the Luke Scholarship, the McKeon Scholarship, and the Weber-Tucker Scholarship. Just bear in mind that while you may apply to multiple scholarships, they all have separate applications, and you may only receive a maximum of one scholarship. To find out if you’re from an eligible Illinois county, keep on reading. If you fit the criteria, we encourage you to apply and wish you luck!Show Less

    Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $4,000
    Deadline Sep 25, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Get Started
    Courage to Grow Scholarship 30

    Courage to Grow Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Courage to Grow Scholarship

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Sep 30, 2026
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen & College Students

    Offered by Courage to Grow Scholarship

    Are you a U.S. citizen and a high school upperclassman or a current college student? If so, consider applying for the Courage to Grow Scholarship!…Show More

    Are you a U.S. citizen and a high school upperclassman or a current college student? If so, consider applying for the Courage to Grow Scholarship!…Show More

    Are you a U.S. citizen and a high school upperclassman or a current college student? If so, consider applying for the Courage to Grow Scholarship! Each quarter, the scholarship awards $1,000 to a student who submits the most thoughtful essay (maximum of 250 words) about why they should be awarded the scholarship. As the scholarship is quarterly, the deadlines fall on the last day of March, June, September, and December of each year. Thus, if you don’t win once, you can always try again! The scholarship was created to help students realize their college dreams by taking away some of the financial concerns surrounding college. If you’re a college-bound high school upperclassman or a current college student in need of financial help, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Sep 30, 2026
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen & College Students
    Get Started
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    Top 10 essay scholarships overall

    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:

    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: $5,000
    • Deadline: Late April
    Expert Perspective

    Expert Perspective

    A great essay reflects your authentic voice. It doesn’t need to revolve around a grand hardship or life-altering moment. Some of the most compelling essays come from everyday topics—like a student who wrote about her feet and connected them to her perseverance as a dancer and her journey through imperfection. The key is to write something so personal that, if a friend read it, they’d immediately recognize it as yours.
    While editing for clarity is important, the essay should ultimately sound like you. Avoid over-polishing to the point where it loses your voice. Think of it as a chance to highlight what matters to you and why—your values, experiences, and perspective.
    Sara Elaine Hart

    Sara Elaine Hart | Director of the Walentas Scholars Program , Former High School Counselor

    Also see: Top writing summer programs for high school students

    Make sure to review sample essays

    One of the best ways to write a successful scholarship essay is by going over successful examples and learning from them.

    We talked to Coca-Cola scholarship winner Sophia Weber about her scholarship strategy, and she told us, “Reading past scholarship essays was incredibly helpful when I started writing my own. Not to copy them, but to see how successful essays were structured. At the core, there’s always a ‘why’ or a ‘how’—a clear purpose behind the writing. Seeing what winning essays looked like helped me understand what works. In my senior year, my high school had us read and annotate three scholarship-winning essays. We critiqued them—what worked, what could be improved—and pulled out strategies to use in our own writing. That exercise gave me a much better sense of how to approach the process.”

    To get you started, here’s a winning scholarship essay to analyze!

    📝Sample Essay from a Scholarship Winner



    Here's a winning scholarship essay from Autumn G, who won our "Pen to Paper" Scholarship for Storytellers. Read the essay below and keep scrolling for some commentary on what made Eno's essay a winner.

    Prompt: [Note: Please only respond to 1 of the following 3 prompts] 1. If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? What would be your weakness? 2. Write a short story using the following three words as a foundation – (1) friendship, (2) abrupt, (3) repair 3. Describe a day in the life of an inanimate object.

    Essay



    Another night wraps around me like an old blanket. Surrounded by other forgotten hunks of metal, a low sigh of silence floats between us. Been at least half a year since we were last in use, though I didn't keep track, not like the screwdrivers did. I spent my time in quiet wonderin' if I'd done somethin' wrong. I reckon I did complain 'bout my job quite a bit. Slamming down onto things with the back of my head often had me groanin' 'bout how tough my work was; it seemed more rigorous than what my coworkers faced. But it gave me a purpose, a kind of joy knowin' I was the main link between things. Anyhow, we'd been locked up too long, stuck in one spot like we might be there forever. That is, until my sulking was interrupted by a younger man's voice. Not the one I'd grown used to, but a voice that boomed right above us. And just like that, there was light. The cramped space that'd been dusted over could finally breathe easy. Now that I saw the voice-holder, he couldn't have been more than 30. The young man spoke softly with a kind face. "Dad's old tools," he hummed with a mighty tight smile. "They're all yours now, dear," his mother assured. And just like that, the mournful dread sunk, but the days of useless worry were over.

    Why it worked



    This essay pulls off a lot in just a few words. It manages to show, not tell that the narrator is a hammer, and communicate a history and future for the narrator, as well as the narrator's feelings about this change in its life. By using a strong voice and a folksy affect, it matches the piece's tone to its sentiment. Great work, Autumn!

    Will Geiger

    Scholarships360 Co-Founder, Former Admissions Officer

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Austin Peay State University Creative Writing Scholarships

    The scholarships are open to undergraduate and incoming APSU students who create a 10-20 page manuscript of fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. Awards are for $600 or $1,200.

    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.

    Expert Perspective

    Expert Perspective

    In your essays, describe any adversities you’ve encountered, but make sure that your focus is on how you overcame the adversities, not on the adversities themselves.
    Ann Herbener

    Ann Herbener | Former President of Great Plains Association for College Admission Counseling , Director of District Partnerships at MaiaLearning

    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.

    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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