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    Top 1,001 Writing & Essay Scholarships ✍️ in December 2025

    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: December 1st, 2025

    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 [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
    All Scholarships
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    1020 Writing Scholarships
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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
    Deadline Jun 30, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

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

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

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

    1 award worth $10,000
    Deadline Jun 30, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    “Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship 3

    “Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive
    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2026
    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 or have heard stories…Show More

    Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school or have heard stories…Show More

    Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school or have heard stories from those enrolled, you already know! “Gutsy” means courageous and determined, which nearly all successful graduate students are. The "Gutsy" Graduate Student Essay Scholarship aims to help lessen the financial burden for 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! Applications for this scholarship are due on January 31, 2026 (11:59PM EST).Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2026
    Grade Level Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    “College Here I Come” Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors 4

    “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 May 31, 2026
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2026 is open to high school seniors in the US graduating class of 2026. Here at…Show More

    The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2026 is open to high school seniors in the US graduating class of 2026. Here at…Show More

    The "College Here I Come" Scholarship for Class of 2026 is open to high school seniors in the US graduating class of 2026. 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! This scholarship is due on May 31, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline May 31, 2026
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Quick Apply
    "Scholar Dollars" Essay Scholarship for Black Students 5

    "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, 2026
    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, 2026 (11:59PM EST) to mark the end of Black History Month!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Mar 1, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    “Making Waves” Scholarship for Women 6

    “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, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    Are you a woman in high school, college, or graduate school enrolled during the 2025-26 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 2025-26 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 2025-26 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, 2026 (11:59PM EST) to mark the end of Women's History Month!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Mar 31, 2026
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Quick Apply
    “Tuition Solution” Scholarship for STEM Students 7

    “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 8

    “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, 2026
    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 (graduating Class of 2026), 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, 2026 (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, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    "Follow Your Own Path" Essay Scholarship 9

    "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 10

    "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, 2026
    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, 2026 (11:59PM EST).Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Underclassmen
    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 May 31, 2026
    Grade Level High School Junior

    Offered by Scholarships360

    Exclusive

    This scholarship is open to high school juniors (graduating Class of 2027) 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 2027) 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 2027) 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! This scholarship is due on May 31, 2026 at 11:59PM EST.Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline May 31, 2026
    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, 2026
    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! 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 April 15, 2026 (11:59PM EST) in honor of World Art Day!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Apr 15, 2026
    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, 2026
    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, 2026 (11:59PM EST).Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2026
    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 Jan 31, 2026
    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 $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! 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, 2026 (11:59PM EST).Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Jan 31, 2026
    Grade Level College & Graduate Students
    Quick Apply
    Equitable Excellence Scholarship 16

    Equitable Excellence Scholarship

    Offered by Equitable Foundation

    100 awards worth $5,000
    Deadline Dec 18, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Equitable Foundation

    Are you a college-bound high school senior who displays strength and courage in approaching challenges, and enjoys sharing wisdom with others? If so, consider applying…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior who displays strength and courage in approaching challenges, and enjoys sharing wisdom with others? If so, consider applying…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior who displays strength and courage in approaching challenges, and enjoys sharing wisdom with others? If so, consider applying for the Equitable Excellence Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship offers 100 students $5,000 scholarships that can be renewed for up to four years (for a total of $20,000 per recipient)! The scholarships are provided by the Equitable Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping people “pursue what’s possible” through their grants, partnerships, and volunteerism. If you display courage in handling challenges, enjoy helping others, and are looking for some help to pay off college, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    100 awards worth $5,000
    Deadline Dec 18, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started
    Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest 17

    Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

    Offered by Regions Bank

    4 awards worth $8,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

    Offered by Regions Bank

    Are you a college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year? If…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year? If…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year? If so, you may be eligible for the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest! Each quarter, the contest awards $8,000 to the top four (4) applicants who submit an essay (500 words or less) or a video (3 minutes or less) about how someone they know has (1) inspired them and (2) given them the confidence to achieve their goals. The scholarship is offered four times a year, with deadlines every March, June, September, and December. Bear in mind that applicants must also reside in a state with Regions Bank full-service branches to apply. To find out whether or not your state is eligible, keep on reading. If it is, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    4 awards worth $8,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
    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 12, 2026
    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 12, 2026
    Grade Level High School Students
    Get Started
    U.S. Creative Writing Awards Scholarship 19

    U.S. Creative Writing Awards Scholarship

    Offered by Penguin Random House

    6 awards worth up to $10,000
    Deadline Jan 15, 2026
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Penguin Random House

    Are you a college-bound high school senior with a love for the written or spoken word? If so, consider applying for the U.S. Creative Writing…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior with a love for the written or spoken word? If so, consider applying for the U.S. Creative Writing…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior with a love for the written or spoken word? If so, consider applying for the U.S. Creative Writing Awards Scholarship! The scholarship is open to college-bound high school seniors who create and submit an original piece of written fiction/drama, poetry, a memoir/personal essay, a spoken word piece, or a freedom of expression prompt. Each year, five recipients (one winner per category) earn up to $10,000 to go towards their college expenses. An additional sixth winner will be chosen among the applicants from the NYC area, in honor of the Creative Writing Awards previously being centered in New York City and Penguin Random House's longtime work with local schools there. If you are passionate about writing and are looking to pay for tuition, we encourage you to apply! P.S. The scholarship accepts submissions until January 15th or until 1,000 applications are received - whichever comes first.Show Less

    6 awards worth up to $10,000
    Deadline Jan 15, 2026
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started
    The Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize In Ethics 20

    The Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize In Ethics

    Offered by The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

    Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
    Deadline Jan 20, 2026
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

    Are you a college upperclassman interested in ethics, either as they pertain to your own life or on a bigger scale? If so, we may…Show More

    Are you a college upperclassman interested in ethics, either as they pertain to your own life or on a bigger scale? If so, we may…Show More

    Are you a college upperclassman interested in ethics, either as they pertain to your own life or on a bigger scale? If so, we may have a great opportunity for you: the Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics essay contest! The contest is open to college juniors and seniors attending a university in the U.S. who write an essay analyzing ethical issues in today’s complex world. The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity offers this scholarship. The foundation honors Romanian-born American author of Night and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel by funding programs that reflect his values. Thus, the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity is proud to host this annual essay contest to support young writers and encourage critical thinking on ethics. Contest winners can earn up to $10,000 to help pay for their educational endeavors. If you are passionate about ethics and want to put your thoughts into words, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
    Deadline Jan 20, 2026
    Grade Level College Students
    Get Started
    TLF Undergraduate Scholarships 21

    TLF Undergraduate Scholarships

    Offered by The LAGRANT Foundation

    30 awards worth $2,500
    Deadline Feb 27, 2026
    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 2026. 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. 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 27, 2026
    Grade Level College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
    Get Started
    Chime Scholarship 22

    Chime Scholarship

    Offered by Chime Scholars Foundation

    Multiple awards worth up to $5,000
    Open Date Jan 1, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
    Not Open Yet Get Started

    Offered by Chime Scholars Foundation

    Pursuing higher education is one of the best ways individuals can achieve economic mobility and increase their earning potential. However, for nontraditional students, this pathway…Show More

    Pursuing higher education is one of the best ways individuals can achieve economic mobility and increase their earning potential. However, for nontraditional students, this pathway…Show More

    Pursuing higher education is one of the best ways individuals can achieve economic mobility and increase their earning potential. However, for nontraditional students, this pathway may seem difficult to pursue or nearly out of reach. The Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) understands this struggle, and thus, the Chime Scholarship was born! Inspired by CSF's founder's own experiences, the scholarship annually provides up to $5,000 per year in renewable scholarships to undergraduate students. To qualify, individuals must be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, have a minimum financial need of $2,500, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. By filling out a short renewal application annually, the scholarship may be renewed for up to six years of support for undergraduate programs, and up to three years for transfer, trade, and technical programs. The Chime Scholarship is one of the many need-based scholarships that can be found on Scholarships360. We encourage you to apply for this scholarship and explore others that you could qualify for as well!Show Less

    Multiple awards worth up to $5,000
    Open Date Jan 1, 2026
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
    Get Started
    Minecraft Scholarship 23

    Minecraft Scholarship

    Offered by Apex Hosting

    1 award worth $2,000
    Deadline Jul 31, 2026
    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, 2026
    Grade Level High School & College Students
    Get Started
    North American Van Lines Logistics Scholarship Competition 24

    North American Van Lines Logistics Scholarship Competition

    Offered by North American Van Lines

    3 awards worth $1,000
    Deadline Dec 15, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

    Offered by North American Van Lines

    Are you a college-bound high school senior or current college student planning to pursue a degree in Logistics or an equivalent field? If so, consider…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior or current college student planning to pursue a degree in Logistics or an equivalent field? If so, consider…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior or current college student planning to pursue a degree in Logistics or an equivalent field? If so, consider applying for the North American Van Lines Logistics Scholarship Competition! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to help three lucky logistics students progress on their educational journeys. The scholarship is offered by North American Van Lines, a U.S.-based, long-distance moving company that is dedicated to the growth and development of the cross-country moving industry. In order to apply for their scholarship, you must submit a 400 - 800 word essay detailing your passion for logistics, in addition to a few other required materials. If you love logistics and want some help paying for college, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    3 awards worth $1,000
    Deadline Dec 15, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
    Get Started
    AAAA Scholarship 25

    AAAA Scholarship

    Offered by AAAA Scholarship Foundation

    Multiple awards worth up to $12,000
    Deadline Dec 15, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by AAAA Scholarship Foundation

    The United States Army Aviation Branch is the organization that is responsible for the manning and configuration of all army aviation units. Hundreds of AAAA…Show More

    The United States Army Aviation Branch is the organization that is responsible for the manning and configuration of all army aviation units. Hundreds of AAAA…Show More

    The United States Army Aviation Branch is the organization that is responsible for the manning and configuration of all army aviation units. Hundreds of AAAA members worldwide donate their time and talents by volunteering as fundraisers and program participants. To provide tuition assistance to AAAA members and their families, the AAAA Scholarship Foundation is offering a scholarship worth up to $4,000. Applicants must be attending an accredited college or university and be a current member, relative, or descendant of a current/deceased member of the Army Aviation Association of America. The member's effective date must be on or before May 1 of the previous year in which the applicant is seeking aid, unless the member is deceased. If you think you’d be a good candidate for this scholarship, we encourage you to apply! Plus, don’t forget to check out other scholarships for veterans and their families if you’re interested in more military-related scholarships. Happy applying!Show Less

    Multiple awards worth up to $12,000
    Deadline Dec 15, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Get Started
    Buser Memorial Scholarship 26

    Buser Memorial Scholarship

    Offered by California Department of Transportation

    3 awards worth up to $1,500
    Deadline Dec 21, 2025
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by California Department of Transportation

    Ready to earn some cash for college? If you're preparing for a transportation-related career in land surveying and currently studying at a college or university…Show More

    Ready to earn some cash for college? If you're preparing for a transportation-related career in land surveying and currently studying at a college or university…Show More

    Ready to earn some cash for college? If you're preparing for a transportation-related career in land surveying and currently studying at a college or university in California, the Buser Memorial Scholarship is just for you! This $2,250 scholarship is awarded to two students annually who are currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a land surveying/geomatics engineering or closely related program at a California-based college or university. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or documented international students. If you're on the hunt for similar scholarships, there are plenty of other engineering scholarships and scholarships for California students available through Scholarships360. Apply today and turn your hard work into financial aid for your college degree!Show Less

    3 awards worth up to $1,500
    Deadline Dec 21, 2025
    Grade Level College Students
    Get Started
    Bright HEROS Higher Education and Professional Training Scholarship 27

    Bright HEROS Higher Education and Professional Training Scholarship

    Offered by H.E.R.O. for Children

    1 award worth up to $2,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

    Offered by H.E.R.O. for Children

    Founded by two young entrepreneurs, H.E.R.O. for Children is a Georgia-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.…Show More

    Founded by two young entrepreneurs, H.E.R.O. for Children is a Georgia-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.…Show More

    Founded by two young entrepreneurs, H.E.R.O. for Children is a Georgia-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization offers a variety of scholarships in support of this mission, including the Bright HEROS Higher Education and Professional Training Scholarship. To be eligible for this $2,000 scholarship, applicants must have HIV/AIDS or have an immediate family member (mother, father, brother or sister) who has been infected with or died from HIV. Applicants who live with an extended family member (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle or cousin) who has HIV/AIDS are also eligible. Applicants must also have participated in at least one HERO program and be enrolled (or have plans to enroll) in a postsecondary or vocational institution. Applications will be evaluated based on academic accomplishment, references, personal essay, and financial need. If you meet the criteria for this scholarship, we encourage you to apply! If you're seeking other scholarships that you could qualify for, there are countless other scholarships for high school seniors and scholarships for college students available through Scholarships360. Good luck with your scholarship search!Show Less

    1 award worth up to $2,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
    Get Started
    Kitchen Cabinet Kings Entrepreneur Scholarship 28

    Kitchen Cabinet Kings Entrepreneur Scholarship

    Offered by Kitchen Cabinet Kings

    1 award worth $2,500
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Kitchen Cabinet Kings

    Will you be a current or incoming university student in the upcoming Fall semester? If so, consider applying for the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Entrepreneur Scholarship!…Show More

    Will you be a current or incoming university student in the upcoming Fall semester? If so, consider applying for the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Entrepreneur Scholarship!…Show More

    Will you be a current or incoming university student in the upcoming Fall semester? If so, consider applying for the Kitchen Cabinet Kings Entrepreneur Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $2,500 to one applicant who best answers the given year’s business-related essay prompt in under 300 words. The scholarship is offered by Kitchen Cabinet Kings, a leading supplier of kitchen and bathroom cabinets nationwide. If you’re a current or incoming post-secondary student passionate about business and wanting to earn some money for college, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    1 award worth $2,500
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Get Started
    AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship 29

    AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship

    Offered by American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

    1 award worth up to $10,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

    Are you a young woman with dreams of pursuing a career in science or engineering? If so, the AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship could…Show More

    Are you a young woman with dreams of pursuing a career in science or engineering? If so, the AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship could…Show More

    Are you a young woman with dreams of pursuing a career in science or engineering? If so, the AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship could be your ticket to securing financial assistance for your future! This scholarship is named for Marillyn Hewson, former chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Lockheed Martin Corporation.  Every year, two young women are awarded $10,000 to support their college tuition bills. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and demonstrate an interest in the aerospace defense sector. To apply, interested students must submit a transcript, essay, letter of recommendation, and resume. If you sound like a fit for this scholarship, we encourage you to apply! Plus, don’t forget to check out the many other scholarships for women and scholarships for engineering students available through Scholarships360. Don’t miss your chance to turn your academic achievements into financial support!Show Less

    1 award worth up to $10,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started
    ORAFS Student Scholarship 30

    ORAFS Student Scholarship

    Offered by American Fisheries Society-Oregon Chapter

    4 awards worth up to $2,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by American Fisheries Society-Oregon Chapter

    Are you a member of the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (AFS)? Furthermore, are you planning to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree…Show More

    Are you a member of the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (AFS)? Furthermore, are you planning to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree…Show More

    Are you a member of the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (AFS)? Furthermore, are you planning to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree in fisheries science? If so, you should know that the American Fisheries Society-Oregon Chapter is offering the ORAFS Student Scholarship! This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to high school seniors, college students, and graduate students who are enrolled at a degree program in Oregon. Applicants must be a member of the American Fisheries Society and major in a field of study relevant to fisheries science. To apply, applicants must submit an essay, academic transcript, and letter of recommendation. If you’re on the hunt for similar scholarships, don’t forget to explore Scholarships360 for more Oregon scholarships. Good luck!Show Less

    4 awards worth up to $2,000
    Deadline Dec 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate 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:

    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: 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. 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.

    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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