Applying for scholarships can be overwhelming, especially if you’re required to submit multiple forms and write in-depth essays. However, there are scholarships out there that do not require you to write any essays. Some just ask for basic info, while others might let you submit a video instead.
Keep reading to learn more about the top no-essay scholarships for 2024 and how you can apply.
Key Points
• No-essay scholarships typically require minimal effort, often needing only basic personal information, making them quick and easy to apply for.
• These scholarships are available for various education levels and fields, offering opportunities for high school, college, and graduate students.
• Many no-essay scholarships have monthly or recurring deadlines, allowing students to apply throughout the year.
• Most no-essay scholarships have broad eligibility criteria, making them accessible to a wide range of applicants.
• In addition to no-essay scholarships, students can apply for traditional scholarships and grants. Other ways to pay for college include savings, federal student loans, and private student loans.
What Are No Essay Scholarships?
As the name suggests, no-essay scholarships do not require you to write an essay. You typically just need to fill out some basic information about yourself to enter. However, some no-essay scholarships might ask for a video, photo, or other creative entry instead.
Standard scholarships usually come with more hoops to jump through. For example, some may require you to have a specific GPA, provide letters of recommendation, and/or write an essay. No-essay scholarships can give you a break from all that while providing an alternative way to receive extra money for school.
It’s important to note that since this type of scholarship is usually more straightforward to apply for, no-essay scholarships often attract more applicants. Therefore, you may have more competition for the scholarship money.
Recommended: SoFi’s Scholarship Search Finder
How Can I Increase My Chances of Winning a No Essay Scholarship?
No-essay scholarships can be an easy way to get free money for school, but it’s important not to rely on them completely. Since they’re so simple to apply for, they attract a lot of applicants, which means more competition.
To improve your chances, try applying every time a no-essay scholarship opens up, whether it’s monthly or quarterly. Some even let you submit a video, which can help you stand out with a little extra effort and creativity.
It’s also smart to apply for a mix of scholarships and other financial aid options, not just no-essay ones. You can think of no-essay scholarships as a quick and easy break from the more time-consuming applications.
Recommended: How to Pay for College
Is There a Good Time to Apply for a No Essay Scholarship?
No-essay scholarship application deadlines vary — there’s no set “season” like there is for college and FAFSA deadlines. Each scholarship has its own timeline, so it’s important to keep an eye out throughout the year.
Whether or not a scholarship requires an essay, it’s a good idea to start applying as early as possible. For high school students, the summer between junior and senior year is a great time to begin. Remember, the more applications you send out, the better your chances of winning scholarship money.
If I Win a No Essay Scholarship, What Can the Funds Be Used For?
No-essay scholarships may have set rules for how you can spend your scholarship award, similar to how colleges and scholarship programs have specific application requirements.
Generally speaking, scholarship funds are meant for college expenses like tuition, fees, textbooks, and school supplies. However, some independent scholarships are more flexible and might let you use the money for things like housing, meal plans, or even technology.
Keep in mind that your scholarship might not cover expenses like transportation, groceries, off-campus dining, and clothing. And if you have any money left over, it’s a good idea not to spend it on unrelated expenses.
Sometimes, you may need to repay your award money if you use it on unrelated costs. Make sure to review the scholarship rules and guidelines before deciding how to use your scholarship money.
Types of No Essay Scholarships
There are usually two types of no-essay scholarships available for students: sweepstakes and video scholarships.
Sweepstake Scholarships
A scholarship sweepstakes is a type of no-essay scholarship where winners are chosen randomly, much like a lottery. As long as you meet the basic requirements and apply on time, you have a chance to win money to put toward your higher education costs.
Most of these scholarships don’t require extra materials, like transcripts or letters of recommendation, and many are awarded monthly or several times a year.
Keep in mind, though, that you often need to enter each month to stay eligible. So don’t just submit once and forget about it. Setting a reminder in your calendar can help you stay on track and improve your chances.
Recommended: Enter SoFi’s Monthly $2,500 Sweepstakes
Video Scholarships
Not all no-essay scholarships are entirely hassle-free. Instead of writing an essay, you might need to create and edit a five-minute video, which can take just as much time.
Choose the type of scholarship that plays to your strengths. If making videos is your thing, go for it. If writing is more your style, stick with that. Many scholarships offer flexibility in how you choose to express yourself.
Top No Essay Scholarships 2024
Here are a few top no-essay scholarships you can apply for in 2024.
“Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship
The “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship is a $25,000 award for students of any education level, field of study, state, or GPA. It’s an easy scholarship to apply for and the winner is the one who creates the “boldest” profile — one that is earnest, determined, and moving.
Project Yellow Light Hunter Garner Scholarship
The Project Yellow Light Hunter Garner Scholarship is an $8,000 award open to high school and college students who create a winning video that discourages distracted driving, especially phone use while driving. Project Yellow Light also offers a $2,000 scholarship for a radio competition and another $2,000 scholarship for a billboard competition.
Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards
The Elks National Foundation Legacy Awards is a $4,000 scholarship for high school seniors who are children or grandchildren of living Elks members or Lodge charter members (including stepchildren and legal wards).
Edvisors Scholarship
Edvisors Scholarship is a monthly, $1,000 scholarship open to students who are at least 17 years old and planning to attend or currently attending college in the U.S. Bookmark the page so you can come back each month and enter.
Niche No Essay Scholarship
The Niche No-Essay Scholarship allows high school and college students to apply for a chance to win $25,000 toward college expenses. Niche offers many additional scholarships you can look into, as well.
CampusReel Scholarship
To sign up for the CampusReel $2,000 no-essay scholarship, students must watch one student-led virtual tour, and then simply provide their name and email address.
SoFi Scholarship Giveaway
Enter SoFi’s monthly scholarship for a chance to win $2,500. This sweepstakes scholarship is for students over 17 enrolled or accepted in a college or university.
Sallie Mae College Scholarship
Sallie Mae also offers a $2,000 sweepstakes scholarship that’s awarded monthly and is open to high school juniors, seniors, and all college students.
Smart Owl No Essay Scholarship
The Smart Owl No-Essay Scholarship is a $1,000 award given out each month to four students. It is open to U.S. residents who are high school or college students aged 16 and older.
The “No Sweat” Scholarship
The Cirkled In “No Sweat” Scholarship is a $2,500 cash scholarship that’s open to students aged 13 and older. The application is quick and easy, taking just two steps to enter and complete your portfolio.
Who Can Apply for No Essay Scholarships?
Almost anyone in school can usually apply for no-essay scholarships. Whether you’re in high school, working on your undergrad, or even pursuing a graduate degree, there are options available for you.
For example, the Sallie Mae Scholarship is open to students at all levels. Plus, Sofi offers $2,500 no-essay scholarships to students every month.
Are Video Scholarships Easier to Apply for Than No Essay Scholarships?
With the rise of platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, creating videos might feel more natural than writing essays. However, they may require more effort in planning, filming, and editing compared to no-essay scholarships.
But keep in mind, some video submissions may require a script, so a little writing could still be a part of the process. Writing a script can be similar to writing an essay — it might take a few tries to get it just right. That said, it can be a fun and creative alternative.
Do I Have to Be in College to Apply for a No Essay Scholarship?
You don’t have to be in college to apply for no-essay scholarships. In fact, starting your search early can improve your chances of winning. Some scholarships are even open to middle school students, so it’s never too soon to begin. Ideally, you should start exploring your options as early as freshman year of high school.
If you’re already in college, don’t worry. There are still plenty of scholarships you can apply for as long as you haven’t graduated.
The Takeaway
If you’re running low on financial aid for the school year, applying for no-essay scholarships can help cover some of your college costs. Some are like sweepstakes and pop up every month, so the more you apply, the better your chances. Others might need a bit more effort, like a video entry. Even though the award amounts might be small, the applications can be quick and give you a break from writing essays.
In addition to no-essay scholarships, you can apply for regular scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans. A combination of these, in addition to cash savings, can be used to cover the cost of college.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Can current college students apply for no essay scholarships?
Yes, no-essay scholarships are usually open to all students, from high school students up to graduate students. Whether you’re an undergrad or working toward a graduate degree, there are plenty of no-essay scholarship opportunities available to you.
Can you get scholarships without essays?
Yes, you can get scholarships without writing essays. No-essay scholarships typically require you to share some basic personal information, and sometimes you might have the choice to submit a video instead of an essay.
Has anyone actually won a no essay scholarship?
Students win no-essay scholarships all the time. However, keep in mind that some require exceptional talent, while others act more like sweepstakes contests with fewer requirements but more competition.
Photo credit: iStock/yasindmrblk
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